Making Friends In Cologne: A Guide To Social Success

Making friends as an adult can be challenging, especially in a new city. If you're looking to make friends in Cologne, there are several ways to meet people and build connections. Cologne is a vibrant and multicultural city, and its residents are known for being friendly and welcoming. To make friends, you can join clubs, attend events and activities, or even try online platforms. Here are some specific suggestions: join a Carnaval club, attend events at EXILE Köln or Kölner Dom, participate in fitness classes, cooking groups, or language exchanges, or try online platforms like Facebook groups or Meetup. If you're a student, you can take advantage of university clubs, sports teams, and campus activities. So, if you're feeling lonely in Cologne, get out there and start exploring the city and its diverse social scene!

Join a club or sports team

Joining a club or sports team is a great way to make friends in Cologne. The city offers a wide range of clubs and sports teams that cater to different interests and activities. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you get started:

Types of Clubs and Sports Teams in Cologne

Cologne provides a diverse selection of clubs and sports teams that you can join:

• Social Clubs: Cologne has a variety of social clubs that bring people together based on shared interests. Examples include the Cologne Book Club, which meets monthly to discuss literature, and the Multikulti women's group of Cologne, which offers weekly meetings for women that include gym sessions, dancing, and social gatherings.
• Sports Clubs: There are numerous sports clubs in Germany, and Cologne is no exception. Popular sports include soccer, field hockey, gymnastics, track and field, boxing, tennis, handball, rugby, table tennis, basketball, curling, volleyball, and ice hockey. Joining a sports club is a great way to stay active and meet people with similar athletic interests.
• Student Clubs and Teams: As a prominent student city, Cologne offers various student-oriented clubs and sports teams. Universities and language schools often provide opportunities for students to connect, such as through sports teams, clubs, and volunteering for campus activities. The university's international office can be a great resource for connecting with other students and finding language tandem programs.
• LGBTQ+ Organizations: Cologne has a thriving LGBTQ+ community with organizations like QueerNet Cologne and Volksverein. These organizations provide opportunities for individuals to join committees and contribute to the community while also fostering friendships and social connections.

Benefits of Joining a Club or Sports Team

Joining a club or sports team in Cologne offers several advantages in terms of making friends and building a social network:

• Shared Interests: Clubs and sports teams bring together individuals who share common interests and passions. This provides an instant connection and a great foundation for building friendships.
• Regular Social Interaction: Regular meetings, practices, or events create frequent opportunities for social interaction. This consistent engagement facilitates the development of meaningful relationships and a sense of community.
• Community Integration: Clubs and sports teams, especially those integrated into the local community, can provide a pathway to social integration. They offer a chance to connect with locals, learn about the culture, and become a part of Cologne's social fabric.
• Personal Growth and Well-being: Participating in club activities or sports can contribute to personal growth and improved well-being. Engaging in physical activity, pursuing hobbies, and socializing can enhance your overall quality of life and provide a support system.

Tips for Joining a Club or Sports Team

To make the most of your experience and increase your chances of making friends:

• Identify Your Interests: Think about your hobbies and passions. Joining a club or sports team that aligns with your interests will increase your enjoyment and provide a natural icebreaker for connecting with others.
• Be Proactive: Don't be afraid to take the initiative and introduce yourself to others. Attend events, engage in conversations, and suggest social gatherings outside of club activities to get to know your fellow members better.
• Consistency is Key: Regular attendance at club meetings or practices will help you build relationships over time. Consistency demonstrates your commitment and provides more opportunities for social interaction, allowing friendships to flourish.
• Volunteer: Volunteering for club activities or taking on a leadership role within the club can be a great way to become more involved and establish deeper connections with other members.

By following these suggestions and tapping into the diverse club and sports team offerings in Cologne, you'll be well on your way to expanding your social network and making meaningful friendships in the city.

Attend events and activities

Cologne is a vibrant, multicultural city with a diverse range of events and activities to explore. By participating in these social offerings, you can easily meet new people and make friends. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Join clubs and groups: Germans are known for their love of clubs ("Vereine"). Find a club that aligns with your interests, whether it's a book club like the Cologne Book Club, a sports team such as a rugby or football club, or a hobby-based group like the Cologne Bike Polo group. Regular meetings and shared interests will create natural opportunities for connection.
• Explore the city's cultural offerings: Cologne has a rich cultural scene, including venues like EXILE Köln for music lovers and the Kölner Dom for breathtaking city views. Attending concerts, visiting museums and art galleries, and participating in cultural events can lead to wonderful friendships.
• Engage in social activities: The city's social scene revolves around bars, pubs, and cafes. Head to popular spots like Brüsseler Platz or try out jazz bars like Scheinbar and de.lite. Order a Kölsch, and don't be surprised if someone strikes up a conversation within minutes. You can also join social activities like salsa, bachata, or kizomba dance lessons, which provide a fun setting to meet new people.
• Volunteer: Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet like-minded individuals. Look for groups and organisations that align with your passions and values. For example, if you're a student, you can volunteer for campus activities or join clubs and sports teams. If you're part of the LGBTQ+ community, consider joining local organisations like QueerNet Cologne or Volksverein.
• Online meetups: With the power of technology, you can connect with potential friends even before you arrive in the city. Platforms like Facebook and Meetup offer various groups and events to join, making it easier to find people with shared interests.
• Language exchange events: If you're open to learning German or improving your language skills, language exchange events and tandem partnerships can be a great way to make friends. You can also join German classes, which provide a more social environment for learning and connecting with others.

By actively participating in these events and activities, you'll not only discover Cologne's vibrant culture but also increase your chances of making meaningful friendships.

Use online apps and websites

Making friends in a new city can be challenging, but online apps and websites can help you find friends with similar interests and values. Here are some suggestions for online platforms to help you expand your social circle in Cologne:

Social Media Groups

Facebook Groups such as "New in Cologne" can be a great way to connect with others who are also new to the city and looking to meet people. Facebook allows you to connect with others in your neighbourhood, city, or anywhere in the world. You can also use Instagram to build connections by interacting with people in posts and stories and having open conversations.

Meetup

Meetup is an online app that facilitates real-life connections by bringing together like-minded people in social settings like workshops, gatherings, and group activities. It is a great way to find people with similar interests, as you can search for events and groups based on specific categories. Meetup is also ideal for couples looking to make friends, as it provides a natural topic of conversation based on the hobby or activity.

Yubo

Yubo is a fantastic option for young people, especially teenagers, to make friends online. It offers an easy-to-use platform to explore, match, and chat with others. It also has a catfish-proof live video streaming feature to enhance your social experience and ensure safety.

Bumble BFF

Bumble BFF is the friendship version of the popular dating app Bumble. It is perfect for those moving to a new city and looking to build a social circle. The platform is similar to Tinder, with a swiping and matching mechanism, making it easy to find and connect with potential friends. Unlike the dating version, either party can make the first move.

VINA

VINA is a female-only social app that brings women together based on their lifestyle and passions. It is designed to empower and connect women, offering quizzes, advice, and articles about personal growth and independence.

WINK

WINK is another app similar to Tinder, where you can swipe left or right on profiles that match your interests, age range, and gender preferences. You can chat directly on the app or switch to Snapchat for a more private conversation.

ATLETO

ATLETO is an app that connects athletic people who want to #sporttogether and participate in group fitness activities. You can choose from over 40 sports and find a community of like-minded individuals to shoot hoops or be your gym buddy.

Peanut

Peanut is a networking app designed for moms to make friends online and support each other through motherhood. It offers chat rooms, group conversations, knowledge sharing, and community meetups to ensure that women can connect and find social support during this important life stage.

Friender

Friender is a swipe-based friend-finding app that matches you with others based on your favourite activities and interests. It makes it easy to start conversations and connect with people who share your hobbies.

Skout

Skout is a well-established player in the online dating industry, having started in 2007. It helps people meet friends and potential dates based on geographic proximity and preferences. One unique feature is the ability to discover people in your vicinity by checking into a location and seeing who else is there.

Couchsurfing

If you're a travel enthusiast, Couchsurfing is a great option. It is a hospitality exchange service that allows you to connect with people in over 200,000 cities who are willing to open their homes to travellers. It's a fantastic way to meet new people and experience local culture.

Boo

Boo is a pioneering psychology tech company that helps people find compatible friends and partners based on their personality type. It offers a deeper, more meaningful connection by matching individuals with similar personalities and enabling them to engage in conversations. Boo also caters to the LGBTQ+ community, creating a secure space for genuine connections.

These apps and websites provide excellent opportunities to meet new people and make friends in Cologne. Remember to be genuine, clear about your intentions, and proactive in initiating conversations and attending events to build lasting friendships.

Take a class

Taking a class is a great way to make friends in Cologne, especially if you're learning German. Interacting with others in the same boat as you can be an excellent way to make friends. The public Volkshochschule is a good option, as the people there seem to be more committed to living in Germany long-term, so they're more likely to be looking for long-term friendships. You're also more likely to be the only English speaker in the class, so you'll be forced to communicate in German.

If you're not interested in learning German, you can still take a class! Cologne has a wide variety of classes to choose from, including fitness classes, cooking groups, and language exchanges. You could also try salsa, bachata, or kizomba lessons, and then attend the weekly parties for those dance styles. Internationally-minded people attend these parties, and the music isn't too loud, so you can have a conversation and get to know people.

If you're a student, you can make friends by joining sport teams, clubs, and volunteering for campus activities. You can also seek guidance from your university's international office, which can connect you with other students and host welcoming events.

Visit bars and pubs

Visiting Bars and Pubs in Cologne to Make Friends

The social environment in Cologne is largely centred around its bars, pubs, and cafes. If you're looking to make friends in the city, visiting these establishments is a great way to start. Here are some tips to guide you on your journey:

Choose the Right Establishment

Not all bars and pubs are created equal when it comes to making friends. Look for places that are known for being friendly and welcoming to newcomers. You can ask locals or check online forums and review sites for recommendations. Some popular spots mentioned by locals include 'Scheinbar' at Brüsseler Straße, which is known for its jazz, funk, and soul music, and 'de.lite' at Moltkestrasse, which is a bit more laid-back and features live jazz music on Thursdays.

Order a Local Beer

When in Cologne, do as the locals do and order a Kölsch beer. Ordering the local brew is a signal to others that you're interested in immersing yourself in the culture and are open to conversation. As one local puts it, "Within 2 minutes somebody is gonna start talking to you."

Be Approachable

If you're visiting a bar or pub alone, stand at the bar rather than taking a table. This makes you more approachable and increases the likelihood of someone striking up a conversation with you. Remember, locals tend to be friendly, so don't be afraid to smile and make eye contact.

Visit Regularly

Friendships are built over time, and regulars at a bar tend to form a sort of community. By visiting the same establishment regularly, you'll become a familiar face and have more opportunities to interact with the same people. You might even consider choosing a bar that aligns with your interests, such as one that hosts trivia nights, live music, or sports events.

Be Proactive and Friendly

While locals are generally friendly, don't be afraid to take the initiative and start a conversation yourself. Ask someone for their opinion on the best beer or their thoughts on an upcoming local event. Be open and curious about others, and don't be afraid to invite someone to join you for a drink. Remember, the worst they can say is 'nein'.

Join a Club or Team

Many bars and pubs in Cologne have clubs or teams associated with them. This could be a sports team, a book club, a trivia team, or even a running club. Joining one of these groups is a great way to meet people with similar interests and create lasting friendships.

Remember, making friends in a new city can take time, so don't get discouraged. By regularly visiting bars and pubs and following these tips, you'll be well on your way to building a solid social circle in Cologne.

Frequently asked questions