Living in Cologne, Germany – Interview With an Expat

What is it like to move to and live in Cologne?

Cologne is one of those beautiful, historic cities attracting tourists from all over the world. But what is it like to live here?

In this Ask an Expat series I interview people living all over the world but outside of their home country. I try to help paint an honest picture of the pros and cons of life abroad, share tips for other (future) expats, and information about the city, town or country the expat now calls home.

Life in Cologne (Köln), Germany

Location: Cologne, Germany
Name: James Johnson
Age: 25
Home town: Salford, England

His Story:

“In 2016 I was suffering from depression. So, as one of my ways of finding light at the end of the tunnel, I decided to hike the Camino de Santiago across Spain to break the pattern and explore new opportunities.

On the first day of the hike I met my new (German) girlfriend and we walked the whole Camino together.

It was a really transformative experience, and afterwards we kept seeing each other and flying between England and Germany.

At the end of the year the chance came up to move to Cologne and live with my girlfriend and I jumped at the opportunity.

After looking at my finances it was cheaper to live in Cologne and fly back to England every few weeks than it was to do the same in the opposite direction.

Since then I’ve managed to learn German fluently, start playing rugby here, and have gotten used to the way of life in Germany.

I won’t say it’s been easy – sometimes making friends in Germany can be awkward and hard, for example – but it’s definitely been worth it.

Living in a new country and having a new start gives you a new perspective on life and I wouldn’t change a moment of it.”

Also Read: 6 Reasons Why Moving Abroad is Such a Valuable Experience

Why Did You Move to Cologne?

“Originally I wanted my girlfriend to move to Manchester, and she wanted me to move to Cologne.

So, we compromised…and now I live in Cologne.”

Also Read: What You Should Know Before Moving to Germany

What Do You Like About Living in Cologne?

“I’ve lived all over the world and Cologne is easily my favorite place to live.

It has this vibe of a city that has constantly had to struggle to survive. It’s always rebuilding and reinventing itself.

They embrace art, culture, and expression without any of the arrogance that would normally come with it. All while striking a perfect balance with industry and opportunity.

It’s not what I’d consider to be the most beautiful city on the surface. Instead, the beauty is found in the small corners, the old buildings, and the back streets you never knew existed.

The people here are much friendlier than I’ve experienced in other cities in Germany and being social makes up a large part of the culture here.

It definitely feels like home.”

What Do You Dislike About Living in Cologne?

“As a city itself, I struggle to find points that I don’t like about it. Instead, the things I don’t like come from German culture itself.

Firstly, shops being closed on Sundays gets on my nerves. It’d be nice to be able to nip out and buy milk on a Sunday.

Secondly, getting people to speak to you in German can often be hard. When people hear an English accent they automatically think, “Free English lesson!” and decide to speak to you in English regardless. It can be frustrating at times.”

Is Cologne Safe as a City to Live in?

”Yes, Cologne is generally a safe and welcoming city to live in.

Like any major city, it has its share of petty crime, especially in busy tourist areas and around train stations, but violent crime is rare.

Public transport is safe to use, even at night, and the city is well-lit and busy in the evenings, especially in areas like the Belgian Quarter and around the Rhine. Of course, basic precautions apply—keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded areas and avoiding overly quiet streets late at night.

One thing to be aware of is the lively nightlife, especially during events like the Cologne Carnival, when the city gets wild. While most of it is good fun, excessive drinking can sometimes lead to rowdy behavior. That said, the overall atmosphere remains more festive than threatening.

If you’re moving to Cologne, you’ll likely find it to be a comfortable, safe place to live, with a strong sense of community and a great quality of life.”

What Is Your Favorite Thing to Do in Cologne?

“Cologne is a super green city. There’s a lot of wide open space where people can walk, ride their bikes and just get a small dose of nature in a big city.

So one of my favorite activities is to go to the local Stadtwald (park) or Volksgarten (public garden) and go for a wander, checking out nature and having a beer in one of the beer gardens.

I’ve been a city boy my whole life, and I love the feeling of being able to get back to nature while being nestled in a big city.”

What Is Your Favorite Place to Hang Out in Cologne?

“Argh, this is a tough one!

For food I love Bei Oma Kleinmann. It’s a small restaurant that looks like it’s in an old disused building from the outside. But on the inside, it’s a cozy restaurant with a traditional feel.

They only serve one type of food – Schnitzel. But it comes in any variation you can think of and it’s almost as big as your head. Plus you get a traditional Kolsch beer to wash it down with.”

What Is the Expat / International Community Like in Cologne?

“Cologne is quite international, so the expat community is quite active.

People are always coming together to try different activities, join clubs, and speak different languages.

Plus with forums like ToyTown Germany, InterNations and Expats In Germany, you’re never more than a few typed words away from a new expat friend or activity.”

Any Tips for Moving to / Living in Cologne?

“If you’re coming from outside of the EU, do your research. Make sure you’re aware of all of your visa, working, and healthcare options before you make any big decisions.

Germany is a country notorious for red tape, so be sure to get as much done while you’re still at home.

Finding a property can be pretty simple because there is a rent-heavy culture here. Meaning people are coming, going and changing arrangements quite frequently. You can rent for the long term, or pick up a place for a few months and then move on.

My best advice is to learn as much German as possible and make this a priority. Many of the problems most expats have living in Cologne melt away when they can see there isn’t a language barrier, or that you’re making the effort to ingrain yourself in the culture.

For example, it’s more attractive for a landlord to rent to someone who speaks German than it is when they need to speak English. The translation of documents and getting messages across is often extra work they don’t need!

Also integrating into German culture – to the point of having good friends – takes time. It’s one of the harder points of German culture as people are often slow to trust. But put yourself out there, turn up for events and you’ll eventually find yourself being accepted and initiated into social circles.

But brace yourself for a socially awkward few months!

My closing point would be to never compare your life here to your life back in your home country. You’ll never have the same friends or the same experiences. Instead, you’re here to meet new people and have new experiences, and they’ll be all that more enjoyable when you accept them for what they are.”

Also Read: Things to Consider Before You Move to Another Country

Any Resources You Found Useful During the Process of Moving to and Building a New Life in Cologne?

“Moving from the UK to Germany, I found myself really struggling for helpful resources.

There was one good article on the government website that helped me. But the rest of it came from speaking to people once I got here.

The Facebook group I mentioned before, Expats In Germany, is a good place to ask questions you may have about moving to Germany, or even more specifically about moving to and living in Cologne.”

Is There Something You Just Have to See or Do When You Are in Cologne?

“There are two things that everyone needs to do when they come to Cologne. Firstly you need to go to the Cologne Cathedral and take in just how magnificent this building is.

Then you need to walk around the corner and go to the Früh brewery! It’s one of the oldest breweries in Cologne and you’ll get a fresh beer that has been poured directly from a wooden keg and tastes like no other.”

About Cologne (Köln)

Cologne (Köln in German) is a 2,000-year-old city on the river Rhine in western Germany.

In medieval times Cologne was the largest city of the Holy Roman Empire. These days it is one of Germany’s media, tourism, and business hotspots.

Cologne is the region’s cultural hub and it is known to be one of the most liberal cities in Germany.

The twin-spired Cologne Cathedral, a landmark of High Gothic architecture set amid the reconstructed old town, is also known for its gilded medieval reliquary and sweeping river views.

The adjacent Museum Ludwig showcases 20th-century art, including many masterpieces by Picasso, and the Romano-Germanic Museum houses Roman antiquities.

With a rich history and seemingly endless attractions Cologne is a city that has a lot to offer!

Also Read:

• Things to Know Before Moving to Germany
• Interview With an Expat About Moving to and Living in Berlin
• What Living in Hamburg is Like – Interview With an Expat
• Interview About What It’s Like to Live in Munich
• Things to Do in Trier – Germany’s Oldest City

 
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