My First Month in Munich: Talking About Moving Here

Okay, so let me start by saying – I’m completely overwhelmed. Seriously. I moved to Munich from London just a month ago, following my partner’s job, and while it’s beautiful, it’s also…a lot. Learning German has been my absolute priority, not just for getting around, but for really connecting, you know? And surprisingly, a lot of my learning has revolved around talking about moving, migration, and what it’s like to be someone new here.

The Initial “Warum?”

The first few weeks were just… questions. People were incredibly kind, but they kept asking “Warum?” – why? – a lot. “Warum sind Sie hier?” (Why are you here?), “Warum sind Sie nach Deutschland gekommen?” (Why did you come to Germany?). Honestly, at first, I just panicked and mumbled something about work and a better life. It was terrifying. I realised quickly that the simple “Ich bin neu hier” (I am new here) wasn’t enough.

I heard a young couple at the supermarket saying, “Wir sind Flüchtlinge, aber nicht aus dem Ausland!” (We are refugees, but not from abroad!). It made me think – the word ‘Flüchtling’ (refugee) is used a lot, even when people just moved for a job, which felt a little confusing. It highlighted how deeply ingrained discussions about migration and displacement are in German society.

“So, what do you do?” – And the Follow-Up

After the ‘Warum?’s, came the inevitable “Was machen Sie?” (What do you do?). This one was tricky. Saying “Ich war ein…” (I was a…) followed by my job title in English just felt…lost. People didn’t understand ‘Marketing Manager’ or ‘Accountant.’ I quickly learned to adapt.

I started saying, “Ich war im Finanzbereich in London” (I was in the finance sector in London). Then, I’d explain what I did in simpler terms. Someone asked me once, “Was ist ‘Return on Investment’?” (What is ‘Return on Investment’?). I had to explain it in plain German – “Es ist, wenn man Geld investiert und dann mehr Geld zurückbekommt” (It’s when you invest money and then get more money back).

Misunderstandings and Helpful Corrections

There’s been a lot of misunderstanding. I accidentally asked a barista for “ein Wasser ohne Gluten” (a water without gluten) – completely mishearing her! And a shopkeeper was incredibly patient when I asked for “ein Stück Kuchen” (a piece of cake) and he corrected me, explaining that you say “ein Stück Brot” (a piece of bread) for bread.

The most awkward moment was when I was trying to explain to my landlord that my partner had a “Jobangebot” (job offer). I said, “Es ist ein sehr gutes Jobangebot!” (It’s a very good job offer!). He just nodded and said, “Ja, das ist gut.” (Yes, that’s good.) – a perfectly polite response, but it didn’t really convey the excitement I was feeling!

“Wie geht’s Ihnen?” and the Weight of the Question

Everyone asks “Wie geht’s Ihnen?” (How are you?). It’s a standard greeting, but I’ve realised it carries a heavier weight here than in the UK. People genuinely want to know how you’re really doing, especially if you’re new. I’ve learned to respond with “Mir geht es gut, danke. Und Ihnen?” (I’m doing well, thank you. And you?). It feels a little more complete.

I’ve also started learning some phrases to respond when someone asks about my reasons for moving – things like “Ich suche eine neue Herausforderung” (I’m looking for a new challenge) or “Ich wollte einen anderen Lebensstil” (I wanted a different lifestyle).

Small Victories and Building Confidence

Despite the initial anxiety and the constant ‘Warum?’s, I’m starting to feel more comfortable. Last week, I went to a local market and asked the vendor, “Wie viel kostet das?” (How much does that cost?). He smiled and said, “Fünf Euro” (Five Euros) – and I understood!

Learning German around the topic of migration and mobility isn’t just about learning words. It’s about understanding a country’s history, its anxieties, and its hopes. It’s about feeling like I’m slowly, awkwardly, but surely, becoming part of this community. And honestly? It’s incredibly rewarding. Next up: learning how to properly order a “Lachse mit Kartoffeln” (salmon with potatoes)!

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