Moving to another country is like landing on another planet. Everything around is unfamiliar, people speak an incomprehensible language, and the feeling that you are all alone in the world can overwhelm you. But there is good news: you are not alone. Today, there is a whole universe of Ukrainians in Germany who support each other. And this article is your navigator through this universe.
Where Are You, My People? Searching for Ukrainian Oases
The first thing to do in Germany is to find your people online. This is your lifeline.
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Telegram is our everything! Seriously, this is the main tool. Just type the name of your city (“Berlin”, “Munich”, “Cologne”) in Ukrainian or Russian into the Telegram search. You will find dozens of chats: a general city chat, a chat for moms, a job search chat, a “giveaway” chat. It’s a living hive where you can get an answer to any question in five minutes: from “where to buy a SIM card” to “recommend a good dentist”.
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Facebook is for thoughtful reflection. Facebook groups are like a library of useful advice. There is less immediate “flood” and more long, well-thought-out posts with instructions and personal experiences. Search for “Ukrainians in [city/state name]”.
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Offline is for the soul. When you want to hear your native language not only on your phone, look for event announcements. Concerts, fairs, joint football viewings, rallies – all of this is a powerful boost of energy and an opportunity to find true friends. Where to look for announcements? In the same Telegram channels.
Volunteering (Ehrenamt): The Best Antidepressant and Integration Course in One Bottle
Sitting and waiting for things to get better is a bad strategy. It is much more effective to start acting. Volunteering in Germany, or Ehrenamt, is not just free work. It is an incredibly respected activity and the shortest path to feeling strong and needed again.
It works like Swiss watches: you help, and it helps you.
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You help: translating for a newly arrived grandmother at the doctor’s, sorting humanitarian aid for shipment to Ukraine, playing with children at a refugee center.
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And at the same moment:
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Your German skyrockets. No language course can compare to live communication when you need to explain to an official at the Jobcenter what is required of a person.
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You build connections. Volunteer hubs are a concentration of the most active people. Today you load boxes together, and tomorrow someone from them will tell you where a good vacancy has opened up.
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The feeling of helplessness disappears. When you do something concrete, even something small – weaving a camouflage net or helping to fill out an application (Antrag) – you regain control of the situation.
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| If you… | …then you can |
|---|---|
| Speak German/English well | Accompany people to authorities, translate documents. |
| Are good at organizing | Help with logistics, coordinate collections. |
| Simply have a couple of free hours | Sort items, weave nets, prepare food for events. |
| Love children | Help in Ukrainian schools, organize children’s clubs. |
Where to Go, Where to Turn?
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Ukrainian hubs: The easiest way is to write in the main chat of your city: “I want to help. What is needed?”. You will immediately be added to volunteer chats where specific tasks are published.
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German organizations: If you want to immerse yourself deeper into the German environment, go to DRK (Red Cross), Caritas, Diakonie. They are always happy to help, especially from those who speak Ukrainian. Another great option is Tafel (food bank).
Three “Don’ts” Worth Remembering
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Don’t take on too much. Helping is a marathon. If you “burn out” in a month, no one will be better off. Your main task is your own adaptation.
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Don’t be afraid to say “no”. You have the right to rest and personal life.
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Don’t hesitate to ask for help yourself. The mutual aid network works both ways. Today you helped, tomorrow – they will help you.
Ultimately, “finding your people” in a new country is not just about finding company. It’s about finding support, assistance, and new meaning. And today, Ukrainians in Germany have proven that together we are an incredible force. Become a part of it.