Ever greeted someone in Germany and got that look — the one that says, “You just broke a rule you didn’t even know existed”? Yeah, same here.

In this episode of Hear My True Story, we’re diving into the world of German greetings — from the ultra-formal “Herr Doktor Schmidt” handshake to the laid-back “Moin” in Hamburg. Whether you’re heading to a job interview in Berlin, meeting your partner’s family in Bavaria, or just want to avoid embarrassing greeting faux pas, this episode is your crash course in doing it right.

We’ll explore why greetings matter so much in German culture, how to tell when it’s okay to “duzen” someone, what to do (and definitely not do) in business settings, and how regional quirks can totally change the vibe.

Plus: funny personal stories, cultural insights, and a reminder that even if you mess it up, you’re still learning — and that’s what counts.

What does it really mean to be an immigrant in Germany? In this deeply personal episode of Hear My True Story, I share my experiences navigating life as a migrant—from the painful realization that one immigrant’s crime can define an entire community to the humorous challenge of integrating through German bread.

I open up about the weight of expectations, the struggle of proving our place in society, and the double standards that shape how immigrants are perceived. But amidst these challenges, there are small victories—like finally mastering the overwhelming variety of German bread!

Join me as I explore the complexities of migration, the importance of respect, and the unexpected ways we measure integration. And don’t worry, the soup story will have to wait for another episode!

Tune in to hear my true story—one of resilience, adaptation, and, of course, bread.

In dieser Folge von Hear My True Story spreche ich über ein Thema, das mich persönlich betrifft – das Leben als Migrant in Deutschland. Während die politische Debatte über Migration oft von negativen Schlagzeilen dominiert wird, gibt es unzählige Geschichten von Menschen, die tagtäglich zur Gesellschaft beitragen. Doch warum hören wir so selten davon?

Ich teile meine Perspektive als jemand, der nicht wählen darf, aber dennoch ein Teil dieser Gesellschaft ist. Welche Rolle spielen Migranten in Deutschland wirklich? Wie prägen sie das Land? Und warum sollten wir uns von Angst und Vorurteilen lösen, um das ganze Bild zu sehen?

In dieser Folge von „Hear My True Story“ erzähle ich euch von meinem allerersten Besuch in Deutschland – einem Land voller Überraschungen! Von Menschen, die barfuß im Schnee laufen, über schräge Wellness-Trends mit Bienen bis hin zu einem erwachsenen Mann, der verzweifelt nach Muttermilch sucht – diese Episode steckt voller verrückter und lustiger Momente.

Schaltet ein, um zu erfahren, wie ich diese skurrilen Erfahrungen gemeistert habe, und lacht mit mir über die absurden Kulturschocks, die ich erlebt habe. Vergesst nicht, die Episode mit einem Freund zu teilen, der etwas Aufheiterung gebrauchen kann. Viel Spaß beim Zuhören!

Are you planning to move to Germany in 2025? In this episode of Hear My True Story, Otako shares why learning German is essential before making the big move. From education and housing to making friends and integrating into daily life, the German language is your key to success.

Discover practical tips on preparing for your journey, understanding the importance of language skills, and embracing mistakes as part of the learning process. Whether you’re planning to study, work, or live in Germany, this episode will help you start the year 2025 with confidence.

👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more inspiring stories and helpful tips!

In this episode, we explore Integrative Kindergartens, a unique daycare model in Germany where children with and without disabilities learn, play, and grow together in an inclusive environment.

We’ll cover:

• What makes Integrative Kindergartens special.

• A typical day and how activities are adapted for all abilities.

• The incredible benefits for children, families, and communities.

• Practical tips for finding and choosing an Integrative Kita.

If you’re a migrant family or simply looking for a daycare that values diversity and inclusivity, this episode is for you! Join us as we discuss how these kindergartens foster empathy, acceptance, and mutual learning among all children. Stay tuned for the next episode, where we’ll help you navigate choosing the best Kita for your family.

Are you raising bilingual kids or curious about multilingual daycare options in Germany? In this episode, we explore Bilingual and International Kindergartens, a great choice for migrant families or parents who want their child to grow up speaking multiple languages.

We’ll cover:

• How these kindergartens use immersive methods to teach languages naturally.

• The benefits of bilingual education, including cognitive growth and cultural awareness.

• Practical advice for choosing the right Kita for your family.

Whether you’re new to Germany or planning ahead for your little one, this episode is packed with insights to help you navigate bilingual and international childcare options. Stay tuned for our next episode on Integrative Kindergartens—where inclusivity helps every child thrive!

In this episode, we explore Forest Kindergartens (Waldkindergärten), one of Germany’s most unique daycare options. Imagine your child spending their day climbing trees, exploring nature, and learning through outdoor play—all year round, rain or shine!

We’ll cover:

• What a Forest Kindergarten is and how it works.

• A typical day full of outdoor adventures and hands-on learning.

• Why parents love this approach for building resilience, creativity, and a love for nature.

If you’re a migrant family settling in Germany and want a daycare option that connects your child to nature while promoting independence, this episode is for you! Plus, stay tuned for the next episode on Bilingual and International Kindergartens—perfect for multicultural families.