Why Berlin Makes You Feel Lonely (And How to Find Belonging)

Why does Berlin — one of Europe’s most exciting cities — make so many people feel lonely?In this episode, I speak with Monika Jiang, a Berlin-based writer and community builder focused on modern loneliness. Together, we explore why so many expats and internationals living in Germany struggle with belonging — even when they’re surrounded by people.You can follow Monika`s project on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/monika.jiang

We talk about:

• Why big cities like Berlin can feel isolating
• The difference between being alone and feeling lonely
• The stigma around loneliness
• Growing up between cultures in Germany
• Finding belonging as the daughter of Chinese immigrants in Germany
• Why hyper-independence makes modern life harder
• Male loneliness and connection in Berlin
• Why loneliness isn’t a personal failure

If you’ve recently moved to Germany, are navigating expat life in Berlin, or have ever felt disconnected while living abroad, this conversation is for you.Berlin is known for its freedom, creativity, and international culture — but behind the vibrant nightlife and startup energy, many foreigners and Germans alike experience social isolation. We discuss why building real friendships in Germany can feel difficult, how cultural differences affect connection, and what it truly means to belong.

💰 * Start your tax declaration and claim your tax refund with WUNDERTAX. GET ADDITIONAL DISCOUN HERE 👉🏽 https://bit.ly/3SSgKel