Culture Shock in Frankfurt: Why the First Year Abroad Feels So Hard
Jacqueline Klemke · 6 min read
Moving to Frankfurt often starts with excitement: a new job, a new city, a fresh start. Then, a few weeks or months in, many expats notice something else – tiredness, irritation, homesickness, a sense of not quite belonging. This is culture shock, and it is a normal response to a big change, not a sign that you made the wrong decision.
What culture shock really is
Culture shock is the strain of living without the familiar cues you grew up with: how people greet each other, how direct they are, how appointments, paperwork and friendships work. Every small difference costs a little energy, and together they add up.
Many people describe a rough rhythm: an early honeymoon phase, a phase of frustration, gradual adjustment and, eventually, a sense of being at home in two cultures. The phases are not fixed and often loop back – especially around holidays, visits home or a new life event.
Why it can affect the whole family
From a systemic point of view, a move abroad never happens to one person alone. The partner who moved for the job may have a ready-made structure at work, while the accompanying partner starts from zero. Children adapt at their own pace. Tension in one person often shows up in the whole household.
Talking openly about who is carrying what – and who is missing what – can prevent quiet resentment from growing.
Small steps that help
Create a few anchors: a regular café, a sports club, a weekly call with someone back home. Learn a handful of everyday German phrases, even if work is in English. Allow yourself to dislike some things about Germany while appreciating others.
And notice when the strain doesn't ease: persistent low mood, sleeping problems or withdrawing from people are signals to look for support.
Are you facing a transition right now?
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