My First Year: Talking About Migration in Germany

Okay, so here I am. A year in Berlin, and let me tell you, it’s been… a lot. Not just the obvious things like learning to navigate the U-Bahn (which, by the way, is terrifying!) but the real learning has been about, well, everything else. Specifically, how to talk about being here, about where I come from, and how I’m trying to fit in. German is beautiful, complex, and sometimes brutally honest, and navigating those conversations has been a massive challenge.

The Initial Questions – “Woher Kommst Du?”

The first thing everyone asks is “Woher kommst du?” (Where do you come from?). It seems simple enough, right? But the first time I answered, “Ich komme aus Nigeria,” (I come from Nigeria), I got this very serious look. The woman, Frau Schmidt, who was sorting my mail, frowned and said, “Ach, Nigeria… ist das nicht ein bisschen gefährlich?” (Oh, Nigeria… isn’t that a little dangerous?).

It completely threw me. I wanted to explain that most of Nigeria is lovely, that I’m here to work, that I’m just trying to build a life. But I just stammered, “Nein, nein, alles in Ordnung!” (No, no, everything is okay!). I quickly learned that while curiosity is common, it can also be laced with assumptions. Now, I respond with something a little more careful: “Ich komme aus einem kleinen Dorf in Nigeria, im Südwesten.” (I come from a small village in Nigeria, in the southwest.) It gives a little more detail and feels a little less…vulnerable.

“Integration” – A Word That Feels Loaded

Then there’s the word “Integration.” It’s thrown around a lot, especially by officials. I overheard a conversation at the Jobcenter (job center) where someone was talking about ‘successful integration’ and needing to ‘adopt German values’. It made me feel a bit… uncomfortable. It felt like they were saying I needed to change to fit in.

I’ve been trying to understand what they mean. I’ve found that “Ich versuche, mich anzupassen” (I’m trying to adapt) is a reasonable response, but I also realize that adapting doesn’t mean losing my identity. My friend, David – a Syrian refugee – told me, “Es ist wichtig, die eigene Kultur zu bewahren” (It’s important to preserve your own culture). That really resonated with me.

Everyday Conversations & Useful Phrases

Here are some phrases that have been super helpful:

• “Ich bin neu hier.” (I am new here.) – Always useful to start with.
• “Ich lerne Deutsch.” (I am learning German.) – People seem to appreciate that you’re making an effort.
• “Könnten Sie das bitte langsamer sagen?” (Could you please say that slower?) – Seriously, this has saved me countless times!
• “Ich verstehe nicht.” (I don’t understand.) – Don’t be afraid to use it! It’s better to ask than to pretend you get it.
• “Entschuldigung, ich habe Sie missverstanden.” (Excuse me, I misunderstood you.) – A little humility goes a long way.

A Misunderstanding – The Sausage Question

Last week, I went to a Wurststand (sausage stand) and ordered a “Currywurst.” I said, “Ich hätte gerne eine Currywurst, bitte.” (I would like a Currywurst, please). The vendor, a gruff-looking man, replied, “Nur mit Ketchup?” (Only with ketchup?).

I was completely confused. Currywurst is always with ketchup! I explained, very politely, “Nein, mit Ketchup, bitte.” (No, with ketchup, please.). He just grunted and served me. I realized that regional variations are a thing, and Germans have strong opinions about their food. It’s something I’m still learning to navigate!

Finding Connections & Sharing Stories

Despite the awkward moments and misunderstandings, there have been incredible moments of connection. I’ve met people from all over the world – Poland, Romania, Italy, of course. Sharing stories, even about small things like the differences in traffic or the price of bread, feels like building bridges.

Last night, I was talking to a man from Lebanon about our families. He said, “Es ist schön, dass wir uns treffen.” (It’s nice that we meet). And you know what? It is. Learning the language is hard, but talking about who we are, where we come from, and what we hope for – that’s the real key to feeling at home, even when it’s a long way off. I’m still learning, still making mistakes, but I’m determined to keep talking, keep listening, and keep building my life here, one Currywurst at a time.