How long are you in Germany for and when did you stop feeling like a tourist?
I have lived here for over 10 years, got the German citizenship 2 years ago and have started a family so feel generally at home. But I still notice from time to time, especially when I speak with other expats that I say "home" when I refer to the country I was born in and there are those waves of homesickness and feeling "different" that come and go, triggered by things like dealing with bureaucracy, having an encounter with
I was also talking to a friend recently who has been in Germany for over 5 years, and has permanent residency now if they finally feel "local". Not German, but also not like a tourist and when was the first time they felt that way, if there was an event that triggered it.
Posted Sep 23, 2026, 8:30 AM UTC
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