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

EPISODE · Feb 16, 2026 · 1H 5M

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

from Berlin & Elsewhere

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.jiangWe talk about:Why big cities like Berlin can feel isolating The difference between being alone and feeling lonelyThe stigma around lonelinessGrowing up between cultures in GermanyFinding belonging as the daughter of Chinese immigrants in GermanyWhy hyper-independence makes modern life harderMale loneliness and connection in BerlinWhy loneliness isn’t a personal failureIf 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

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

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This episode is 1 hour and 5 minutes long.

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This episode was published on February 16, 2026.

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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...

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