When I first decided to move to Germany, I heard so many things about what life as an immigrant would be like. Everyone seemed to have an opinion, some encouraging, others… well, not so much. Looking back now, I realize how many of those opinions were based on myths and misconceptions that don’t quite hold up once you’re living the experience.
So here I am, a few years in, sharing five migration myths I’ve experienced firsthand. Some made me laugh, others made me pause, but all of them taught me something.
Myth 1: Learning the Language is All You Need to Succeed
Before I moved to Germany, people said, “Just learn the language, and everything else will fall into place.” I wish it were that simple.
Yes, learning German is important; it opens doors and makes everyday life easier. But let me tell you, fluency doesn’t guarantee a smooth ride. I’ve met people with C1-level German (practically fluent) who still struggle to find decent jobs. Language helps, but it’s not the magic key people think it is.
What I’ve learned is that success here often depends on networks, opportunities, and sometimes sheer luck. Knowing German helps you knock on the door, but it doesn’t always mean someone will open it.
Myth 2: You’ll Feel at Home Once You’ve Integrated
The word integration gets thrown around a lot. It sounds straightforward… learn the language, follow the rules, adapt to the culture, and boom, you’re part of the society. But the reality? Integration isn’t a checklist; it’s a process.
You can do the classes, learn the unspoken social rules, and adapt to life here. And yet, there are moments when you’ll still feel like an outsider. It’s not always about what you’ve done or how well you’ve adapted; it’s about how you’re perceived.
Home isn’t just a place; it’s a feeling. And while I’m carving out a life here, that feeling of “home” comes in fleeting moments.
Myth 3: Migration is Always About Opportunity
People often assume migration is a purely economic decision, that we move for better jobs, education, or opportunities. While that’s true for many, it’s not the whole story.
For me, migration was about growth. It was about stepping out of my comfort zone, challenging myself, and exploring a new chapter of my life. Yes, the opportunities mattered, but so did the desire to experience something different, to learn, and to see the world from a new perspective.
Migration is deeply personal, and everyone’s reasons are different. It’s not always about chasing something better; it’s about discovering something new.
Myth 4: You’ll Leave Everything Behind
When I packed my bags for Germany, I thought I was leaving my old life behind. I said my goodbyes, packed my memories, and prepared for a fresh start. But here’s the thing: you never really leave everything behind.
Pieces of home follow you. They’re in the spices you carry in your suitcase, the WhatsApp calls with family, the music you play when you’re feeling homesick. And sometimes, they show up unexpectedly, like when someone asks you where you’re from, and you can’t help but smile as you tell them.
Myth 5: It Gets Easier Over Time
This one is tricky. In some ways, yes, it does get easier. You learn the language, figure out the systems, and find your rhythm. But in other ways, the challenges just change.
In the beginning, it’s about adjusting and finding your footing. Later, it’s about working through the deeper questions: Do I truly belong here? How do I balance my identity with my new life?
Even years later, there are moments of doubt. But there are also moments of joy when you realize how much you’ve grown, how far you’ve come, and how much you’ve learned. It’s not about the challenges disappearing; it’s about learning to carry them differently.
