Humans of Germany: Building Community in Berlin

Germany is made up of countless stories. Some are from people who grew up here, others from those who’ve arrived more recently. Together, they create a tapestry of voices, cultures, and experiences that show how the country is always evolving and how the idea of “home” keeps expanding.

Humans of Germany is a new series dedicated to capturing those stories. From bustling cities to quiet villages, from lifelong locals to recent arrivals, we highlight the people shaping life here in ways both big and small. Each story is a snapshot of what it means to live, work, and most of all, belong in Germany.

These aren’t polished press releases or carefully staged influencer posts. They’re real accounts of people building connections, chasing ideas, and navigating life in this diverse and ever-changing country.

In a city as big as Berlin, it’s easy to feel invisible. Any newbie to the city can tell you how hard it is to make connections in the capital.

It’s one of the reasons The Berlin Life hosts occasional community events, encourage people to build their professional network, and even write guides about how to make friends in Berlin.

There are even more amazing people taking the lead on this front.

Attend one of Julia Wähnert’s events, and that feeling of invisibility soon evaporates.  The founder of the Social Butterfly Club has a gift for turning strangers into friends, one conversation, one connection, and one shared Berlin experience at a time.

From Birkenwerder to Berlin

Julia was born in Berlin and grew up in Birkenwerder, a small suburb just outside the city. “I moved inside the city in 2007 for my university studies,” she says. “I’ve been living in Berlin-Reinickendorf since 2011.”

She’s chosen Berlin over smaller cities for a reason. “I don’t want a house with a garden; I prefer concerts and picnics in the park. Being around people, even anonymous strangers, feels more comforting than being alone somewhere in the woods.”

Why Berlin Still Feels Like Home

It’s not a single “this is the place” moment that keeps Julia here. Rather, it’s the little things, and sometimes, the comparisons.

“I’m usually most happy to live in Berlin when I am traveling to other places, which I don’t do very often. I really appreciate the rich cultural life that Berlin has to offer and this is something that I don’t see when traveling. I’ve been thinking that this is not because other cities don’t have it, but rather because I’m an insider here and know exactly where to go.”

Her family is also here, grounding her. “I would be interested to try out life in other cities, but I have my family here and that keeps me around … at least for now.”

The Birth of the Social Butterfly Club

Julia has been organizing meetups for newcomers for over three years, purely for fun. But earlier this year, she decided to make it official and turn it into her fulltime occupation. “I have recently founded my own company, the Social Butterfly Club. I am organizing meetups and building a community for people who are new to Berlin.”

She went on to say, “I organize meetups that help people who are new in Berlin make connections and experience the city together with others. I focus on a long-term experience that goes beyond single events.”

She’s noticed a gap in the market and she’s setting out to fill it. “I see a great demand on the one hand (a craving for connection), but a very dissatisfying market. Most events are focused on individuals and not on a shared group experience. The offers for new connections (as in dating apps or meetup) are very short-lived and centered on meeting new people again and again. Ultimately, I am trying something new to make this city a more social place in the long term.”

More than anything, Julia wants to “Help people feel more connected to others and to the city, as well as feel more comfortable and at home in Berlin.”

Check out her website, subscribe to her Substack, and follow her on Instagram. 

Advice for Those Who Want to Run a Similar Business

A surprising thing about what Julia does? “A big part of my work is reading the room, knowing when to connect people/when to step back, and how to make newcomers feel welcome without overwhelming them.”

She also advises: “Become good with names! Yes, you can learn that. It shows people that you care.”

Connect with Julia on LinkedIn.

The Impact of The Social Butterfly Club

Although the Social Butterfly Club is just getting started, Julia already sees the appetite.

“Since we’ve only just launched this new concept, our long-term stories are still to come, and that’s the exciting part. We already have our first members, showing that people are eager to try something new and lasting. With over three years of meetup experience and a meetup community of more than 4,000 members, we have a proven track record that this is far from a short-term hype.”

Julia’s Berlin Favourites

She swears by places with a vibe:

⭐ KikiSol – “Small, alternative, artsy with jam sessions, I just love the vibe.” (Reinickendorferstr. 96, 13347)

⭐ Jatz Bar – “Cozy and fancy, with the best sofas.” (Gottschedstr. 2, 13357)

⭐ Holzmarkt 25 – “I love the vibe and the water.” (Holzmarktstr. 25, 10243)

Her favourite thing to do? Roam and explore. “The city is constantly changing and there is always something new.”

One special memory: “It’s a funny thing but even though I grew up Berlin, I’d never been up the TV tower. I heard that from some other locals too. There was always a long line when I passed it, so that I always said ‘Let’s do it another day.’ So for my 35th birthday I treated myself and my family to a breakfast in the circulating restaurant. I really loved it and will surely go again!

Advice for Newcomers

Berlin is best known for its summers, but Julia urges people to embrace every season. “Adapt to the German proverb ‘There is no bad weather, only bad clothing’ and enjoy all seasons!”

Every corner of Germany is full of people doing incredible things and we want to share their stories. If you’d like to be featured in Humans of Germany, or know someone whose story deserves to be told, email hello@theberlinlife.com. Your story might just inspire someone else to feel at home here, too.