The Best English-Speaking Activities and things to do for Expats in Düsseldorf, Germany
Düsseldorf, with its vibrant mix of international companies and welcoming atmosphere, has become a popular destination for expats. But even in such a cosmopolitan city, finding opportunities to speak English and connect with fellow Anglophones can take a bit of effort. Fear not! This guide is your passport to a world of English-speaking activities in Düsseldorf, helping you build friendships, improve your language skills, and feel more at home in this dynamic German city.
1. English Speaking Stand Up Comedy Shows
For a good laugh, check out Comedy in Your Eye, Düsseldorf's Best Pro English-speaking stand-up comedy club. Held at the BrauArt, our monthly event features a star studded line-up of professional comedians from around the world. It's a fantastic opportunity to enjoy some top-notch comedy, practise your English, and mingle with fellow Anglophones.
Last year's shows all sold out months in advance so make sure you secure your tickets early!
2. English Speaking Expat Meet Up Groups
Being such an international city, Düsseldorf is a treasure trove for regular Expat MeetUp Groups. Here are some of our top picks!
Every Thursday from 19.00, slide down to the Social Melting Pot at the Brauerei "Kürzer - Flingern" for an incredibly popular event that brings together locals and expats from all corners of the globe. It's a fantastic opportunity to practise your English, meet new people, and immerse yourself in a vibrant mix of cultures. Every attendee is given flag stickers of each language they would like to practice so you instantly know who you can approach and converse with.
Start your weekend right, by heading to Monopoly Bar every Friday from 21.00, for a night full of english language socialising before heading out into the famous Düsseldorf Altstadt to welcome the weekend in with style. This Regular Friday Pub event has been going since 2014 and is unique as attendees are discouraged from asking the same old questions like "Where are you from?" and "What is your job?" Rumour has it that if you are caught doing this, you have to buy them a drink as a penalty!
There are also plenty of exciting activities organised by the amazing volunteers at the Düsseldorf Expat Meetup Group. Their most popular event is a monthly ex-pat meetup event at Fatty's Irish Pub every 3rd Thursday of the month, where I met the majority of my friends here in Düsseldorf! Full of really fun and interesting people, I would wholeheartedly recommend these outings if you're feeling lonely and looking to make some friends. In addition to the monthly meetup, they organise comedy nights, picnic meetups, bowling nights, St. Patrick's day events, Meet & Greets, Christmas Market crawls and much much more! Check out what they are up to by heading over to their instagram page.
Looking for an online meetup group? Then join the Expats Düsseldorf Whatsapp Group, which has over 785 members, as well as subgroups for people of different interests like sports groups, board game groups and even a singles group for people looking for love! The main group is a great place for organising hangouts, and answering any questions you may have over the trials and tribulations of living abroad in Germany. Join by clicking here on a device with Whatsapp installed.
International Clubs: Düsseldorf is home to several international clubs that host regular events in English. The American Women's Club of Düsseldorf and the British Business Club Düsseldorf offer a range of activities, from social gatherings and cultural outings to book clubs and language exchange programmes.
Volunteer Organisations: Volunteering is a rewarding way to give back to the community and meet like-minded individuals. So you're feeling the urge to give back to your new community here in Düsseldorf? Fantastic! There are loads of places where you can lend a hand. The International School of Düsseldorf and the International English Library are often looking for volunteers, and if you're an animal lover, the Tierheim Düsseldorf animal shelter would welcome your support. Don't forget about charity shops like OXFAM, Caritas, and Diakonie - they always appreciate an extra pair of hands. The best way to find the perfect volunteering opportunity is to contact organisations directly and ask about their current needs and application process. Happy helping!
If none of these have tickled your fancy, then check out Meetup.com for a treasure trove of groups catering to various interests, including language exchange. Search for "English conversation" or "language exchange" to find groups that meet regularly in pubs, cafes, or parks. These casual gatherings are a fantastic way to meet new people and practise your English in a relaxed setting. Or why not find yourself a Tandem partner? Düsseldorf boasts a thriving tandem language exchange scene. Websites like Tandem.net and HelloTalk connect you with German speakers eager to improve their English, offering a mutually beneficial language learning experience. Grab a coffee, explore the city together, and enjoy conversations that bridge cultures.
3. English Speaking Cultural and Social Activities
Theaters and Cinemas: Immerse yourself in the world of English-language theatre and film. The English Theatre Düsseldorf stages a variety of contemporary and classic plays, while independent cinemas like Bambi and Metropol, as well as the big mainstream
cinemas like UFA Palast and Cinestar often screen films in their original English version.
Museums and Galleries: Many museums and galleries offer English-language tours and audio guides, allowing you to delve into the city's rich history and art scene. The Kunstpalast and the NRW-Forum Düsseldorf are excellent places to start.
Enjoy live music in English at various venues across the city. Check out the events at Zakk, The Tube, or all the local show listins on Rausgegangen for gigs featuring international artists. If you're feeling spontaneous, just wander around the Altstadt and you'll surely find something!
Take part in a typical British Pub quiz with several taking place in the city. Try the Guinness Monday Night Pub Quiz at O'Reilly's Pub or McLaughlin's Sunday Evening Pub Quiz. Our pick of the bunch is the BrauArt Pub Quiz Night - English Edition, which is always fully sold out so make sure you put your names down in advance!
4. German Language Speaking Classes and English Language Speaking Workshops
Language Schools: If you're looking to improve your English or German proficiency, several language schools in Düsseldorf offer courses for all levels. The Volkshochschule Düsseldorf, The Goethe-Institute and Berlitz are popular choices.
Creative Workshops: Explore your creative side and connect with others through English-language workshops. Look for classes in writing, photography, painting, or cooking, which offer a stimulating environment for learning and socialising.
5. Sports and Recreation
Yoga and Fitness Studios: Many yoga and fitness studios offer classes in English, providing a healthy and social way to stay active. Our pick is the super friendly and welcoming Trias CrossFit gym, where you'll instantly feel part of the community and family in their English speaking classes.
Sports Clubs: Join a sports club to pursue your passion and meet new people. Düsseldorf offers a wide range of options, from football and basketball to rugby and cricket. Check out the Düsseldorf Dragons (American football), the Düsseldorf Panthers (baseball), and the Düsseldorf Rams (rugby).
Running and Cycling Groups: Explore the city's scenic parks and riverside paths with English-speaking running or cycling groups. Meetup.com and Facebook are great resources for finding groups that match your pace and interests.
Tips for Finding English-Speaking Activities:
Embrace online resources: Websites like Meetup.com, Eventbrite, and Facebook groups are invaluable tools for discovering events and connecting with other English speakers.
Ask around: Talk to colleagues, neighbours, and fellow expats about their favourite English-speaking activities and hangouts.
Be proactive: Don't be afraid to initiate conversations and introduce yourself to new people.
Explore different neighbourhoods: Düsseldorf has diverse neighbourhoods, each with its own unique character and offerings. Venture beyond the Altstadt to discover hidden gems and meet people from all walks of life.
Be open to new experiences: Step outside your comfort zone and try something new. You might discover a hidden passion or make unexpected connections.
Beyond the Activities: Creating Your Own English-Speaking Community
While participating in organised activities is a great starting point, don't underestimate the power of creating your own English-speaking community. Host a potluck dinner, organise a game night, or start a book club with fellow expats. These informal gatherings can foster deeper connections and provide a sense of belonging in your new home.
Embrace the Journey
Moving to a new country and navigating a different language can be challenging, but living in Düsseldorf offers a wealth of the best English speaking activities and things to do that make it easy for expats to connect and feel at home. By actively seeking out these opportunities, you'll not only improve your language skills but also create lasting friendships and embrace the vibrant international community. So, step out, explore, and discover all that this dynamic city has to offer!
We hope you have enjoyed our guide on the best English speaking activities and things to do for Expats in Düsseldorf and find it useful!