Do you speak German well but still feel nervous, self-conscious or afraid of making mistakes?

In this episode, Anne speaks with language and communication coach Carolin Moghimi about accents, pronunciation and the pressure many internationals experience when communicating in German.

Carolin explains why perfectionism can keep even advanced speakers trapped in their heads, how intonation can influence the way others perceive us, and why making grammatical mistakes may matter far less than we think.

Together, they explore German pronunciation, communication culture, job interviews, directness and practical ways to speak with greater confidence. Most importantly, Carolin shares why your accent is not your enemy—it is part of your identity and a reflection of everything you have already achieved.

Whether you’re learning German, developing your career in Germany or struggling to express your full personality in another language, this conversation offers reassurance, practical guidance and a fresh perspective on what it means to communicate confidently.

Connect with Carolin:

🌐 https://carolin-moghimi.com/
💼 https://de.linkedin.com/in/carolin-moghimi-792174a3
✉️ carolin@carolin-moghimi.com

In this episode, we dive into a poignant conversation between Sanchi, Manar, and Veronika. Their stories intertwine through the themes of migration, friendship, and the strength found in community.

Manar Abbas, originally from Syria, shares his journey to Germany amidst the turmoil of civil war back home. The urgency of his departure is palpable as he recalls,

"In Syria there was no future... you just go in a car, you don't know if you come back or not."

Manar's story reflects an urgent search for safety and opportunity, leaving behind friends and family in a rush that felt almost secretive.

Upon arriving in Germany in 2015 at the young age of 18, Manar faced the daunting challenge of language and cultural barriers while coming out of his flight or fight situation. However, he found a guiding light in Prof. Dr .Veronika Albrecht-Birkner, who became a significant support figure as he navigated his new life. Manar affectionately refers to her as his "German mother," highlighting the deep bond they formed.

Veronika recounts her first encounter with Manar and his brother, recognizing the quiet strength in Manar. Their friendship blossomed into a familial bond as Veronika helped him with paperwork and integration into German society. Manar expresses gratitude for her assistance, stating,

"She put a lot of sweat into it... I'm always thankful for her."

Through their stories, we see a powerful example of how kindness can bridge cultural differences and create lasting relationships.

As they discuss the complexities of the immigration process, Veronika shares her firsthand experiences navigating the bureaucratic landscape for Manar's family reunion requests. The shared frustrations of long queues and bureaucratic delays resonate deeply, as both Veronika and Manar reflect on the common struggles faced by many in the international community.

"I found that really amazing... to give these people a voice was my goal," Veronika reflects on her efforts to advocate for better immigration processes.

The conversation is a testament to resilience and the power of human connection. As they share their stories, we are reminded of the importance of empathy and support in helping others find their footing in new environments.

To hear more about Manar's journey and the powerful friendship he shares with Veronica, tune into the full episode. Their experiences illustrate not just the challenges of migration, but also the incredible support that can arise through community and compassion.

“Bravery is not a feeling. Bravery comes from practice.”Welcome to another episode of Kaffee und Kuchen with Internationals in Germany! Today, Anne sits down with Anupa Paul, a self-employed voice coach, singer and aspiring choir conductor from Chennai, India, who moved to Esslingen to pursue her musical dreams.In this honest and uplifting conversation, we explore:✅ The decision to move to Germany on a one-way ticket✅ The difference between Zuhause and Heimat✅ Building belonging through music and community✅ Learning German through meaningful relationships✅ Why making friends abroad requires intention✅ Asking for help and creating a new support network✅ Practising courage by leaning into discomfort✅ Building a business abroad without losing sight of your lifeAnupa shares how joining a choir helped her find connection, improve her German and begin creating a sense of home. She also reflects on the vulnerability of living alone abroad, the resilience required to build a new life, and why bravery often means taking the next step while still feeling afraid.Whether you’re new to Germany, building a life between cultures, pursuing a dream abroad or simply wondering how to feel more at home where you are, this episode offers warmth, honesty and encouragement.👉 Connect with Anupa:📸 https://www.instagram.com/anupa_voiceandperformancecoach/✉️ Email: voicecoach.anupa@gmail.com📢 Subscribe for more international stories and reflections from life abroad.🎧 Tune in and feel the power of music, courage, connection and shared experience.

In this episode of Kaffee und Kuchen with Internationals, we sit down with Thusha, our first guest who is statistically a "German with migration background", to explore what it means to grow up between cultures.

From the first day of school and painful stereotypes to family expectations, boundaries, therapy, and eventually finding pride in her identity, Thusha shares a deeply honest and thoughtful journey through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood in Germany.

We also talk about what “integration” really means, how culture can be shared through food and education, and why being kind, curious, and open-minded matters more than ever in a diverse society.

This conversation is full of insight for anyone navigating identity, migration, family dynamics, or the feeling of belonging to more than one place. Thusha’s story is a powerful reminder that home can be found in people, not just in geography.

Listen for a heartfelt, honest, and inspiring conversation about culture, belonging, and the power of understanding each other.

In this episode of Kaffee und Kuchen with Internationals, we sit down with psychologist, author, and community-focused voice, Waithira, to explore what it really means to build a life between cultures.From her journey across Kenya, the UK, and Germany to her work with refugees and immigrants, Waithira shares deeply personal insights on identity, belonging, and resilience. We talk about raising third-culture children in multicultural households, navigating intercultural relationships, and holding on to your roots while adapting to a new society.A central part of our conversation also focuses on finding fulfilment and success at work—what it means to rebuild a career in a new country, face barriers such as unrecognized qualifications or workplace cultural differences, and still create a path that feels meaningful and aligned.Waithira is also the author of "Where My Name Sounds Different," published in both English and German. In this episode, she shares a powerful reading from her book, opening up an important conversation about creating and maintaining spaces where immigrants feel seen, heard, and understood—and why these spaces matter just as much for local communities.Together, we go beyond the surface of “integration” to unpack the emotional layers of migration: loneliness, pressure to fit in, confidence, and the ongoing search for belonging. We also reflect on what meaningful support for immigrants could look like, and why empathy, open dialogue, and community are essential for people not just to integrate, but to truly thrive.#immigration #refugees #internationals #lifeabroad #germany #kenya #lifeingermany

• The real numbers behind Germany’s 25 million migration background population, including the distinctions between first- and second-generation immigrants.
• How recent shifts in migration policies are shaping newcomers’ integration experiences, from language classes to labor market access.
• The migration patterns of Turkey, Poland, and other large-origin countries, and how history influences where immigrants settle today.
• Why the social and economic climate impacts whether skilled workers stay, leave, or feel welcome in Germany.
• What the upcoming political changes could mean for immigrants and policies focused on integration or restriction.

You’ll also get an insider’s look at how Germany’s migration policies evolved from the guest worker era to now focusing on skilled labor, and how current political trends threaten or bolster social cohesion. For anyone interested in the future of migration, integration, and multicultural societies, this episode offers essential insights into what lies ahead for Germany—and for global migration trends as a whole.Dr. Birgit Glorius is a renowned migration expert and professor at a leading German university, known for her pioneering research on migration biographies, integration policies, and social cohesion.Whether you’re a policy-maker, student, or curious about societal change, this episode provides a clear-eyed view of how immigration is reshaping Germany’s future — and what that can teach the rest of the world about managing diversity in an evolving global landscape.Perfect for anyone interested in migration, social policy, and European integration, this episode expands your understanding of the complex realities faced by migrants and the policies that shape their lives. Hit play to get ahead on one of the most pressing issues of our time.

"When you start from scratch, you can become anyone."Welcome to another episode of Kaffee und Kuchen with Internationals in Germany.In this episode, co-host Anne sits down with Mary, a mother of three originally from Russia, who shares her journey of rebuilding life across three countries before finally settling in Germany.What began as a departure from home became a profound lesson in resilience, identity, motherhood, and self-leadership. Together, Anne and Mary explore the realities of immigration beyond the practicalities: the emotional challenge of letting go of "temporary living," finding belonging, learning new languages, and creating a life from a blank canvas.In this honest and inspiring conversation, we explore:✅ Moving from Russia to Turkey, Hungary, and finally Germany✅ The emotional shift from "living abroad" to truly building a life somewhere✅ Raising children through multiple international moves✅ Language, identity, and feeling like a different person in different languages✅ German culture, rules, and adapting to a new way of life✅ Self-leadership, personal responsibility, and finding yourself again after motherhood✅ Why starting over can be one of life's greatest opportunitiesWhether you're newly arrived in Germany, navigating life between cultures, raising children abroad, or wondering who you are in this next chapter of life, this episode offers encouragement, perspective, and a reminder that rebuilding is possible.🎧 Tune in and join us for another honest conversation about life abroad.📢 Subscribe for more international stories, reflections, and conversations from life in Germany.

Connect with Mary:https://www.instagram.com/maryblinkova/

Explore the complex realities of migration in Germany with Lina Mansour, a project manager at the International Organization for Migration. Discover who the migrants are, why they come, and the challenges they face. From integration hurdles to political impacts, this episode uncovers the hidden stories behind the statistics. Perfect for anyone interested in Europe's migrant landscape and the future of Germany's diverse society. Follow Lina on Instagram ( https://www.instagram.com/debriefwithlina ) and TikTok ( https://www.tiktok.com/@debriefwithlina ) for more insights.| 0:01 | Intro — Mohamed's opening questions about immigration in Germany | 1:41 | Interview begins with Lina | 2:14 | How many immigrants are in Germany?| 3:24 | Who counts as having a migration background in German statistics? | 5:04 | Top foreign national groups| 6:12 | First vs. second generation: why Germany doesn't distinguish them | 7:23 | Different challenges across immigrant groups | 9:33 | Historical context: immigrants from the 70s–90s and integration || 10:37 | How long do immigrants stay?| 12:18 | Why 40% want to leave — politics, taxes, bureaucracy | 13:25 | Second generation and connection to their homeland | 15:01 | Organizations that publish migration data | 16:36 | Politics section begins | 17:42 | Bundestag seat breakdown — CDU, AfD, SPD, Greens | 20:02 | Immigration stances of the mainstream parties | 22:56 | AfD's anti-immigration position and remigration policy | 25:10 | Future political outlook — Germany moving rightward | 28:05 | Direct implications for immigrants if the far right gains control | 32:51 | The contradiction: skilled worker demand vs. anti-immigration rhetoric | 37:16 | Economic section — German economy post-COVID | 38:34 | Do Germans blame immigrants for the economic decline? | 40:49 | Closing exchange and wrap-up