German community in Shanghai
German community is among the biggest European communities in Shanghai, but also in China. The majority of Germans are students or professionals working in automotive, chemical or finance industries. Mainly employed by German companies, children generally go to German schools.
German Center in Pudong district is the meeting point of German community in Shanghai. Business events, world cups’ public viewings, German job fairs or other cultural activities are gathering many German nationals, but are also open to people of other nationalities.
German schools
Many German children in Shanghai attend classes at the German school that in addition to high quality educational portfolio also offers a big range of extra-scholar activities like yearly Christmas markets, charities bazars, calligraphy classes and others. If you are a family from Germany and wish to connect with other families, this is a place to visit.
According to our information, German school and German kindergarten (same campus) are sometimes offering part-time job opportunities for German nationals or people with a fluent German (minimum B2 level required).
Christmas markets
Wish to explore an authentic German Christmas market without leaving China? Shanghai offers various Christmas markets, the most famous are the German ones: Paulaner Brauhaus and lately Zeitgeist in Puxi, Paulaner Brauhaus in Pudong. To find more information about those or other markets, please check Smarthshanghai.com or Wechat account GermanEvents (information below).
Oktoberfest
Same dates as in Germany at various locations around the city, mainly same restaurants as for Christams markets. For more information please check Smartshanghai.com or GermanEvents (information below)
German restaurants
There is a big choice of German restaurants around Shanghai; however we will only advice those who are truly frequented by Germans. The most popular are
- Paulaner Brauhaus
- Brotzeit German Bier Bar and Restaurant
This place was often used for German Stammtish in the past.
- Zeitgeist
Relatively new place with a number of German/ Austrian events. The owner is German. An alternative to Paulaner Brauhaus.
German Events Wechat account
Here you could find a lot of updated information about festivals and German markets in Shanghai
German companies and German compounds
The majority of Germans living in Shanghai are working for German companies. We noticed that not only they do like working together; many also tend to rent apartments at the same compounds. Sometimes you could find up to 10+ German families/ individuals living at the same building. Many of them keep communicating with other Germans. So, if you are German/ Austrian national and wish to live the same area as your compatriots, the good way to proceed would be to ask your company (if it is the German one, they might already recommend you various options). If you are looking for a flat by yourself, then, just precise to the Chinese agencies that you wish to live with other Germans and they will find options for you.
Stammtish
There are two big Stammtish in Shanghai
The first one, called “German Night” is taking place every last Saturday of the month in various locations around the city.
Another one, called “Lass uns schnacken” is more regular: every Monday night in the central area of Shanghai.
Both Stammtish mainly welcome Chinese nationals who learn German. From our experience in 2014-2018, the monthly event had a bigger concentration of Germans; the more regular event had a bigger number of regular members. “Lass uns schnacken” also has a dynamic Wechat community.
German Bakeries
We could recommend “Brot:zeit” bakery, that produces authentic German breads and pastries. The owner, Youmei, studied bakery classes in Germany and is fluent in German. In the past “Brot:zeit” had two shops in Shanghai. Currently, according to our information, their shop is located in Pudong area. For more information, please contact Youmei directly on Wechat: bz20100403
Why bakeries could be a good place to pass by? Generally their owners speak German and know a big number of German/ Austrian clients living in your area. They sometimes authorize publishing small adverts, organize thematic events and could help you to connect with right people.
Goethe Institut Shanghai
The interest for German language is in constant progression in China. GI internationally known for the quality of its classes, disposes of 4 various locations around Shanghai, with the main office in the Former French Concession. The quality of the courses is very high and could easily compete with those done by Goethe Instituts in Germany. So, if you are willing to learn an additional language, while living in Shanghai, German could be a great option for you.
Same thing as with German school. If you are a German native looking for a part-time job, it could be a good idea to connect with GI. Many teachers are Germans who have been living in China for a long time, other teachers are Chinese who have studied in Germany. They are all very open and nice people, and would be certainly happy to give you advice/ share tips with you.
Thank you.
