Hinge

Best for: Relationships  

Marketed as “designed to be deleted,” Hinge is for those with more serious intentions. In Hinge-speak, that means “looking for long-term commitment”. Indeed, you’ll have to jump through some hoops to get your dream date, answering prompts and updating your profile, but who knows, it might just be worth it.

Bumble

Best for: A casual thing

Bumble fits perfectly Berlin’s female-empowerment vibe, where women make the first move, leaving men to sit back and patiently wait to be selected. Jokes aside, the app is great for finding a fling, as well as making friends, something that’s often a challenge in cold and distant Berlin. Even business connections are on the cards, so why not give this social app a try.

Feeld 

Best for: In the dark room

For the adventurous daters, Feeld is the space for polyamory, non-monogamy, and kinky experiences — nothing Berlin hasn’t seen before. So, open your mind and find the pleasures you’ve been seeking.

OkCupid

Best for: A serious thing

Don’t let OkCupid’s reputation fool you — it's still going strong and for good reason. Its in-depth questionnaires ensure you're truly compatible with your date before you even share a Club Mate.

Lovoo

Best for: Spontaneous dates

Lovoo is perfect for those looking for a spur-of-the-moment date, quality checked by a quick live video call beforehand. Lovoo is particularly popular in Germany and ideal for spontaneous meetups and casual connections. 

Badoo

Best for: Casual dates

Badoo’s messaging is loud and clear:: swipe, match, meet, and have fun. Its users have similar intentions: easy-going meet-ups and hook-ups, so expect quick chats and fast connections.

Taimi

Best for: The entire LGBTQIA+ spectrum

Taimi positions itself as “an LGBTQIA+ dating app free from hetero limits”, creating a safe, inclusive space for the queer community to express their identity and connect. It’s a world of dating in one app, with an emphasis on safety.

Lex

Best for: Queer communities

Another one for the queer folks, Lex is perfect for anyone seeking meaningful connections, friendships, or community events. It’s a text-based app, with everything from flirty invites to calls for political activism.

Grindr

Best for: Queer men and non-binary individuals

A staple in the queer dating scene, Grindr is still a preferred dating app in Berlin, connecting men and non-binary individuals for everything from casual meet-ups to long-term connections.

Her

Best for: Queer women and non-binary individuals

Like Grindr for gay men, Her is the go-to for queer women and non-binary folks. It's not just a dating app but also a social network for local events and community meet-ups in Berlin.

Unexpected ways to find a date in Berlin

If dating apps aren’t your thing, Berlin offers plenty of opportunities to meet people in more subtle ways. Plus, you might gain a fun experience, a new hobby, or cool friends along the way.

• Meetup groups: Platforms like Meetup host countless events for everything from fitness and arts to socializing. This is a great way to meet like-minded people organically, and who knows, you might find the one to be making pottery together with.
• Facebook groups: Groups like “Berlin Expats,” “Berlin Social Club,” or “Berlin Singles” host regular events and casual meet-ups, allowing you to meet people without raising your expectations high.
• Eventbrite and Facebook events: From art exhibitions to cooking classes and yoga fests, checking out the local events on Facebook or Eventbrite is a great way to get out of your comfort zone and connect in real life.

If none of these suit you, there is always the good old-fashioned way of finding love. Dress up, go out with your friends, and keep an eye for that smile while sipping a drink at a casual bar or dancing at Sisyphos.

Dating Etiquette in Berlin: The Do’s and the Don’ts

There are a few ground rules you will want to follow to get you through a date in Berlin and be sure it’s a success.

Do:

• Keep it real: Authenticity is key in Berlin, so make sure your true identity shines through, without holding back. Be honest about what you want, whether it’s just a summer fling or someone to split your Flea Market finds with.
• Split the bill: Forget the old-fashioned way, splitting the bill is a standard in Berlin. Remember feminism?
• Respect consent: Berlin’s all about freedom, but that comes with mutual respect. Always communicate and check in — consent is key, inside and outside the KitKat Club.

Don’t:

• Don’t go MIA: Ghosting? So 2015. Berliners prefer straight talk. A simple "Hey, you're great but not for me" goes a long way.
• Don’t be a try-hard: Forget the designer labels — vintage finds, local, and sustainable win here. Everyone can tell if you’re trying too hard.
• Don’t push for labels: Berliners move at their own pace. Everyone has their idea of the kind of relationship dynamic they’re seeking, so chill and let things unfold naturally.

In Berlin, love is unpredictable, but that’s what makes it even more exciting. So grab a drink, put yourself out there, and remember — “Getränke, bitte” might just be the start of something special!

Wondering where to take your online chat into real life? These are the most romantic restaurants in Berlin.