“In my first days in Germany, sometimes when I was out with my friends and we had food together in a restaurant, I would pay for everyone until I realized that it is customary here to only pay for yourself,” says Nemat Soltani, 30, who came to Germany from the city of Herat in Afghanistan fourteen years ago. As his asylum case proceeded, Nemat faced various challenges and was even asked to leave Germany. “I persisted by obtaining an education and actively engaging in society.” By that time, it was also difficult for him to visit his family who had migrated to Iran. Nevertheless, “I was impressed by the freedom and humanity I experienced in Germany,” he says. 

Because he was asked to leave Germany on short notice, Nemat decided to look for an apprenticeship as a way to stay, “because I wanted to be more secure about my ability to remain in Germany.” Since he had a passion for food, “both making it and eating it,” as he says and laughs, Nemat decided to pursue this passion by becoming an apprentice in German and French cuisine for three years. Not only did he quickly learn to love the job, but, he says, “it also gave me the opportunity to bring my own culture to other people in Germany.” Having started with the basics, Nemat is now the Deputy Kitchen Manager in the town hall of the city of Freiburg and has earned appreciation for his hard work from the entire staff. Nemat has other goals and dreams, and he sees himself developing his career further. “I want to become my own boss one day,” he says. Recently, Nemat completed a trainer’s license so that he could train others, and he was elected to the general staff council of his city.

For Nemat, Germany is like a second home. “I’ve already made many friends, including Afghans, Germans and other nationalities in my city, mainly among my neighbors, in the sports club, and at work.” He says that doing anything in Germany takes time. “Everything takes a long time and is very complicated, especially for people who don’t yet have a good command of the language. These complicated and time-consuming processes have an impact on development in the country.” Nemat learned German and strengthened his language skills in the workplace by interacting with his German-speaking colleagues.

When remembering his place of origin in Afghanistan, Nemat misses Eid the most. “Eid holds particular memories for me. I remember receiving Eidi (presents) when I was a child. Visiting our relatives and neighbors after the prayers and going from one house to another in the village were such precious moments which unfortunately we cannot celebrate in the same way here in Germany. Everyone is busy working; however, we always try to celebrate Eid and other holidays and festivals.” For his fellow Afghans, Nemat suggests: “Be open to the German people, accept the differences between our cultures but also focus on our similarities.” He remembers with some nostalgia the closeness with his neighbors and family members in his place of origin.

When Nemat finds himself in a difficult situation, “I try to stay calm and concentrate on the positive aspects of the situation.”