thanks!

There is a distinction in German(y) between Freund and Bekannter (aquaintance). In different parts of the US it is quite easy to meet people and call them friends immediately. Not so in D. Germans can be quite social (gemütlich), but less quickly. However if you make friends they more easily can be friends for life, that’s my take. Hang out, make a language effort, be gemütlich, friends will come.