The number of dating site users has been rising steadily for 15 years. 37% of Germans have already used such a portal. According to statistics, 14% have found a partner there with whom they are currently together. 21% have found someone they have already broken up with. And: 29 percent logged off again because they met someone offline. It seems that Germans are not yet really convinced by online dating. Almost half of all respondents in a recent survey still believe that the best way to meet someone is by chance.

Dating sites are only in fifth place. Despite the reluctance to use them, there are true love stories that have arisen from a contact on one of the many portals. Perhaps you are also looking? Then we have a lot of online dating tips for you here.

How do I present myself best online?

Nomen est Omen: If you register on a platform, you need to consider whether you want to reveal your first name right away. In any case, it's safer to choose a name that already gives you a taste of your personality, hobbies or preferences.

Please smile: Of course, the profile picture should be taken in a favorable way. It can also be embellished a little. But don't turn yourself into an artificial beauty queen. Naturalness counts - and a great smile.

Who am I? You don't have to open the door straight away. If you're insanely jealous, it's better not to write that. Otherwise, it's all about honesty. If you want to reveal as little as possible, write about your everyday preferences (coffee, flea market ...) Remember: first impressions count.

Less is sometimes more: You can of course write about yourself or special events in your life. But no novels, please! Nobody reads them to the end. Use emojis sparingly too.

Looking ahead: Be positive, in the picture as well as in the text. No matter how tragic your previous experiences in romantic relationships have been - they don't belong in the profile, but in a personal conversation.

This is important on the first date

• I have nothing to wear! Don't wait until just before the date to ask yourself the outfit question. Choose something that you feel comfortable in - and that isn't too sexy.
• Better safe than sorry Even if you think you know the other person - play it safe. Always socialize on the first date, for example in a café or restaurant. No dates at his or your home! Arrange a check-up call with your girlfriend. It's also a great excuse if you'd rather break off the date.
• Everything in motion. If you are sitting opposite each other with direct eye contact, pauses in conversation are more likely to be perceived as awkward. On a walk, the atmosphere is more relaxed and topics are left by the wayside.
• The bill, please. If the man in the café wants to pay - go ahead. Men don't want to show off so much as simply express their interest.
• Hand on heart! If the date was a flop, be honest and say so. Otherwise, you're just raising your hopes in vain.

Popular online dating apps

You probably already know them: Tinder, Loovo, Once

Try them out too:

Badoo: There are around 350 million members around the world. Free, you have to pay for extra features.
Jaumo : One-click registration makes it easy to get started. 20 million users. Free, but the VIP version is not.
Happn: The app lets you know when another Happn user is nearby. Free, you have to pay for extra features.
flirt: Great importance is attached to safety on the net. 750,000 users. Basic membership is free.
Fischkopf: Is for the northerners. It saves you having to travel too far. Free, you have to pay for extra features.
Bildkontakte: Won an award for best data protection in 2016. Making contact is free, nothing more.

Popular dating portals

You probably already know them: Parship, LoveScout 24, ElitePartner

Try them out too:

eDarling: After a personality test, you receive suggestions. Depending on the length of the subscription, 27.90 to 79.90 euros.
neu.de: There are 50 million personals in Europe. Free until you make contact.
finya : Many awards, such as best website in 2016. Free of charge, financed by advertising.
Dating Cafe: The dating site for anyone who is no longer 20. All functions free for one week.
partner.de: The "balance system" finds suitable partners. Premium membership from 9.90 euros.
zoosk: Mainly singles up to the age of 45 are represented here. Some free, subscription from 15.90 euros.

The advantages of online dating

• A stressful everyday life can put you off going out in the evening and meeting men. So get on the sofa and flirt online for all you're worth.
• Everyone has very specific criteria that a partner should fulfill. You can filter out potential candidates accordingly. And save yourself a lot of talking.
• Making contact is much easier, especially for shy and less self-confident people - and the target group is almost endless.

The disadvantages of online dating

• The person becomes a disposable commodity. In most cases, it's only the appearance that counts, the character doesn't seem to matter. Something doesn't fit.
• Dating portals give the impression that you have an infinite choice of potential partners. It's easy to become a permanent flirt: something better might come along.
• Because you can be online all the time and can be reached almost non-stop, online flirting can sometimes turn into real stress. It's better to meet a potential candidate as soon as possible.