Generation Z is changing the rules of the game - even when it comes to arranging relationships. Anyone born between 1997 and 2012 has grown up with smartphones, social media and a fundamentally different idea of relationships than previous generations. These young women and men bring a digital matter-of-factness to the table that often surprises experienced partners: they do thorough research before committing to a date, pay attention to details in profiles and communicate directly. At sugardaddyDeutschlands, we are observing how the dynamic between the generations is shifting - and why this can be an opportunity for both sides. Whether you're a gentleman from Hamburg looking to meet a young companion from this generation, or an experienced entrepreneur from Frankfurt who wants to understand what Gen Z expects from an arrangement: This guide will give you the most important insights.
Growing up digitally
Why Gen Z checks profiles more closely than any other generation.
Values instead of luxury
What this generation really expects from an arrangement.
Communicate correctly
How experienced partners find real access to this generation.
What characterises Generation Z
Gen Z is the first generation to have grown up completely in a digital world. For them, social media, short messages and video calls are not an addition to everyday life - they are everyday life. This has consequences for the way this generation builds relationships: Profiles are thoroughly analysed before a first message is sent. Inconsistencies between photos and reality are immediately noticeable. And anyone with a superficial or incomplete profile is quickly weeded out. For a sugar daddy from Düsseldorf, this means that a meaningful profile with up-to-date photos and an honest text is not an option, but a requirement. The way someone writes is also carefully registered: Spelling mistakes, generic messages or obviously copied texts signal a lack of interest - and result in the message remaining unanswered.
At the same time, this generation has a strong social awareness. Sustainability, diversity and mental health are not peripheral issues, but core values. Young female Gen Z companions clearly define from the outset which Type of connection they are looking for and expect the same from their counterpart. Vague promises or evasive answers to the question of what exactly both sides expect from an arrangement are not tolerated - Gen Z appreciates directness and clarity about everything. They are open to unconventional relationship models - but only if the basis is right: Respect, authenticity and mutual understanding. Who the common myths about arrangements will quickly realise that Gen Z has already disproved many of them.
What this generation expects from an arrangement
The biggest difference to previous generations: For Gen Z, it's less about material gifts and more about real experiences and personal development. A young woman from Munich is happier to receive concert tickets from her favourite artist or a weekend trip to Lisbon together than a designer bag that she never uses. Small, personal gestures also go down well: a book on a topic that inspires her, a recommendation for a café in her city, a handwritten greeting. If you listen carefully, you will quickly find out what really appeals to your partner - and it is precisely this attention that makes the difference with Gen Z. This does not mean that financial support does not play a role - but it must be embedded in a larger framework of appreciation and connection. If you only offer cash without showing genuine interest in the person, you will have little success with this generation. You can read more about this in our Tips for partners who should offer more than just financial support.
Equally important: Gen Z takes its time before meeting someone in person. Several days or weeks of messages and possibly a video call are part of the normal process of getting to know someone - not out of disinterest, but because this generation has learnt to regard digital communication as a fully-fledged first step. They want to be sure that the person behind the profile is genuine and that the basic values match before they invest time in a face-to-face meeting. An experienced partner from Stuttgart or Cologne should respect this pace instead of pushing for a quick meeting. Instead, make active use of the digital phase: ask questions, talk about yourself, share interesting articles or recommendations - show that you are a stimulating conversation partner even when you are not looking at a screen. Patience is rewarded here: if you take the time to build a genuine connection, you will realise that Gen Z can be some of the most loyal and sincere partners.
How to gain access to Generation Z
Authenticity is the key - and that starts with the profile. A Gen Z sugar baby will immediately recognise a half-hearted or fake profile. Use up-to-date photos, be honest about your interests and expectations, and avoid exaggeration. Show who you really are: A businessman from Berlin who likes to cook at the weekend comes across as more likeable to Gen Z than someone who only flaunts their travels and luxury. Small, personal details in messages - a reference to something she mentioned in her profile, a question about her interests - show genuine interest and make you stand out from the crowd. If she mentions that she's studying psychology, ask about her favourite subject in her studies. If she shows photos from a trip to Japan, talk about your own experience there - or ask what impressed her the most. This kind of attention distinguishes a genuine conversation from a generic approach.
Respect her values, even if you don't share them all. If she is committed to sustainability, it doesn't have to be your issue - but show interest in why it is important to her. If she talks openly about mental health, don't react with a lack of understanding, but with openness. Active listening and empathy are not a side issue for Gen Z, but a basic requirement. An entrepreneur from Vienna who genuinely listens and asks questions will make more of an impression than someone who compensates with material abundance. And be aware: this generation is very good at it, recognise fake profiles. Anyone who tries to pretend to be someone else is quickly exposed - and loses any chance of making a connection.
Communication that gets through
Gen Z communicates differently than any generation before it - and those who understand this have a decisive advantage. Long, formal messages are more off-putting than inviting to this generation. They prefer a casual but sincere tone: short messages that show you've listened, a quick response to their questions, and the occasional humorous comment to lighten the mood. This doesn't mean that every message has to be a joke - but a dry, business-like tone that works in professional life misses its mark here. At the same time, „casual“ doesn't mean „superficial“ - Gen Z sees through hollow phrases and copy-paste messages immediately. If you write to a female companion from Leipzig, refer to something specific from her profile or from a previous conversation. This shows that you perceive her as a person and not just another profile in your list.
The choice of platform also plays a role. Gen Z is used to communicating on several channels at the same time - chat messages, voice memos, short video clips. If you switch to an external messenger after your first contact on sugardaddydeutschlands.de, respect their preferences: Some prefer Telegram, others Signal. The important thing is that you don't come across as pushy. Don't send three messages in a row if you don't get a reply - Gen Z replies when they have the time and inclination and see pressure as an absolute warning signal. An experienced partner from Hanover who remains patient and respects the rhythm of their conversation partner will be much more successful than someone who constantly follows up.
Voice memos and short audio messages are popular with Gen Z - they convey personality and tone of voice better than plain text. If you feel comfortable with it, give it a try: A short, friendly voice message can create more intimacy than ten written sentences. However, avoid monologues - two to three minutes is enough. And if a Video call before the first meeting treat it as a real encounter - with attention, preparation and genuine interest. Gen Z takes video calls seriously and expects the same from their counterparts.
Common mistakes that experienced partners should avoid
If you want to get in touch with Gen Z, you should be aware of some typical mistakes - and consciously avoid them. The most common: being too materialistic too quickly. An experienced partner from Nuremberg who wants to score points in the first message with his Porsche and his villa on Lake Ammersee is more likely to arouse mistrust than enthusiasm among Gen Z. This generation often associates exaggerated material demonstration with superficiality or even dubious intentions. Instead, show what makes you interesting as a person: Your experiences, your curiosity, your humour. A gentleman from Bremen who tells you that he has just attended a cookery course in Milan is much more attractive to Gen Z than a list of material possessions.
Another mistake: not taking the values of Gen Z seriously. If your companion from Dresden talks about climate protection, a patronising „It won't be so bad“ is the quickest way to destroy the connection. You don't have to share her opinion - but respect the fact that these topics are important to her identity. The same applies to topics such as mental health, diversity or social responsibility: Gen Z does not expect perfect agreement, but a fundamental openness. Equally problematic: pushing for a quick face-to-face meeting before the digital familiarisation phase is complete. Gen Z views online communication as an equally important relationship step - anyone who wants to skip this step is signalling a lack of respect for their needs. And finally, avoid focussing the entire conversation on the agreement before a personal basis has been established. Specific details about support and expectations belong in a face-to-face conversation - not in the initial chat phase. Who also prepared visually for the first meeting, shows that he takes the encounter seriously.
What both sides gain
Sugar dating with Gen Z often creates a dynamic that enriches both sides. Experienced partners gain a fresh perspective on the world - new music, different views, an openness to topics that are perhaps rarely discussed in their own environment. The young companion benefits from the life experience, the network and the composure of a mentor who opens new doors for her - be it a contact in her desired industry, a look behind the scenes of a world she doesn't yet know, or simply the calmness of someone who has already lived through many ups and downs.
Particularly valuable: Gen Z has an emotional openness that is rare in many business environments. A businessman from Zurich or Munich, who rarely talks about personal topics in his day-to-day work, often finds a Gen Z partner who asks honest questions and listens honestly. This openness can have a liberating effect - and lead to a connection that goes far beyond a classic arrangement. At the same time, the young companion benefits from a partner who radiates composure, can categorise difficult situations from experience and acts as a calm anchor in an often hectic world. Who Avoids misunderstandings right from the start and clear expectations, you will find that this generation can be some of the most sincere and attentive partners. Gen Z may communicate differently than previous generations - but when the foundation is right, connections are formed that are valuable for both parties.
Frequently asked questions
Up-to-date photos, an honest profile text and personal details that show who you really are. Inconsistencies between photos and reality are immediately apparent to this generation - authenticity is more important than perfect staging.
Personal experiences instead of anonymous luxury items: Concert tickets, a weekend trip together, books on a topic they are passionate about. Anything that shows that you have listened is better received than an expensive bag without a personal touch.
Gen Z sees digital communication as a fully-fledged step in getting to know each other. For them, messages and video calls are part of the normal relationship-building process before a face-to-face meeting takes place. This is not a lack of interest, but a deliberate process.
A fresh perspective, new impulses and an openness to topics that are rarely discussed in their own environment. Gen Z brings honesty, social awareness and a refreshing directness that can also enrich experienced men.
