Hallo
Some German girls may be pretty but many of them are so obsessed with feminism that they are like dominas
You're saying that you're shy, which can be fixed by actually talking to girls a lot, strangers, friends etc...If you force yourself to become more outgoing you will naturally evolve eventually. "Fake it 'til you become it".
The hands down most rewarding thing you can do is actually, like you mentioned above, go to the mall and chat up some strangers. And you are spot on saying it will get awkward. And every time it will get less awkward n everyone will love it.
Second best thing to do to get any girl at all is social circle. You don't have much choice there though. Free time activities like you also suggested count as social circle.
If you really want it, you'll get it because you put the required dedication into it.
Peace
PS: Dating sites are waste of time. And money.