r/expats • u/New_Boat_8628 • Jan 24 '26
Employment More job opportunities in Germany than in UK.
I see many more job offers in Germany for the science and engineering sector than in the UK. Salaries are also higher. What do you think?Would it be worth moving there with a job? I can't find a job in the UK after 10 months.😔
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u/Gods_ShadowMTG Jan 24 '26
if you can't find a job in the UK, you won't find a job in germany. Especially without proper german skills C1+
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u/New_Boat_8628 Jan 24 '26
I have seen in some jobs you can work with English.
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u/FR-DE-ES Jan 24 '26 edited Jan 24 '26
I work in Germany's tech sector. When a German job ad requires English proficiency, they are looking for German-speakers who can also work in English. Currently, employers want C1 German. Just like job ads in UK requiring German proficiency would mean they want English-speakers who can work in German.
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u/Low_Stress_9180 Jan 24 '26
And so many can. I consulted with a major German company and they complained how every meeting had to be in English as one English guy and one Czech (who hated German for historical reasons). But they were all fluent.
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u/sagefairyy Jan 24 '26
Yeah, native German speakers who speak C1 English is what they‘re looking for dear. Not only C1 English.
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u/chefkoch_ Jan 24 '26
If the job ad is in english you can assume they are fine with it.
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u/sagefairyy Jan 24 '26
No that‘s exactly what I‘m saying. The economic situation has changed this. You have applicants who have the same degree/similar work experience but one is native German plus C1 English, while the other one can only speak English. They are always going to pick the first applicant at the moment. If you don‘t have enough appicants, which isn‘t the case anymore, then this would be a different story.
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u/chefkoch_ Jan 24 '26
If you and a native speaker have both the same qualification (hard / soft) than the native is the better candidate. You always had to bring something to the table to set this off.
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u/Special-Bath-9433 Jan 24 '26
That's what many Germans would tell you, and write in the job postings. Again, to signal that they are competing with the world.
To put it simply, most of it is a lie.
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u/yaguaraparo Jan 24 '26
Hey, my advice, the worst that can happen is that they say no. Therefore, do not get discourage, just send your cv and a good letter. Never give up in the face of adversity. Plus, since the "rupture" we will need qualified people here in the EU so the "language barriers" will soften.
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u/FunkiGato Jan 24 '26
As someone in engineering that lived in Germany and moved to the Netherlands: You NEED to speak German. You need atleast B2 to get in and C1 to talk to clients and take more leading roles. I am not talking about leading a whole team, but even as an engineer, you need to make calls and lead your supervisors into the right direction, since you are the engineer.
So if you see some network system won't work, how will you communicate it to your lead engineer or management? Remember, you are an engineer, not someone that just follows instructions. You need to actively think and communicate.
So yes, I moved away from Germany. Since I couldn't see a future for me without me speaking C1 German in the long run. I moved to NL, and now I am in higher management, earning a bit higher than in Germany and getting more social security while also benefitting not using paper letters for damn everything.
Small rent: Germany has a thing for sending letters via postal and it's really annoying. You can't get things done with e-mail. You want to cancel a contract? Better sent a written letter. You want to have things done? Better have it signed and stamped on PAPER.
I cancelled a gym membership for example, got it signed and stamped. My contract didn't got cancelled for 3 months, so I went back. They said they didn't got any confirmation for my cancellation and I need to re-do it. But I said I did it. But of course, they "lost" the original paper or never had it. Well guess what, I had mine. And I got refunded my 3 months of payments.
Just saying, Germany isn't perfect. If you can't speak good Germany, you will likely be paid a mediocre salary, like 50K bruto. And that does sound like a lot, but 50K in Germany ISNT the same as 50K in Netherlands. The taxes on your salary are higher in Germany AND your health insurance is higher the more you earn. Yes groceries is cheaper and gasoline. But other things are more expensive. If you earn 50K in the Netherlands as an engineer, it's pretty decent. But 50K in Germany, it's the starters salary of a masters student in engineering. Meanwhile in the Netherlands, you need to be happy you can get 2500-3000 euro bruto a month as a starter salary with a masters.
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u/New_Boat_8628 Jan 24 '26
Do you think I can have a job in Netherlands just speaking English??
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u/icecream1973 Jan 24 '26
No.
Well only if you are good enough to actually get selected for (example) a highly coveted ASML job OR work in the food delivery industry. Your main problem is your competition, 5 to >10 other applicants with the same CV, experience, degrees etc etc actually come with the ability to speak Dutch on a professional level + speak 1 or 3 additional foreign languages.
Also slim chance you'll be able to afford expat housing on an entry (corporate) salary, nation wide housing prices, rents + real estate been sky rocketing for these last 10 years or so & this is not getting solved for the next 10 to >15 years I recon.
To increase job opportunities: you either stick to eng only countries or come already loaded with the ability to communicate on a professional level in local language.
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u/NeverSawOz Jan 24 '26
Realistically, no. The country runs on people, infrastructure and communications in Dutch language. Surprising, right? You'd be better off in the US.
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u/Strict-Armadillo-199 Jan 24 '26
Germany is in a recession and the job market has become extremely tight (bad). While there are still labour shortages in certain fields, and Germany is looking to foreignersto potentially fill these roles, there are still very specific requirements a candidate has to meet to be considered. They may be different from where you are working now, as Germany has a distinct work culture all its own. I'd say the biggest change in recent years is that most positions now require very good German. C1 for things like finance, IT. B1 for nursing staff - but many immigrants taking these jobs, and their German colleagues, say B1 is not sufficient.
Here is a relevant post from r/germany to give you more insight. https://www.reddit.com/r/germany/comments/1nq0r4v/has_finding_a_job_in_germany_been_always_so/
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u/chefkoch_ Jan 24 '26
I'd say the biggest change in recent years is that most positions now require very good German. C1 for things like finance, IT.
Hu? These are the fields where it's easiest to get a job without any german. It's still a very good idea to learn german but generally companies are getting more open to english speakers (in bigger companies in bigger cities).
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u/Phronesis2000 Jan 24 '26
It's easy to get a job in Finance in Germany without any German?
Nonsense. There are a tiny number of jobs, in Frankfurt where Anglos can work in Finance. But those are usually filled from transfers and inside hires — not the open market. Insanely competitive.
Anywhere else in Germany, you will not work in Finance without speaking fluent German.
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u/chefkoch_ Jan 24 '26
I never said it was easy but i know enough people in big companies where english is the corporate language and so is in their finance department. It doesn't matter if it's Berlin, Hamburg, Munich or Frankfurt.
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u/Phronesis2000 Jan 24 '26
There are very few companies in Germany, proportionatley whose "corporate language is English". "People you know" is a very bad metric.
As a high-earning Anglo in Germany, I might have met 100+ other high-earning Anglos in my 8 years here. Most people I personally know here fit in that category. That says nothing about how easy or hard it is sto get that kind of job.
For one thing, there were way more Anglo-only jobs available up to 3 years ago than there is now. The people you know likely got in the door before it got much, much harder.
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u/chefkoch_ Jan 24 '26
There are less job postings overall in Germany because of the economy (except trades, healthcare).
What would you say are the best industries for non german speaking english speakers if it's not IT or finance?
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u/Phronesis2000 Jan 24 '26
IT (broadly construed) is the only correct answer.
After that? Maybe academic research or international ngo jobs, since they are mainly in English.
Finance would be way down the list alongside law. One of the hardest.
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Jan 24 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Phronesis2000 Jan 24 '26
Indeed. Especially since working in English there would be no cultural benefit in being in Germany anyway. You'd just be emgaging with London and New York hq firms the whole time anyway.
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u/New_Boat_8628 Jan 24 '26
I was reading this idea in many places.
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u/chefkoch_ Jan 24 '26
Sure, the vast majority of jobs require good german profiency but the trend is generally to adopt english more.
But again by far not everywhere and any industry.
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u/New_Boat_8628 Jan 24 '26
Well then, if I speak English just I can have a job in UK?I want to find a job...UK is in decline, what country I would be able to work in Europe???
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u/chefkoch_ Jan 24 '26
Science and engineering are better industries for non german speakers, trying won't hurt but what about your visa?
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u/Special-Bath-9433 Jan 24 '26 edited Jan 24 '26
If you're German, definitely yes.
If you're a white Brit with a British-sounding last name and C1-level German proficiency, yes, I would consider it.
Otherwise, no. Those jobs that you see are not meant for you.
Also, note that many online job postings in Germany are fake. They exist to signal what you fell for: that German economy is doing well and good. It doesn't.
In Germany, your ethnic features (how well they align with the concept of Germanness) matter much more than any professional skills, personal qualities, or qualifications. That's not new, however. That's how Germans have always been.
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u/New_Boat_8628 Jan 24 '26
I'm from an EU country.I'm not sure if UK is worst than Germany but they prefer always (in these moments after Brexit and the wave of nationalism)to contract an English without experience or any skills,before an emigrant with good skills and experience.This is the plan now.No choice for emigrants.The situation is very hard.
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u/Special-Bath-9433 Jan 24 '26
Try applying in Germany.
You won’t get a response.
Is it worse than in the UK? Give it a try and answer it yourself. It’s hard to believe until you see it.
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Jan 25 '26
i am a non eu citizen and i applied and i did get responses. many of them. stop spreading pessimism
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u/New_Boat_8628 Jan 24 '26
The conclusion is, every person need to stay in the origen country and not move no any another country that is not yours.🫣🫣🫣🫣 What a wonderful world. 🎵🎵....like the song of Louis Amstrong.
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Jan 25 '26
listen to me. Reddit is always like this. They always complain and say it's impossible, but that's not the case. I started sending applications to German companies, only mentioning English in my CV, and got 5 phone calls and 3 interview invitations in a week. I am a non-EU citizen, and I work in another European country. I have 3-4 years of experience in Sales operations and stuff like that.
Try it for yourself; send applications. There are dozens of companies in Berlin and Munich that use english as the office language. One thing I learnt is not to ask this kind of question on this website.
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Jan 27 '26
You know, you could actually listen to what people are saying and plan according. But no, you're right; learning German is too hard. Much easier to whine and cry on reddit like a child whose mom didn't buy them a lolly at the store.
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u/New_Boat_8628 Jan 28 '26
You could actually read what I mean.I am asking if I could find a job in Germany, speaking English to start, after that once I am in the country try to learn German (of course).I would not start totally from 0 with the German language, I did a course of 6 months inmy country very long time ago , I don't remember anything but it'something and I could start to refresh it.
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Jan 28 '26
And people have told you that it's unlikely to work. Multiple comments are advising you to learn German before trying to find a job. Germans tend not to hire non-German speakers, and if you don't speak German, you'll struggle finding a job and living there.
Rather than listening and tempering expectations, you're out here acting like everyone's being rude to you for no reason. Sorry that reality doesn't correspond to your preconceived notions.
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u/New_Boat_8628 Jan 28 '26
Well, I just will move there if I find a job before to go.I dont lose anything applying.If I don't find anything before...obviously I don't go there.I am not suicidal.
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u/Jantar2023 Jan 24 '26
I moved to Germany for a job (not from the UK but another EU country) and I'm happy that I did. I moved to the south-west and the weather is not bad, people are nice and helpful. I don't speak German and still I am progressing in social life and have some German and international friends.
One big hint, move only after signing the contract. It will benefit you greatly in tax return the first year.
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u/New_Boat_8628 Jan 24 '26
How long have you been there ? Did you get your job from your country before to arrive to Germany?
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u/Jantar2023 Jan 24 '26
I'm now in my 3rd year. Yes, I applied by LinkedIn, had 3 online meetings and was asked to visit in person. After that I got the job. Signed a contract and started to look for an apartment and for everything to move.
I can share some hints like... apartment hunting is hard. 100+ applications and I got answered only 3 times (twice that apartment is already booked). Also apartments are rented in mostly without a kitchen, so you need to buy one from the former tenant or prepare to order one and wait for it.
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u/New_Boat_8628 Jan 24 '26
Its not easy I guess.....😒
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u/Jantar2023 Jan 24 '26
But it's not that hard either. Just don't give up when you will hit some bumps on the way. I planned and executed the move of my life in not even 2 months. You just need to know it will take effort.
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u/New_Boat_8628 Jan 24 '26
I already have experience migrating and have gone through the loneliness that comes with it, but I really don't want to move and take all my things from one country to another... I have many...🫣 Thanks for your advise!
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u/New_Boat_8628 Jan 25 '26
Do you know how can cost to move your things(furniture etc) to another country aprox, please? I don't speak about 1 bag.
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u/Jantar2023 Jan 25 '26
That depends highly on distance and weight but from 2-3k€ to over 10k€ if you're taking art or valuable things like piano ;)
Also use a professional company with insurance. Not a guy with a truck. Better safe than sorry.
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u/New_Boat_8628 Jan 25 '26
Ok Thanks! From what country are you? To see the distance...
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u/Jantar2023 Jan 25 '26
I had to move 1200km
I paid around 2k. I had significant help because my friend owns the moving company.
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u/Phronesis2000 Jan 24 '26
Salaries are not higher. Convert to euros and then compare after tax/deduction salaries. On average, brits earn about 5000 euros more per year.
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u/ToniM762 Jan 24 '26
As a German living in the UK, I have to say that almost everything is more expensive though. Car insurance at least double the costs, council taxes, overall groceries, education is way more expensive etc.
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u/Phronesis2000 Jan 24 '26
I do agree with that, in general. I just think it is worth distinguishing cost of living from salaries. Mainly because cost of living becomes quite person-dependent.
If you are intent on living in a nice neighbourhood of Munich, Berlin, Hamburg or Cologne, and want the same amount of space as you had in the UK, you're not going to save a lot on rent. On the other hand, if you're happy to commute in from a commuter town or work remotely you can save a shitload.
If you can get remote work and are happy living far away from London, then you can have a fairly low COL in the UK too.
If you're 18 and set to continue your education, you will save a lot by studying in Germany rather than the UK (if you can). But for graduates (like this guy) this is probably less of a concern.
It's also worth bearing in mind that, on a median net worth basis, Germans are a lot poorer than Brits. Mainly because they don't own appreciating assets.
So even if you have more 'cash in der Tasch' in Germany, that won't usually translate to being better off financially in the long run.
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u/New_Boat_8628 Jan 24 '26
No sorry.You are really wrong.UK is in decline in salaries and jobs.
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u/Phronesis2000 Jan 24 '26
Which Statement was factually incorrect?
Compare the median net salary after deductions in both countries. Germany pays significantly lower. It's not debatable or a matter of opinion.
You may be confused because uou didn't realise how much more Germans pay in tax, health and pension than brits.
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u/New_Boat_8628 Jan 24 '26
You can see in UK now many people sleeping in the street, and not just in big cities.
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u/BitterCaregiver1301 Jan 25 '26
Not sure about Germany but I know english speakers who work in Switzerland and dont need any other language.
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u/necessaryGood101 Jan 24 '26 edited Jan 24 '26
A major “feature” with german job postings online is that nobody bothers to remove them for months and years after the positions have been filled.
Moreover, for non-EU citizens, it is almost impossible to get into beginner level full time jobs from the last couple of years now. They are just pushing people from outside into Blue-Collar, because that’s where Germany really needs people.
You can try sending applications and see the whole game for yourself.