Germany has long been seen as one of the top destinations for international professionals. With its strong economy, high standards of living, and a growing number of multinational companies, many people around the world look to move or work there. For non-German speakers, particularly those fluent in English, the question often is: Can I get a good job in Germany speaking English only? and What kinds of jobs are available, what salaries, and how do I apply?
What Are “English-Speaking Jobs” in Germany?
An English‐speaking job means roles where English is used as either the primary working language or one of the languages required. These jobs might explicitly say “English required / no German needed” or implicitly by being in international companies, startups, or customer support for international clients.
Types of situations:
-
Multinational firms where English is used internally
-
Startups with international teams
-
Remote/hybrid positions where the company is outside Germany or is globally oriented
-
Customer support / call centers serving English-speaking markets
-
Education (English teaching, tutoring)
-
Research, academia, writing / editing / content roles that use English in publications
Where in Germany Are English-Speaking Jobs Most Available?
Some cities and states are more international and more likely to offer English roles, even without German fluency.
| City | Key Industries & Why English Jobs are Found Here |
|---|---|
| Berlin | Startup hub, many international tech companies, remote/hybrid roles, creative, media. |
| Munich | Strong in engineering, automotive, finance, R&D divisions of multinational companies. |
| Frankfurt | Finance, banking, insurance—many global firms. |
| Hamburg | Media, logistics, eCommerce, shipping. |
| Cologne, Düsseldorf | Business, marketing, international trade. |
These cities generally have more opportunities for English speakers and more companies open to hiring without German fluency.
Types of English-Speaking Jobs & Typical Salary Ranges
Below are common roles for English speakers, skills required, and what you can expect to earn in Germany in 2025.
| Role / Sector | Skills Often Required | Approx Monthly Salary (EUR) for English-Speaking Role* | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Developer / Data Analyst / IT Roles | Programming (Java, Python, JS etc.), problem solving, team work, possibly remote tools, sometimes cloud skills | €3,500 – €6,000+ per month (Terratern) | Higher pay in Munich, Frankfurt, or for senior roles. |
| Customer Service / Call Center Agent | Excellent communication, English fluency, patience, possibly remote work | €2,800 – €4,500 (Abroadactivities.com) | Sometimes shift work; bonuses possible. |
| Marketing / Content / SEO / Social Media | Content creation, digital marketing tools, SEO, copywriting | €4,000 – €6,500 (Travel Abroad) | More for senior roles or in big cities. |
| Teaching / English Language Instruction | TEFL / TESOL certificates, experience; sometimes part-time or freelance | €1,800 – €3,000 (Terratern) | Private schools, tutoring, or online work. |
| Project Management / Business / Finance | Business analysis, project coordination, stakeholder management, maybe finance credentials | €5,000 – €9,000+ (Travel Abroad) | Big differences by experience, company size, location. |
| Hospitality / Tourism / Retail / Warehouse / Entry-level | Communication, service orientation, English maybe sufficient, physical labor possible | €1,800 – €2,500 (full-time) (Abroadactivities.com) | Many of these roles expect some German or at least local language for better prospects. |
Who Can Apply & Visa / Work Permit Requirements
For EU Citizens
If you are from the EU / EEA / Switzerland, you generally have the right to live and work anywhere in Germany. English speaking roles are easier since visa/work permit constraints are minimal.
For Non-EU / Third-Country Nationals
You will likely need one of the following:
-
A job contract or offer from a German employer.
-
Skilled worker visa or EU Blue Card (if qualifications are recognized).
-
Germany’s Job Seeker Visa (in some cases) to enter and search for work.
-
Proof of English proficiency (may be required) and sometimes German as a bonus.
-
Credentials recognized in Germany (degrees, skill certificates).
Germany has programs like the “Opportunity Card / Chancenkarte” for skilled international professionals.
Do You Need German?
Short answer: Not always, but it helps a lot in many cases.
-
Some roles explicitly state “no German required” / “English working environment.” EnglishJobs+1
-
Especially in tech, startups, or multinational firms, English may suffice. abroadsaathi.com
-
For everyday life (shopping, public services, social integration), knowing basic German is very helpful.
-
Having German skills can improve your salary, promotion prospects, and ability to move beyond English-only roles.
How to Find English-Speaking Jobs in Germany
Here are proven steps & resources:
-
Job boards specializing in English or international roles
-
EnglishJobs.de
-
Workeer.de
-
JobMESH (“English-Speaking” filter)
-
-
General job portals with filters
-
LinkedIn, Indeed Germany, Glassdoor, StepStone
-
-
Company websites
Multinationals like SAP, Bosch, BMW, Amazon, etc. often post roles in English. -
Startups & remote/hybrid work
Berlin’s startup scene, remote-first companies, international digital nomads groups. -
Networking & meetups
Tech meetups, international communities, expat groups, global Slack/Discord channels. -
Tailoring your application
-
English CV + Cover Letter
-
Highlight international experience, language fluency, remote work experience
-
Be ready to explain why you can do the role without German
-
Major Cities & Salary Differences
Germany’s cities differ a lot in cost of living and salary levels. Here’s a rough comparison:
| City | Higher Salary Tags | Higher Living Cost | English-Friendly Culture |
|---|---|---|---|
| Munich | Very high salaries, especially in tech & engineering | Very expensive housing, transport | Companies often bilingual; many expats |
| Frankfurt | Finance & banking payouts high | Living cost high, but less than Munich | International environment strong |
| Berlin | Growing salaries in startups, tech; good remote opportunities | Moderate housing (rising), good public transport | Very international, many English only roles |
| Hamburg, Cologne, Düsseldorf | Medium-high salaries, often in logistics, media, marketing | Costs moderate to high | Decent opportunities, less startup saturation than Berlin |
Side / Part-Time / Freelance English Work
If you are a student, or looking for side income, there are roles available:
-
Online or in-person tutoring in English
-
Freelance content writing / editing in English
-
Customer support (remote)
-
Teaching English to foreigners / language schools
-
Remote micro-tasks, translation, or transcribing
These pay less but are more flexible. Use platforms like Upwork, Guru, language tutoring sites.
Pros & Cons of English-Only or English-Heavy Jobs in Germany
Pros:
-
Easier entry point for non-German speakers
-
Often more international teams, more remote/hybrid opportunities
-
Potential for higher pay if working for international or export-oriented companies
-
Better lifestyle in international cities
Cons:
-
German fluency limits growth or access to some roles (public sector, local firms)
-
Some social / daily life friction (interactions with authorities, landlords, etc.)
-
May have fewer roles than German-speaking roles especially outside big cities.
Realistic Earnings & What You Can Expect
Putting together what sources show:
-
Entry-level roles in hospitality/retail/hospitality/customer support may earn €1,800-€2,500/month for full time in large cities.
-
Mid‐level roles in marketing, content, tech: €3,500-€6,500/month depending on experience and location.
-
High-skilled, senior roles (software engineering, data science, finance) can push higher—€70,000-€100,000+ annually (≈ €5,800-€8,300/month or more) in large firms.
Application Tips: Getting Your Foot in
-
Use “English only” or “no German required” filters on job boards
-
Build a strong CV/resume with relevant experience and clear English fluency
-
Learn basics of German to show willingness (even A2 / B1 level helps)
-
Prepare a portfolio or examples (if relevant, e.g. for content, software)
-
Understand visa options if you are non-EU (Blue Card, Opportunity Card, Job-Seeker visa)
-
Understand German work culture (punctuality, formality, dress etc.)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
-
Applying only to German language roles without German proficiency
-
Using generic CVs — not tailored to English-speaking roles
-
Neglecting to check visa validity or work permit requirements
-
Undervaluing remote/hybrid opportunities
-
Ignoring the cost of living differences between cities when salary is quoted
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Do I need to speak German to get an English-speaking job?
No, in many cases German is not required. For certain roles (especially in tech, customer support for international clients, startups) English fluency may be enough. But having German will improve options and salary. EnglishJobs+1
Q2: Can international students in Germany find English-speaking part-time work?
Yes. Many come from international student communities, tutoring, hospitality, content work etc. However, visa/work permit restrictions apply (number of hours, etc.).
Q3: What salary can I expect if I don’t speak German?
Expect somewhat lower pay initially, possibly in roles that don’t require German, such as support, customer service, or content roles, €2,500-€4,500/month depending on city and role. For more skilled roles, salary improves.
Q4: Which job portals are best for English-speaking roles in Germany?
EnglishJobs.de, Workeer.de, JobMESH (English filter), LinkedIn, Indeed Germany, The Local, Step Stone.
Q5: What visa do I need if I’m non-EU?
Skilled worker visa, EU Blue Card, Job Seeker Visa are common. Requirements usually include recognized qualifications, proof of funds, sometimes language or English proficiency.
Is It Worth Trying?
For many, moving to Germany for English-speaking work is a realistic goal, especially for:
-
Skilled tech or digital professionals
-
Marketing, content, or customer support experts
-
English teachers or tutors
-
Those comfortable living in a larger city
While German skills help and expand opportunities, many people succeed working primarily in English in Germany.
If you are interested, begin by:
-
Identifying companies with international teams
-
Applying to roles that specify “English required”
-
Preparing a solid resume/portfolio in English
-
Arranging visa/work permit in advance if needed
