The importance of local language in Germany

In Germany, people speak German.

There has been much discussion, on this forum, about living here, or even finding a job, without speaking German (e.g. only with English). The essence in short: While this is possible, it is certainly not easy (and in terms of job nearly impossible).

The majority of Germans speak English to a certain extent, but they obviously do not feel as comfortable with it as in German. Thus, when speaking to them in English, you are always at a disadvantage - not only might there be misunderstandings, but also most of them won't want to befriend you or treat you as well as others who can communicate better.

And even in international companies, where English is used with foreign customers, suppliers, partners, etc., most of the internal discussions - and definitely the networking needed to get ahead in the orgaisation - are always in German. This is true even in my wife's office, a foreign MNC where the official working language is English. Thus, even if a company hires you without good German skills (most companies won't!), your career will suffer nevertheless.

The conclusion is: Learn German - preferably before you come here (B2 level or higher), or take intensive language classes soon after arrival to show you are making the necessary effort!

I agree with Beppi’s insights. There seems to be a widely held assumption in English speaking countries that one can go to countries like Germany and do any job or study any program in university with English and no German. People tend to conflate a tourist visit situation with immigration. After all Germans get years of English in school and as a tourist it is rather easy to get by. Immigrating and living in a country is different. Most university programs require a very high level of German, as do most jobs. Pointing out the exceptions really only underlines the rules. Even in jobs where the office language is English, German is needed for many tasks. And this gives a German speaking competitor the advantage in getting the job.

Then there is the question of what level a spouse might need, even if they are not the main bread winner. Seems people want to get around requirements of even learning a beginner’s A1 level. They act like it is a punishment to learn that drastically hard German. But people with poor German skills tend to be dependent on the help of others to navigate life. They are closed out from many opportunities both socially and work-wise. Many become lonely and complain about how terrible it is in Germany. The only way out of such a vicious circle is to make a serious effort to learn the local language. This applies in most countries.

If one is say retiring and going to just spend a few leisure years in an expat community somewhere then they might survive quite well without a lot of the local language. People looking to work and/or be active in a community should either come with an attitude that they are willing and able to learn the language – or else not come.