Can i survive by speaking only English in Berlin?

Hiya,
If you are planning to come and visit as a tourist, then English will get you a long way.  Especially in Berlin.  Otherwise, a working knowledge of German is very necessary.

Thanks for your reply!

How would describe people and the atmosphere in Berlin in contrast to London? Is it expensive? Are you also aware of any good - cheap hostels in the Berlin area?

Thanks!

Hi,
i do not live in Berlin but i've been there sometimes now. Even considering moving permanently there.
Great city. I see you are living in Athens so prepare to feel rich when you get there. Great quality of life!

Thanks akarthis. Do you speak any German at all? I would consider living in Berlin, although i feel quite limited due to the language barrier. I like the German culture and i am an IT professional, i am hoping to get a job in a multinational company in Berlin. Are there any jobsites that offer information in English? I am also up for taking some German lessons.

Hi,
The time i spent in Berlin i knew no German and i had no problems. Though,if you want to be realistic you have to learn in order to get a nice job and be adapted normally.
I am learning though at the moment,
Another fact is that Berlin is the city with the highest unemployment rates in Germany.So it will not be an easy walk.

But, being optomistic and sure in your decisions can guarranty only success!

Thanks again. If you have any suggestions about books or other mediums where i could have a quick introduction to the German language, i would be grateful.

Hi,
i am, at the moment, using the "Themen aktuell 1" series. I'm focusing mostly in learning everyday German that will help me adapt. Then i'm going for more business orientation. Then, i'm going for diplomas!
Hope that helps

I have been to Berlin and Frankfurt few times and faced not much problem with the English.Although it is better to learn German if you are planning to settle in Germany.Well German language is easy to learn, you can learn it within 3 or 4 months.

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I have lived in Berlin for 3 years and now speak pretty good German. I have however come across numerous expats who have lived here faaaaaaaaaaar longer and still don't speak more then a couple of words of German so it is definitely possible. I must say though that Germans here are very appreciative of any expat who makes some effort to speak the language even if it is the absolute basics.

Enjoy your visit, this is a great city.

There are lots of jobs that require English but without any German you will be limited only to meeting other expats for a social life. There are also often job listings in English on toytown.com