Can you survive in Germany with just English?

Asked by: Carolina Berge  |  Last update: September 17, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (8 votes)

Can you live in Germany without knowing German? It is just about possible to live in Germany without knowing much German. But in order to find employment and to fully integrate into society, you will need to be able to speak and read German to a good standard, especially if you live outside the major cities.

Can you live in Germany if you only speak English?

English is widely spoken, especially in the business and tech sectors, making communication and work interactions smoother for English speakers and even providing English-speaking job opportunities.

Is English enough to live in Germany?

Is English enough to survive in Germany? As an American living in Berlin (since 2016) I will say that, yes you can survive. As an American living in Berlin, I must also say that it is very hard to live in this country without knowing German.

Can you get by in Germany with just English?

While you'll get by comfortably in Germany speaking English, there'll still be many occasions where speaking German will help you a lot. For example, citizens' offices, landlords and other bureaucratic encounters you have will demand some German literacy.

Can I survive in Germany without German language?

Learning German is one of the most important steps you can take to prepare for life in Germany. It will help you settle in more quickly and make it easier for you to find new friends. For some purposes, such as work or study, it may even be necessary for you to demonstrate a certain level of German.

Do foreigners think Germans are too direct? @EasyGerman

22 related questions found

What jobs can I get in Germany if I only speak English?

Sectors in Germany with high demand for English speakers
  • IT and software development positions. Germany's IT sector is booming, with a consistent need for skilled professionals. ...
  • Engineering and scientific research. ...
  • Finance and consulting. ...
  • Marketing experts. ...
  • Content writing.

How hard is it to live in Germany without knowing German?

Can you live in Germany without knowing German? It is just about possible to live in Germany without knowing much German. But in order to find employment and to fully integrate into society, you will need to be able to speak and read German to a good standard, especially if you live outside the major cities.

Are Germans friendly to foreigners?

Germans may take longer to warm up to people from different backgrounds, but this isn't due to unfriendly intentions. Instead, it often reflects a cultural difference in how friendships are built. While Germans might take longer to feel comfortable with foreigners, they are still open to forming lasting friendships.

What are the English requirements for Germany?

A minimum IELTS band score for Germany student visa is 6.0 or 6.5 for admission into undergraduate programs, with sectional scores of 6 in Speaking, Reading, Writing, and Listening. The University of Munich, for example, requires a minimum score of 6.5 for undergraduate programs.

Is it easy to visit Germany if you don't speak German?

Can I speak English in Germany? German is the official language and it is spoken by the vast majority of the population. English is the next most common language and it is widely spoken, especially in cities such as Berlin, Munich, Düsseldorf and Frankfurt, though less so in regional areas.

What is the most foreigner-friendly city in Germany?

The Best Big Cities in Germany for Expats
  • Berlin. Berlin is an obvious choice because it is the largest city in Germany. ...
  • Munich. Munich is another great city for expats. ...
  • Hamburg. Hamburg is an excellent option for internationals. ...
  • Dusseldorf. ...
  • Leipzig. ...
  • Bremen. ...
  • Aachen.

How much salary is enough to live in Germany?

What salary is needed to live comfortably in Germany? To live comfortably in Germany, especially in urban areas, a salary of around €50,000 to €60,000 per year is recommended.

Do you tip in Germany?

Do you tip in Germany? It's normal to tip for good service in restaurants, bars and cafes in Germany - especially in touristy or business areas. Tips are also appreciated in hotels and serviced apartments - and other places where staff may not be so well rewarded, like spas or salons.

Can I move to Germany without speaking German?

For many visa types, you don't need to know German at the start, but language skills (A1 or B1 level) may be required for family reunification visas or permanent residency later. Learning German will also make everyday life—such as interacting with coworkers, managing bureaucracy, or socializing—easier.

Which German city speaks most English?

As previously mentioned, since Berlin is the capital of Germany and the most populated city, you'll find the most English-speaking people here. Most younger people in Berlin and some of the older generations have learned at least some English during their schooling.

Which city is best to live in Germany?

Best cities in Germany to live in: A city comparison
  • Berlin: The best German city for students.
  • Munich: The best German city for families.
  • Hamburg: The best German city for maritime charm.
  • Frankfurt: The best German city for financial innovation.
  • Stuttgart: The best German city for cars and culture.

Can you go to Germany if you only speak English?

No matter how long you stay in Germany, there are many ways to get around with only knowing English. It is important for a longer, or permanent stay to eventually learn the German language as it can be helpful for you to live, and feel comfortable in and around Germany.

Is education free in Germany?

In conclusion, studying in Germany can be an excellent opportunity for Indian students, mainly since education in Germany is free for both domestic and international students. While you will still need to cover your living expenses, there are plenty of course options that every student can explore to the optimum.

Is Duolingo accepted in Germany?

Many European countries such as Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands, and many more accept Duolingo scores for admission.

Are Americans welcome in Germany?

Fortunately, US citizens can enter Germany for 90 days without needing a visa – this gives you roughly 3 months to apply for roles, attend in-person interviews and land a job, after which you can apply for a Work Visa or EU Blue Card at your local immigration office in Germany.

How do Germans feel about immigrants?

Although German society has never been hostile to immigrants, it is fair to say that Germans have not viewed their society as being open to immigration and that there has been a strong perception of alienation and cultural differences, especially toward some groups of immigrants.

What religion is dominant in Germany?

According to these church stats, Christianity is the largest religious group in Germany, with around 44.9 million adherents (52.7%) in 2021 of whom 21.6 million are Catholics (26.0%) and 19.7 million are Protestants (23.7%).

What country says guten tag?

You'll probably learn guten Morgen (“good morning” in German), guten Tag (good day) and guten Abend (good evening) in your first German lesson. You might also learn Hallo (Hello) for more informal situations and, luckily, Hi in German works just as well.

Are there English speaking jobs in Germany?

Junior Recruitment Consultant - *English Speaking* G2 Recruitment GmbH is currently searching for multiple Recruitment Consultants to join the fast growing Munich office, located in Munich's Werksviertel next to Ostbahnhof station.

Should I learn German if I know English?

English speakers are at a great advantage when they learn German, as the languages are both members of the Germanic language family. This means that a lot of basic vocabulary is the same in English and German: for example, the English words 'arm', 'hand' and 'finger' correspond to German Arm,Hand and Finger.