Is it hard to study in Germany without speaking German?
Asked by: Eloise Bartell | Last update: January 10, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (39 votes)
Can I study in Germany in English language? Yes. There's plenty of International Degree Courses taught in English (in the first semesters, at any rate) for students whose command of the German language isn't sufficiently good to warrant their studying be done entirely in German.
Do you have to be fluent in German to study in Germany?
Since many people in Germany (especially in major cities) speak English to a high level, and you'll likely have the option to study in English, you should be able to get by as an international student with just a basic level of German.
Can I study in Germany only knowing English?
Germany's public universities have tuition-free study programs that are in English! You don't have to be fluent or even have ever studied German to come study in Germany. International students have 290 universities in Germany with 23451 English-language bachelor's and master's programs to choose from!
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.
Is it hard to get a job in Germany if you don t speak German?
The language is one of the most important criteria in finding a job in Germany. If you cannot speak the language then you have less chances in the job market. Whether client facing or in house, language is required to integrate yourself if you want to work in Germany.
The Ugly Side of Studying in Germany (you should know this)
Can I study in Germany if I don't speak German?
Yes. There's plenty of International Degree Courses taught in English (in the first semesters, at any rate) for students whose command of the German language isn't sufficiently good to warrant their studying be done entirely in German. Both before and during the program there are German language courses offered.
What jobs can I get in Germany if I only speak English?
- 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.
What is the minimum German level to study in Germany?
That is why it is important that you check with the program of your choice to learn precisely which proficiency level they expect from you. As a rule of thumb, German universities require you to present a proof of upper intermediate to advanced German language skills (level B2/C1) to study in German.
What level of German is fluent?
What level of German is considered fluent? Achieving fluency in German is typically associated with the C1 level on the international standard of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
How long does it take to learn German?
The FSI estimates that German takes approximately 30 weeks, or 750 classroom hours to learn. This study was conducted on a group of language students who spent 25 hours per week in class, and three hours daily on individual practice.
What is the easiest university to get into in Germany?
The IU International University of Applied Sciences and the University of Kassel both have the highest acceptance rate among German universities, with a remarkable 100% acceptance rate. These universities provide excellent opportunities for students seeking quality education with accessible admission processes.
Are bachelors in Germany taught in English?
The International Program search tool from the DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) currently finds 116 bachelor programs taught completely in English, many of which have international in their title.
Can I study in Germany for free if I speak German?
Most public universities in Germany charge no tuition. This applies not only to German and EU citizens but also to international students from around the world.
How do you say hello in German guten tag?
- Guten Tag (Good day.) Guten Tag is the most common formal greeting. ...
- Other versions of Guten Tag. ...
- Formal German greeting pronunciations. ...
- Hi and Hey. ...
- Tach, Morgen, and Abend (day, mornin', and evenin') ...
- Hallöchen! ...
- Yo! ...
- Was geht? (What's up?)
Is language a barrier to study in Germany?
Language Barrier
If you have moved to Germany, you might agree with this one. 36% of the students mentioned that the language barrier was their biggest challenge.
How to learn German fast on your own?
- 1 - Go out of your way to speak to German people. ...
- 2 - Watch German content with subtitles. ...
- 3 - Immerse yourself in German. ...
- 4 - Start with the basics. ...
- 5 - Learn the basic grammar rules early on. ...
- 6 - Start constructing sentences and phrases. ...
- 7 - Learn Modal Verbs.
Can I learn German in 3 months?
For those new to languages, it may sound like a daunting task to become fluent in any language in 3 months, let alone such a complicated language as German. Nonetheless, Adriana can tell you from experience that it's definitely possible!
What percent of Germany is fluent in English?
Fifty-six percent of people in Germany speak English, and some businesses have even adopted it as their primary language. If you're an English speaker aspiring to move to Germany on a digital nomad visa but don't speak the lingo (yet), check out this list of the seven best cities in Germany for English speakers.
What level of German does Duolingo teach?
Completing the German course teaches you approximately 2000 words, which is in the A2-B1 CEFR bracket. But it's important to keep in mind that your receptive skills will be more honed than the productive skills, so you will find yourself better at understanding German than at speaking it.
Is it mandatory to know German to study in Germany?
There are a large number of international degree courses at German universities. As a result, you do not need to know German to study in Germany.
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.
What are the top three languages spoken in Germany?
- German 94.17%
- English 31.93%
- French 8.81%
- Russian 7.64%
- Turkish 2.67%
- Polish 2.6%
- Spanish 2.5%
- Italian 2.19%
How to survive in Germany without German language?
- Childcare. If you like children, you can offer your services as an English-speaking babysitter. ...
- Freelance gig economy jobs. There are quite a few of these flexible jobs floating around that you can do without speaking much German.
What is the minimum wage in Germany?
According to the German federal government's most recent ordinance, the minimum wage in Germany is €12.82 per hour as of January 2025. Therefore, the minimum salary is around €2,222 per month (€26,666 annually), assuming 40 working hours per week.
Is it hard for an American to get a job in Germany?
The low unemployment rate and job opportunities make Germany a desirable place to work in by people around the world – including Americans. Although it is a different work environment and culture (and the language barrier can be tricky), jobs in Germany for Americans are not impossible to find.