Even if you've been to every museum and attraction in Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt, there's still a lot more to see and do while living in Germany than you could possibly fit into a single lifetime. You could, for instance, go sightseeing in the remarkable old towns of Nuremberg, Freiburg, or Passau; alternatively, you could check out magnificent castles like Hohenzollern Castle and Neuschwanstein Castle. The lakes and mountain ranges of Bavaria, which are located close to the Austrian border, offer the ideal opportunity to enjoy Germany's extraordinary natural beauty in a setting that is removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Starting with any of Germany's nine neighboring countries is a good place to get acquainted with the rest of Europe when you travel from this prime location in Western Europe to the rest of the continent.

Jobs in Germany

The economy of Germany is by far the largest in all of Europe, and its job market is thriving to match its size. It is currently the country with the second lowest unemployment rate, coming in at 2.8%, which is significantly lower than the average for the EU, which is 6.1%.

This relatively low unemployment rate can be attributed to both the spending of €130 billion on a stimulus program due to COVID-19 and the initiative known as "Kurzarbeit" (short-time work) that was implemented by the German government. At this time, businesses have been given the opportunity to reduce the number of hours worked by their employees as well as their wages, both of which have been subsidized by the state, which has helped to preserve employment opportunities.

Germany's economy is highly dependent on its four primary manufacturing sectors: automotive, mechanical engineering, chemical, and electrical. The country places a strong emphasis on exports and makes significant investments in research and development (RD).

The nation serves as a location for the headquarters of a variety of multinational corporations, including the following:

• Adidas
• Allianz
• BASF
• Bayer
• BMW Group
• Bosch
• Continental
• Daimler
• Deutsche Bank
• Deutsche Post
• Haribo
• Hugo Boss
• Lidl
• Siemens
• Volkswagen

Nevertheless, it is not only the larger companies that are responsible for Germany's success story. A large number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as family-run businesses play an essential part in the economy of the country.

POPULAR GRADUATE JOBS

• Chemicals
• Electronics
• Iron and steel production
• Machinery
• Vehicle manufacturing

You can search for jobs in Germany at:

• Federal Employment Agency - Job Board
• The Local - Germany
• Make it in Germany
• StepStone
• TotalJobs - Jobs in Germany

Skills shortages

The Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy published an article titled "Securing skilled labor," in which they highlighted four key factors that are contributing to an impending skills shortage. These factors are as follows:

To begin, the workforce in Germany is getting older, and it is projected that there will be a third fewer people of working age (20-64) by the year 2060. This would result in a shortage of up to 16 million workers if the country were to stop allowing immigrants to enter the country.

In light of the fact that Germany is currently experiencing a skills gap in 352 out of 801 occupations, there is a demand for vocational training in a wide variety of fields.

At this time, there is a critical shortage of graduates with degrees in the STEM fields, particularly scientists and engineers (automotive, electrical and mechanical). In order to assist with software and security, banks, insurance firms, and other large companies need a greater number of information technology specialists as well as mathematicians.

Due to the fact that a large number of medical and care professionals are approaching retirement age, the healthcare industry is also experiencing a shortage of workers. On the long list are items such as:

• Physiotherapists
• Elderly care
• Anaesthetists
• Neurologists
• Psychiatrists
• Psychotherapists
• Specialists in internal medicine.

Both the STEM and the health industries offer desirable starting salaries. For example, STEM graduates can earn between €38,000 and €42,000 (£32,000 and £35,500), with earnings increasing to between €48,000 and €52,000 (£40,500 and £44,000) after six to eleven years in the field. The health industry also offers attractive starting salaries.

How to get a job in Germany

You have the same access to the job market in Germany as people who are national to Germany if you are a citizen of the European Union or the European Economic Area (EEA).

You will typically be required to submit a well-presented CV and cover letter directly to the employer, and if your application is successful, you may be invited to one or two interviews. The application process is comparable to the one in the UK in that it requires you to submit these items.

You might be required to take psychological and aptitude tests, and if you're applying for a role in business or management, you might also be invited to an assessment center. These requirements vary depending on the position you're seeking.

Your application must be accompanied by photocopies of all of your educational credentials, such as high school diplomas, college transcripts, and any relevant professional certifications you may possess. This requirement encompasses all of your academic accomplishments, including any vocational training you may have received. Visit Recognition in Germany if you require assistance in obtaining the recognition of your qualifications.

You can determine your likelihood of finding work in Germany by using the "quick check" function on the "Make it in Germany" website, which is operated by the German federal government.

You can also consult the detailed guide to working in Germany that is available on the website deutschland.de.

Summer jobs

Due to Germany's status as a popular tourist destination in Europe, the country's tourism sector is constantly hiring for a wide variety of positions throughout the year. As a rule, establishments such as bars, restaurants, and amusement parks look for seasonal workers between the months of April and November. If you are looking for work during the summer, you should have no trouble finding opportunities in these fields.

You can look for seasonal work in Germany at the following websites:

• Jobted.com
• One World 365 - Jobs in Germany
• TotalJobs - Seasonal jobs in Germany
• Work in Germany - Seasonal jobs

Alternately, you could think about doing volunteer work as a means of enhancing your skill set, expanding your professional network, mastering a new language, and making yourself more marketable to potential employers.

Teaching jobs

As a result of Germany's popularity as a base for large international companies, there is a significant demand for English instructors in the country. Adults make up the vast majority of English language learners in Germany; however, there are opportunities to teach English at summer camps, schools, and even as a self-employed private tutor. In addition, the majority of English language learners in Germany are adults.

You will be required to have a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certificate in order to instruct English in Germany. You can earn this certification through The TEFL.org. A bachelor's degree and a passable command of German are both necessities for this position.

Visit the website i-to-i - Teach English in Germany for additional guidance, or contact the British Council to find out more about teaching English in other countries as an English language assistant.

If you are prepared to begin your search for teaching jobs, look through the Yellow Pages for organizations that have openings, and then get in touch with them directly.

Internships

By gaining exposure to the workings of Europe's most powerful economy through participation in an internship in Germany, you can give your professional prospects a significant boost. While improving your skills, you'll have the opportunity to experience the culture and traditions of Germany.

The duration of a typical internship in Germany can range anywhere from three to twelve months. Many of them are paid, and even the ones that aren't often come with monetary compensation in the form of scholarships. Because of this, it is imperative that you make contact with the company in question prior to submitting an application in order to obtain information regarding the particular terms and conditions.

Opportunities for internships are often available at:

• AIESEC - for students and recent graduates.
• GoAbroad.com - Internships abroad in Germany
• GoOverseas - Internships in Germany
• IAESTE - for science, engineering and arts students.

Send speculative applications or begin networking through social media to get the ball rolling on finding an internship. Your university may also be able to assist you in finding an internship, and German businesses will value an approach that is direct.

German visas

You won't need a visa or a permit to work or live in Germany if you're a citizen of the EU or the EEA. However, within three months of your arrival, you will be required to register your residence at the local registration office. In order to do so, you will need a valid passport in addition to proof that you are a resident of the country (such as a rental contract).

If you are moving to Germany from any country other than the United Kingdom, it is highly likely that you will be required to obtain a visa or a residence permit in order to do so. You can learn more about the specific entry requirements that apply to you by going to the Federal Foreign Office's Visa information page. Those who are located in the United Kingdom can obtain additional information by contacting the German Embassy in London.

If you completed your education in Germany, you are eligible to apply for a residence permit that will give you an additional 18 months after you graduate to find a job.

On VisaGuide.World, you can find information on how to obtain a German EU Blue Card, which is the primary residence permit for university graduates from other countries.

Language requirements

In spite of the fact that the vast majority of people working in Germany are fluent in English, it is absolutely necessary to be able to speak German to a sufficient level in order to land a job and maintain a satisfactory standard of living in Germany.

The law does not have the authority to enforce this, and there is no mandatory test of competency to take. For certain jobs, such as those in the medical field, German fluency is required; however, for other positions, it is up to your employer to determine whether or not your level of proficiency is adequate for the position.

It is in your best interest to get a head start on your education at home before you move. You can improve your German language skills by visiting websites like BBC Languages - German, which are just some of the many language classes that are offered in the UK.

Studying in Germany - Learn German offers a comprehensive beginner's guide to learning German that covers German grammar, idioms, and everyday expressions. The guide can be found on their website.

After you have arrived in the country, you will have access to a plethora of additional opportunities to bring your level of German up to speed. Please see the page on German Visa - Integration Courses for further information.

How to explain your qualifications to employers

In spite of the fact that the vast majority of people working in Germany are fluent in English, it is absolutely necessary to be able to speak German to a sufficient level in order to land a job and maintain a satisfactory standard of living in Germany.

The law does not have the authority to enforce this, and there is no mandatory test of competency to take. For certain jobs, such as those in the medical field, German fluency is required; however, for other positions, it is up to your employer to determine whether or not your level of proficiency is adequate for the position.

It is in your best interest to get a head start on your education at home before you move. You can improve your German language skills by visiting websites like BBC Languages - German, which are just some of the many language classes that are offered in the UK.

Studying in Germany - Learn German offers a comprehensive beginner's guide to learning German that covers German grammar, idioms, and everyday expressions. The guide can be found on their website.

After you have arrived in the country, you will have access to a plethora of additional opportunities to bring your level of German up to speed. Please see the page on German Visa - Integration Courses for further information.

What's it like to work in Germany?

The Federal Holiday Act stipulates that employees in Germany who work a five-day week are entitled to a minimum of 20 days' annual leave, while those who work a six-day week are entitled to a minimum of 24 days' annual leave. However, in the real world, most employers give their employees somewhere between 27 and 30 days of paid vacation per year. Because Germany has more national holidays than any other country in Europe, you won't have any trouble finding the time during your stay to travel around the country and see everything it has to offer.

In the year 2022, the hourly minimum wage in Germany is set at 12 euros, which is equivalent to £10.15. Your annual earnings will be subject to a tax allowance of €9,984 (or £8,446), which will be deducted from your total tax liability. When your annual income is greater than this threshold, you will be subject to a tax rate that ranges from 14% to 42%, depending on how much you earn. This could go as high as €58,597 (approximately £49,571) at the very top of the scale. There is an even higher tax bracket, but in order to pay that bracket, your annual income would need to be greater than €277,826 (£235,031)

If you are employed in Germany, there is a strong possibility that you will be subject to withholding tax. This means that your income tax will be computed and deducted from your pay each month.

The atmosphere at work is very formal and professional, and there is a distinct emphasis placed on one's rank as well as the responsibilities that come along with that rank.

Find out more

• Discover what it's like to study in Germany.
• For a career, education and lifestyle guide, see deutschland.de.