COUNTRY GUIDES: GERMANY

Germany is the centre of Europe, affecting the continent’s history more than any other nation. And for good reason too: its 32 world heritage sites cover everything from churches, cathedrals and castles to dramatic valleys and the frontiers of the Roman Empire. Its 2,000-year history has created an abundance of art and culture that constantly delights visitors.

Germany is a year-round destination, with winter sports and buzzing cities from November to March, and a wealth of festivals and outdoor activities during the summer. But if all else fails, just sit back and enjoy one of the country’s many famous beers.

TEFL in Germany (Contracts, Salary, Work)

Demand for teachers

High.

Like France, most of the demand comes from the business sector. However, Germany is one of the few countries that expect English teachers to be able to speak the local language.

Main TEFL regions

Berlin, Frankfurt, Dresden, Dortmund, Bremen, Stuttgart, Munich, Dusseldorf

Busiest TEFL periods

Year-round, but most schools recruit between June and August.

Contract lengths

1 year, but most teachers work on a freelance basis.

Types of teaching

• Private language schools: General English, Business English

• In-company: General English, Business English, English for Specific Purposes (ESP)

• Adult education colleges (volkshochschule): General English, Cambridge PET/FCE/CAE

Accommodation

Some schools will arrange accommodation or help you to find somewhere.

A one-bedroom apartment in the big cities costs around €500 per month, but you’ll pay far less if you arrange a wohngemeinschaft (flat-share).

Flight reimbursement

Not typical

Currency

Euros (EUR)

Symbol: €

Salary

Salaries start at around €1,000 per month for fledgling teachers with a basic knowledge of German.

More experienced freelance teachers can earn €20-35 per hour which, if you do 20 classroom hours per week, gives a good income.

Taxes and insurance

Ouch! This is the tough thing about working in Germany. On a starter’s salary, you’ll pay about 5% of your total earnings as income tax; experienced freelancers will pay more like 12%.

BUT… you’ll pay another 5.5% Solidarity Tax (designed to improve prosperity in East Germany), about 15% for insurance (health, life, professional liability) and freelance teachers must pay 19% of their income to the government pension scheme, regardless of whether they plan to stay in Germany or not! So that’s 50% of your salary gone before you even pay your rent!

Cost of living

The cost of living in Germany is high, but cheaper than most Western European capitals. A liter of milk is about €1.50 and a beer in a bar is about the same. Cheap, hearty food is readily available, so it’s very tempting to over-indulge!

Potential to save money

With such high taxes it will be very hard to save money unless you’re an experienced teacher.

How much TEFL training is recommended?

TEFL training isn’t necessary, but is definitely recommended. An accredited course - such as those offered by i-to-i - will give you an advantage over other candidates, as well as boosting your confidence.

Having business experience will help a lot, too. Taking i-to-i’s specialist Teaching Business English certificate will help you cater to the local market.

Common teaching conditions

Unfortunately, there won’t be many cute kids in your classroom – just suited and booted businesspeople. If you have a contract at a big school, you could end up with a punishing 30 classroom hours-a-week schedule. However, you’ll often be paid extra if you have to travel around to classes.

Most working days are split-shift, with classes in the morning and evening and free time during the day.

How do I find work?

It’s difficult to find a job before you arrive – most schools will just ask you to come for an interview when you arrive in Germany. You might have some luck with the British Council, which arranges English Language Assistant jobs in primary and secondary schools, and a select few private language schools conduct interviews abroad.

Can I find work while in-country?

There are plenty of opportunities for German-speaking TEFL teachers once they arrive in-country. Pick a copy of the Yellow Pages, get the addresses of local schools then go along in person to arrange an interview.

What is the usual hiring process?

Usually just an interview, although you may be asked to teach a short demonstration lesson. As you’ll probably be teaching businesspeople, it’s important to appear professional and well-dressed, even if you are a gibbering wreck underneath!

Is a work visa required to find paid work in Germany?

EU passport holders are eligible to work in Germany, but must register for a residence permit. Be prepared for lots of red tape!

Non-EU citizens need to find employment and arrange a work permit prior to arrival – thankfully the process isn’t too difficult for employers, so they’re more open to employing people from outside the EU than in nearby countries.

Work Visa and Residence Permit requirements:

• Proof of local accommodation

• Proof of work

• “Certificate of good conduct” (non-EU citizens)

• Proof of health insurance (non-EU citizens)

Why Choose Germany?

• Amazing World Heritage sites

• Plenty to do all year round

• Good choice of jobs, if you can speak German

• Hearty fodder and tasty beer!

Be Aware…

If you’re a newly-qualified teacher with little experience and no knowledge of the local language, Germany is probably not the country for you. You may be able to get a job, but you’ll have to live VERY frugally to survive.

Before you go

Read this…

Germany and the Germans by John & Katherine Ardagh – excellent way to learn more about the country and its people

Watch this…

Good-Bye Lenin! – Excellent comedy about a young man whose mother had been in a coma during the fall of the Berlin Wall. When she wakes up, he goes to increasingly elaborate lengths to convince her that communism is alive and well.

A Few Fun Facts

• Germans consume more beer than any other nationality, other than the Irish. On average, they guzzle 119 liters of the stuff every year!

• Despite this, they’re also a nation of athletes, winning over 1,500 Olympic medals in the modern era – more than any other country except the USA!

• They love inventing! The petrol engine, the jet engine, the calculator and the light bulb were all invented by Germans.

• The Zoologischer Garten in Berlin is one the world’s largest zoos, containing an amazing 1,500 different animal species.