The majority of English teaching jobs in Germany are unaffiliated. Unfortunately, this means that many institutions will not contribute to your retirement or health insurance.
However, the silver lining is that you have more leeway in choosing your clients and scheduling your work.
Germany is one of the EU countries with the easiest job market right now. Freelance English teachers typically put in 25 hours per week and earn a monthly salary of around €2,000 (USD 2,400).
The country offers a low cost of living, a healthy work-life balance, and fantastic beer. They’ll probably hire you as a freelancer instead of a teacher.
Germany requires a work permit. You’ll need to prove you’ve been offered a position at a reputable company and meet their requirements to qualify for that.
Furthermore, a university degree, a clean criminal record, and proof of health insurance are also requirements. There are a lot of candidates with CELTA, TEFL, or TESOL credentials.
There are few bureaucratic hurdles for applicants from other European Union countries seeking English teaching jobs in Germany.
Meanwhile, citizens of Canada, Australia, and New Zealand who are not EU citizens can apply for a work visa. If you are an American citizen interested in teaching in Germany, you can choose from many reputable programs.
Are you interested in English teaching jobs in Germany? We’ve got your back! Read on for details on the various types of English teaching jobs available in Germany and salary and benefit information.
English Teaching Jobs in Germany| SCHOOLS
The demand for both beginning students and English speakers is high in Germany, so you can anticipate a diverse group of students.
Preparing for a classroom with German students means you should be well-versed in grammar. Usually, students have a strong interest in education and a high proficiency in English.
To avoid working in a language institute, one can seek employment in an international school. However, the norm is that you have at least two years of teaching experience as a primary or secondary school teacher in your home country. University English teaching jobs in Germany indeed pay the most, but working in an international school can also be very lucrative
Different types of teaching jobs in Germany
Teachers without EU work permits may have trouble finding work in Germany. The teaching profession is highly competitive in both the private and public sectors due to the high quality of life and stellar international reputation it enjoys. However, those with the right set of skills and a lot of drive can find a teaching job in a culturally rich country that was made for adventurers.
International Schools
For a native English speaker, Germany is home to several excellent private international schools. Some of the faculty members at these schools instruct foreign and German students in foreign languages.
There is stiff competition for teaching positions in these institutions, but having specialized knowledge can help you stand out and land a job.
State-Schools
The state-run schools serve children from the ages of 6 through 10, as is typical of elementary schools, and from 11 and up, as is typical of secondary schools.
Secondary schooling in the United States varies in length for each of the three possible pathways that students can take.
The options here are Gymnasium (high school), Realschule (middle school), and Hauptschule (vocational/skills training) (university preparation). Instructors at all three levels should be well-rounded in both their subject knowledge and pedagogical abilities.
Volkshochschulen
In most German cities and towns, you can find Volkshochschulen, or “Adult Education Centers,” which are similar to the American “night class.” Adult students can enroll in a variety of multi-week classes at these community hubs.
Language, computer, and physical education classes are common examples of what’s on offer. In most communities, non-native speakers are most welcome in teaching languages, but this is not always the case.
Language institutes
Language schools may operate independently or as part of a larger network. People of all ages, from toddlers to retirees, may be enrolled in your English class. Companies like these might prefer hiring EU nationals or those already possessing appropriate work authorization.
Private Tutoring
In Germany, private tutoring often takes the place of formal teaching positions. When it comes to learning a new language, teachers often have the opportunity to work with students individually in settings other than the classroom.
Though these positions can be harder to come by and necessitate planning around legal permission to work in Germany, finding a tutoring job in Germany is a fantastic way to make some extra cash and add to your teaching experience.
What you can expect to earn as a German English teacher on average, plus perks
English teachers in Germany can expect to make anywhere from $1,100 to $2,250 per month on average. Freelance educators, depending on their level of expertise and experience, can charge
anywhere from $14 to $45 an hour. International schools pay their teachers between $2,500 and $5,000 per year for certified teachers with a bachelor’s degree.
Common advantages for teachers
Teachers of English who are legally employed in Germany are eligible for the national health insurance program.
Even though most jobs do not provide housing or other benefits, a teacher in Germany can get by just fine on their annual salary.
Average German Cost of Living
Cities like Berlin have a higher cost of living than other parts of Germany. Monthly costs, however, are manageable for a teacher’s salary, especially when compared to the rest of the EU.
Although everyone has their own particular monthly spending habits, the following are some common ones:
Prices range from $160 to $250 monthly USD for food.
Cost of transportation: $50 – $100 monthly
Expenditures on amusement: $75 – $150 US monthly
Cost of housing ranges from $300 to $500 per month (USD) for a shared room (varies by city).
Cost of utilities: $50 – $100 monthly
Programs to Teach English in Germany
Fulbright – Fulbright could be a great way to get started if you’re an American student with a desire to teach in Germany. Primary and secondary school options are available in Germany.
DAAD Scholarships – Join the network of 1,000 foreign students who come to Germany to work as foreign-language assistants (FLA). Those who are chosen to participate join host schools, where they work alongside native language subject specialists.
Internships
Internships are widely regarded as the best way to gain practical experience and insight into the field of English language teaching in a variety of international contexts.
Internships at the TEFL Academy
Internship opportunities in the field of English language instruction are available to interested students at the TEFL Academy (TEFL). Students who have earned their TEFL certificates are eligible to apply for these internships.
Premier TEFL internships
Internships with Premier TEFL can be taken at any time of year and in any location. Students can gain insight into the TEFL field, make connections with other professionals, and develop expertise that will serve them well in their future careers as EFL educators.
Internships at the Irish TEFL Institute
Internships in teaching are available at a variety of levels and locations through the TEFL Institute of Ireland. Interns will be allowed to participate in all aspects of running an English language school, providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the industry worldwide.
Where to Look for English teaching jobs in Germany
The following are just a few of Go Overseas’ many teaching opportunities in Germany. Tes is a good resource for finding direct-hire positions at foreign academies. Positions in which English is taught typically require a relevant degree and teaching experience.
When to apply for English teaching jobs in Germany
It is best to apply early for any positions you are interested in, including English teaching jobs in Germany. Teachers from other countries will likely have to compete with native-born Germans for jobs in Germany’s public school system.
Most universities and public schools start their academic years in October, while the latter start in August or September.
How is it to live and teach English in Germany?
If you’re planning on teaching English as a foreign language abroad, you must familiarize yourself with the local customs and norms of the classroom. These may differ significantly from what you’re used to back home.
Teachers of English as a Second Language (TESL) should be patient and kind as they adjust to their new classroom.
School and workplace norms
Germany has one of the best educational systems anywhere. Early specialization in children’s learning necessitates consistent high-quality instruction.
Specialized adult centers in Germany make it possible for people of all ages to continue their education.
Classroom etiquette in Germany is generally polite, orderly, and productive. Teachers need to take into account not only the learning culture but also the learning preferences of individual students when designing lessons.
Teachers in Germany may find themselves part of a collaborative yet formal work culture, though this will vary depending on the type of school they are employed in.
Everything from interactions to teaching strategies to lesson plans is typically carried out in a methodical, methodical, and planned manner.
However, the value of an approach to experiential learning may vary depending on context. Teachers often take advantage of their free time to socialize with one another outside of the classroom.
Advice on proper culture and behavior
Tips and smoking customs are the two most perplexing aspects of American culture for visitors from other countries. Except in the case of a very large group, tips are already factored into the bill, so you can just round up to the nearest euro.
Public smoking has been banned in Germany, but the laws regarding smoking in bars and restaurants vary from federal to federal.
The German people have a reputation for being extremely diligent and productive; they are not known to take naps or arrive late to work. Its public transportation system is particularly punctual, which is something to keep in mind if you’re ever running late for a weekend train.
The German greeting and farewell handshake are typically direct and formal. Germans place a premium on rule-following, and even minor infractions like jaywalking can result in social stigma.
Conclusion
It might seem hard to find a job in Germany where you can use your English skills. However, evidence and personal experience indicate that success is possible if you put in the effort to learn the language and find a job in Germany.
You’re more likely to find English-speaking jobs in Germany if you look at tech companies, startups, or the digital department of a big company.
Also, don’t be afraid to send your CV to German job postings and ask if the job is available in English.
Even if you don’t have to speak German at work, it’s still a good idea to learn the basics. If you’re going to live here for a long time, you should learn the language.
Like in any other country, the only way to understand the people and their habits is to be a part of them, which means you have to learn German.
FAQ
Is Germany in need of an English Teacher?
Yes, there is a need for English teachers in Germany. In Germany, an ESL teacher is likely to find work in September and October and then again in January. Most jobs English teaching jobs in Germany are in private language schools and institutes, but there is a large market in Germany for private English lessons.
Is it difficult to get English Teaching jobs in Germany?
You need the right qualifications to teach English in Germany. There is a strong preference for those with a bachelor’s degree, although it is not essential. Getting a TEFL certificate will make it easier for you to find a job as a TEFL teacher in Germany.
What qualifications do l need to teach English in Germany?
A bachelor’s degree and a TEFL or CELTA certification are typically required for teaching jobs in Germany. Depending on the employment, you may need teaching experience as well.
Are teachers in Germany paid well?
Those who teach English to speakers of other languages in Germany can expect to earn a median hourly wage of €18.61. To learn more about how much an ESL instructor makes per hour in your area, visit and enter your ZIP code into PayScale.
Which country pays English teachers the best
South Korea; They pay $1,150-$2,650 USD monthly
China pays $1,200-$2,600 USD monthly
Japan pays $1,700-$2,600 USD monthly
Taiwan pays $2,000-$3,000 USD a monthly
Gulf Arab States pay $2,000-$5,000 USD a monthly
Source; internationalteflacademy.com
How much is the rent in Germany?
Germany’s rental market can be competitive, especially in the country’s larger cities. The cost of renting a home or apartment in Germany is rising annually, especially in the country’s largest cities and metropolitan areas.
Germany’s property market remains relatively inexpensive compared to the rest of Europe, despite this.
The average rent in Germany is 9,82 EUR per square meter in 2022. On average, a single person in Germany occupies just 68 square feet. This results in a rent of roughly 667 EUR, which is below the national average of 700 EUR for a one-bedroom flat.
In Germany, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around €700 per month or €9.82 per square meter.
The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment is 1,000 EUR in the city center and 700 EUR on the outskirts.
One may live well here with a monthly income of 2,000 EUR after taxes and social security payments. As a single person, rent will take up about 37% of your income; but, depending on where you live (Munich vs. Leipzig), that number can rise to 45-50%.
