Where German is dispensable
English is the working language in Berlin startups and in the international departments of large companies: technology, finance, consulting and science have entire teams operating in English, with workforces of dozens of nationalities.
Outside those environments, German matters much more. In the Mittelstand (medium-sized German industry), in administration, customer service or healthcare, German is practically essential. The rule of thumb: the more technical and international the role, the less German they will ask for.
Sectors with English-language openings
Those hiring most in English are technology (especially in Berlin, Munich and Hamburg), software and data engineering, science and research (German institutes publish and work in English), and finance in Frankfurt.
In hospitality and logistics you can find work with very basic German, especially in tourist cities, but the salary is close to the legal minimum: the Mindestlohn of €13.90 per hour gives about €2,400 per month full-time.
A highly sought-after profile: someone who speaks Spanish and English, with basic German, in international trade and customer service for Spanish-speaking clients within companies with markets in Spain and Latin America.
What they require for the language
For most roles, German is required at least at B1-B2 level of the Common European Framework. Technical profiles in international companies work with C1 English and no German certificate.
You do not need a German certificate to job hunt; what works is demonstrating your level in the interview and on your CV. If your company wants to relocate you to Germany, an intensive A2-B1 course beforehand makes a difference in adaptation and in the salary you negotiate.
How to find work in English
Job portals work the same: Indeed and StepStone are the most used, LinkedIn covers international profiles and XING the local network. Many English-language job ads are explicitly marked as such, so filter by language.
The German CV (Lebenslauf) is ordered chronologically, signed and dated, and usually includes a photo, date of birth and marital status. The cover letter (Anschreiben) is tailored to each job ad. For international roles, the process is conducted entirely in English.
Regulated professions such as healthcare, engineering or teaching require the Anerkennung, the recognition of qualifications by the Land, and in those sectors German remains a real requirement, with a minimum of B2 in healthcare.
Salaries and conditions with an English-language contract
The average German salary is around €48,000 gross per year; in technology and international finance, €60,000 to €90,000 for experienced profiles. Offers are expressed as gross annual salary paid in twelve instalments.
The usual probation period is six months, and health insurance is mandatory from day one. As a Spaniard you don't need permits: just the address registration (Anmeldung) when you arrive, which your employer or local adviser handles.
