This guide shows you how to find an English-speaking job in Berlin.
For more information about the German job market, work culture, resumes and more, read this guide.
Where to look for English-speaking jobs
Job boards for English-speaking jobs ➞
Industries that hire English speakers in Berlin
Tech jobs
Tech companies and startups often have English-speaking offices. Hundreds of tech businesses hire English speakers in Berlin. If you are a software developer, it’s very easy to find an English-speaking job in Berlin. Most software developers in Berlin work in English. These companies often have customer service jobs too.
How to find a tech job in Berlin ➞
Tourism
The tourism industry needs English-speaking tour guides, hostel staff, counsellors etc. In many cases, you also need to speak German, but there are many exceptions.
Food delivery
Food delivery companies like Lieferando, Wolt, Getir and Gorillas hire delivery people who don’t speak German.
Gastronomy
Some bars, coffee shops and restaurants hire employees who don’t speak German. Most of them require you to speak German, but there are many exceptions.
Customer service
Customer service jobs usually require you to speak one or more language, but not necessarily German. Many call centres are looking for English, French and Spanish-speaking employees in Berlin. You can also look for customer support jobs at startups, since many of them offer customer support in English.
Social media and writing
Many businesses need English speakers and copywriters to manage their website and social media.
Teaching English in Berlin
If you want to teach English in Berlin, it is very hard. If you are not certified, and don’t speak German, it’s very hard.1 The local English teachers association (ELTABB) has more resources. You can also teach English online, but if you are self-employed, you might need to register as a freelancer.
You can also be an au pair. I know many au pairs who did not speak German when they started working in Germany.
Freelancing in English in Berlin
If you are self-employed, you can work for English-speaking clients in other countries. You can also find English-speaking clients in Berlin. This is easy for certain jobs like software development and IT.
If you need a freelance visa to work in Germany, you must have some German clients. If you don’t have clients in Germany, you will not get a freelance visa.
How to move to Berlin and become a freelancer ➞