Teach English in Germany

Would you like to teach English in Germany? Germany is a great choice for those looking to teach English abroad. There is a wealth of experiences with many vibrant cities and quiet backwaters. The transport system is superb, and those teaching English in Germany can earn a great wage. In addition, being located in the middle of Europe gives you a great base to explore other places in your time off, and on your doorstep, you will find skiing, cycling, adventure sports, hiking and more, or you can simply sit and watch the world go by when the weather is good.

English teachers in Germany mostly work self-employed and often work for a few schools over a week. Honorarvertrag is the most common route, and there is a high demand for teaching business English. Working freelance means declaring your income, paying taxes, and arranging your pension and insurance. 

Types of teaching jobs in Germany

If you are not part of the EU, you could find that English teaching jobs in Germany are pretty hard to find. It is a competitive area for both the public school system and the commercial sector. Teaching English in Germany does, however, offer a very good standard of living. So, if you have the right skill set and are determined to succeed, finding a position teaching English in Germany could be one of the best moves you have ever made.

International schools

Germany has many high-end private and international schools where teachers of English in Germany are required to be native speakers. These prestigious posts are pretty hard going, and you must be committed. You are unlikely to be able to secure one of these posts teaching English in Germany at an international private school unless you have a bachelor’s degree and experience.

State schools

There are many posts available teaching English in Germany in their state school system, which is similar to many others. It comprises a primary or elementary school for pupils aged 6 to 10 and then a secondary level school for children from 11 to 16. There are three distinct paths that secondary school-age children can choose, and depending on which path is chosen, they will spend a varying amount of time learning English. Teaching English in Germany in a state school requires you to have some flexibility as you may well be asked to take on other subjects.

Volkshochschulen

Volkshochschulen is the equivalent of night schools, basically aimed at adult education. You will find this establishment set up in most towns and cities, and they offer a varying range of courses for many different levels of learners making this a great place to teach English in Germany.

Private tutoring

Private tutoring is another option for teaching English in Germany. You will find people in your local area who are looking to improve their skills. Provided you are legally entitled to work in Germany, setting yourself up as a private tutor can be a great way to add to your income as an English teacher in Germany.

Language academies 

Language schools can be small businesses or part of a more extensive worldwide network. They teach English to students of all ages, from toddlers to adults, so your class may include students of various ages. These companies may hire EU nationals or people who already have working rights.

Where to teach English in Germany

You will find opportunities to teach English in Germany in many towns and cities, so before you start applying, it’s worth taking a look at the different lifestyle that is on offer depending on where you live. 

Berlin

As well as being the capital city, Berlin is well known for art. It is a great place to build a new business and has an international vibe that appeals to students and English teachers in Germany alike.

Munich

Possibly best known for being the home to Oktoberfest, Munich is a very cultural area; however, English teachers in Germany who choose to live in Munich will find that they are teaching adults, and there are fewer opportunities to work with children.

Frankfurt

In Frankfurt, you will find a significant adult population looking to improve their English skills because this has rapidly grown as a European financial centre. So if you enjoy teaching business English, this could be the perfect place.

Work Visas

If you are a non-EU citizen, you will require a working visa before accepting a paid position as an English teacher in Germany. You can work on a student visa, a formal work visa, or a working holiday visa, so it is good to research to see which fits your situation best. You will find it easier to get your visa application approved if you already have a job teaching English in Germany. In addition, you will need to have your contract in place, open a bank account and get the appropriate health insurance. Once all this is in place, you can submit your visa application which can take up to 3 months but is often complete within just one month.

Classroom culture

The education system in Germany is first-rate. This is why it is a popular location for English teachers abroad. Education is considered very important and begins at a young age and continues well into adulthood which is why night school is so popular.

As an English teacher in Germany, you should find that your pupils are very polite and used to working with order and productivity as their prerequisites. But, of course, you will find some differences in how students learn, so you should be prepared to tailor your lesson plans accordingly.

Generally, you will also find your colleagues are very welcoming and supportive. It is a formal workplace; therefore, teaching methods, planning and lessons, as well as peer-to-peer relationships, are very traditional and by the book. However, once the class is over, you will find that there is a strong social community, and you will be welcomed and encouraged to join in with other teachers for meals out, and other forms of socialising.

Culture and etiquette tips

There are a few cultural etiquette issues that you might find a little bit perplexing until you get used to them. Tipping is included in the bill unless you are at a huge party. Then, all you need to do is round up your final figure to the nearest euro. In public areas, smoking is banned all the way across Germany, but pubs and restaurants have their own rules that are set by the state.

You need to ensure that you have very good timekeeping as Germans are always punctual. Unlike some countries, they don’t seem to have any issues with their public transport running late. It is always on time. Generally, the nation is recognised for being very hard-working and efficient.

Shaking hands is the correct greeting when you meet someone or say goodbye. They are meticulous about observing rules, so jaywalking is something no one would do.