Meet David De’ Ath, founder, editor, and writer at Wonderful World English. With his extensive background as an English teacher, David provides valuable insights and practical tips on ESL for students and teachers alike.
Germany is renowned for its fairy-tale castles, industriousness, and efficiency and is at the forefront of some of the world’s most exciting innovations.
It is, therefore, no surprise that Germany boasts a solid educational system and has a relatively high level of English proficiency.
There are many great reasons why educators move to Germany to live and teach English.
Whether it’s the incredible history and culture, the friendly people, or the incredible architecture, Germany can be a very enriching country to reside in.
If you are an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher looking to teach in Germany or are simply curious, you’re in the right place!
Teaching English in Germany can be achieved by following these steps. First, applicants must hold the right qualifications. This means having a bachelor’s degree in any subject and a relevant teaching qualification such as a TEFL. Next, applicants must find a teaching position and complete the visa process to work in the country legally.
I am an experienced ESL teacher and know first-hand the requirements for applying to move to a foreign country.
Today we will explore the necessary steps required to teach English in Germany.
Let’s dive in!
How to Become an ESL Teacher in Germany
English is the world’s lingua franca and is recognized as the most important language in global business, tourism, and academia.
This means that countries with higher levels of English proficiency tend to have more economic opportunities.
On top of increased opportunity, many aspects of English-speaking cultures are fascinating to Germans, not least in history and entertainment.
With this demand for English proficiency, there is a correlating demand for ESL teachers in Germany!
Germany isn’t as famed for employing English teachers as other European countries like Spain, but there are still plenty of opportunities available for those who meet the proper criteria.
Now let’s take a closer look at what is required to teach English in Germany:
1. The German Education System
Familiarizing oneself with the German education system can help you better understand German students.
English is mandatory from primary school, and many Germans have a good command of the language.
The Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs is the oldest conference of ministers in Germany and plays a significant role as an instrument for the coordination and development of education in the country.
Kmk.org
We will focus on three major stages of the German education system:
Primary Education (Students aged 6 to 10)
Primary schools in Germany are known as Grundschulen.
This is the mandatory entry-level education for German children that starts at the age of six and ends at the age of 10 (except in Berlin and Brandenburg, where primary education lasts until 12).
A typical week for a primary school student in Germany will have around 25 classes that last up to 45 minutes per session.
The main goal of primary school in Germany is to allow students to develop an essential understanding of major subjects, including German, maths, and science.
Many regions will introduce English at this level.
Germany also has International Schools that offer primary education with bilingual lessons in multiple languages, including European Schools.
Secondary Education (Students aged 10 to 18)
Once German students have completed their primary education, they will graduate from secondary school.
Secondary education in Germany is divided into the lower secondary level called “Sekundarstufe I” and the upper secondary level called “Sekundarstufe II.”
Lower secondary education is provided to students until the age of 16 and acts as a continuation of their primary education and prepares them for upper secondary education.
Upper secondary education is intended for students aged 16-18 who have completed lower secondary.
At this level, German students will work to obtain the necessary qualifications to enter university.
Higher Education
Once students have completed their secondary education, they can be eligible to apply for university, which is known as Universitäten.
Universities in Germany are widely respected and provide higher education to German students and international students.
German higher education institutions provide a wide range of study courses, including in English.
Germany recognizes the importance of English and seeks to attract talent from around the world to their universities.
2. Qualifications
In order to teach English in Germany, it is paramount for applicants to meet the right requirements.
It is usually to hold a bachelor’s degree in any subject.
Those holding degrees in a related field, such as English or education, will be held in higher regard by schools.
On top of this, applicants will be expected to hold a relevant teaching qualification, such as a TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) certificate.
It is important to note that those holding degrees in education may not be expected to possess a TEFL because they will be considered already qualified to teach English, but this will differ depending on the institution’s requirements.
You will want to get this done if you don’t yet have a teaching qualification.
TEFL is the most common ESL teaching qualification that employers look for.
Check out the article below for more information on this:
Related Article: Is TEFL Worth It? The Pros and Cons of TEFL Certificates
3. English Proficiency
Another crucial requirement for ESL teachers in Germany is to have a firm understanding of the English language.
This may seem like a given and not so applicable to native speakers; anyone for whom English isn’t their first language will likely need to provide evidence of their English fluency.
Those holding passports from native-speaking countries, such as the U.S., U.K., Canada, etc., will be held in higher regard.
For non-natives, standardized tests such as the Cambridge English exams or the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) evaluate English proficiency.
4. Legal Requirements
Once applicants hold the right qualifications and meet the criteria, they can apply for teaching positions in Germany.
Schools will often help with this process.
For Non-EU Citizens
Non-EU citizens will have a few more hoops to jump through before being able to work in Germany legally.
Applicants will be required to obtain a work permit and a residence visa.
Requirements for these permits will differ depending on an applicant’s nationality and individual circumstances.
Once a school has accepted an applicant’s offer, it can launch the process to get a visa.
Applicants will be expected to provide the following:
- Valid Passport
- Employment contract
- Proof of qualifications
- Criminal background check
Generally, after receiving your contract, you’ll be able to set up residency in Germany by confirming your address, opening a bank account, and getting health insurance.
Afterward, you’ll be able to submit your application for a work visa. In most cases, your new employer will help you to navigate the process of applying for the appropriate visa. It may take between one to three months to get approved.
Gooverseas.com
For EU Citizens
This process for citizens of the EU is much simpler.
If an applicant is a citizen of an EU member state, they will have the right to live and work in Germany without a work permit or visa.
Applicants should still register their presence with local authorities and get a residence permit if they plan on staying in the country for an extended period.
If you move your place of residence to Germany permanently, you must register your new address at the registration office for your place of residence in Germany within 2 weeks of moving in, just like nationals.
Press and Information Office of the Federal Government
Italy and France are two popular European countries where demand for ESL teachers exists.
Check out the articles below for more information!
Related Articles:
How to Teach English in Italy – All You Need to Know
How to Teach English in France? – All You Need to Know
Finding Teaching Opportunities in Germany
There are various popular avenues for finding teaching opportunities in Germany.
Remember, before applying for a teaching position, have all your documents ready, have an updated CV, and be prepared for the interview process.
Let’s take a look at these in more detail:
1. Language Schools
Plenty of privately owned language schools in Germany require English teachers to come and offer their services at the institution.
These are the largest employers of ESL teachers in Germany, which is the most popular option for inexperienced English teachers.
Students can range from young children whose parents want them to get a head-start in their English learning journey to adult learners looking to refine their English to boost career prospects.
These positions are typically flexible, with classes mainly on evenings and weekends.
Language schools tend to pay by the hour, and teachers could expect to earn between €2,000 to €3,000 per month.
You should check out online job boards and websites to find a position at a German language school.
Many language schools post job openings on Teachaway.com or check out German portals such as StepStone.de.
It can also be a great idea to network with schools and teachers in Germany on platforms like LinkedIn.
They can point you in the right direction and possibly refer you if you meet the proper criteria.
2. Public Schools
Public school positions can be great options for English teachers.
Many schools will expect their teachers to be able to communicate in German, however, so it’s important to check a school’s requirements when applying.
These schools tend to be very stable positions and boast long, fully paid summer holidays!
From children learning their abc’s in a Bavarian elementary school to high school graduates at a Bremen grammar school, a teacher’s salary and career prospects depends on where and who they teach. There are often drastic differences between school types and federal states.
Academics.com
Teachers can expect to earn between €2,600 to over €4,000 per month.
Applicants can check job portals online to apply for a public school in Germany.
Some popular platforms include Lehrer-Online.de and Stellenwerk.de.
Check for ESL or English teaching positions and follow the instructions for application.
3. International Schools
Another option for ESL teachers in Germany is the international school route.
However, it’s important to note that these schools will seek to employ experienced teachers who speak German, so if you’re starting your ESL teaching journey, this may be a difficult option for you to pursue.
These positions can have a high workload but are considered among the most prestigious and offer higher salaries.
International schools in Germany usually require teachers to hold a valid teaching license in their home state or country, as well as previous classroom teaching experience.
Teachaway.com
International Schools in Germany typically pay between €2,600 to over €4,400 per month.
To find positions at international schools in Germany, applicants should research and visit the school’s website they are interested in.
Many international schools will advertise job openings on their websites.
Some reputable job portals, such as Search Associates, are also dedicated to international school positions.
4. Universities
Another promising avenue for ESL teachers in their journey is the university route.
These positions can be difficult to find compared to the others, but universities offer some great opportunities for English teachers.
Much like public and international schools, teachers may be required to speak German and have prior experience.
But it doesn’t mean opportunities aren’t available for those not meeting the above criteria.
University teachers can be expected to earn between €3,000 to €4,500 per month.
To find ESL positions at German universities, applicants can visit the websites of the universities they are interested in and go to the career/employment section.
Applicants can also check out reputable job portals such as HigherEdJobs and Academic Positions to see available positions.
Check out the video below for this information in video form:
Tips for Teaching English in Germany
Here are some great tips for anyone wanting to get out and teach in Germany:
1. Learn German
First and foremost, learning the German language will open many doors for English teachers.
As mentioned above, international and public schools and universities will prioritize bilingual ESL teachers who speak German.
Germany is one of the world’s largest economies and is rich in culture and history, so it can be an enriching experience for anyone who takes the time to learn the language.
It will also help with teaching, as teachers can better explain concepts and meanings to their students if they don’t have a high level of English proficiency.
2. Immerse Yourself in the Culture
Germany is rich in wonder and beauty, so the opportunity to explore this should not be missed!
There is something for everyone, from the incredible castles to the outstanding natural beauty.
Getting out and absorbing the culture will be an excellent experience for anyone wanting to refine their mindset and will also provide great opportunities to learn the language.
This will also greatly aid a teacher’s effectiveness in the classroom, as they can incorporate German customs and history into their lessons, making them more engaging and enjoyable for German students.
Conclusion
In conclusion, teaching in Germany can be a wonderful experience for anyone who wants to explore and immerse themselves in this European country.
It can be more difficult to find positions in Germany than in other countries, but opportunities still exist, and applicants should remain patient and persistent.
Teachers will be expected to hold the right qualifications, such as a TEFL or another relevant teaching qualification.
A degree will also be desirable.
Experienced and bilingual teachers who speak English and German will be considered the cream of the crop.
The best opportunities for new teachers will be in language institutions.
It’s important to research positions online and reach out to potential employers to seek their requirements and advice on how to meet them.
Teachers can provide an enriching and impactful learning experience for German students seeking to enhance their English language skills.
We hope this guide has helped you better understand what is required to teach English in Germany.
Good luck on your journey!
Image Attribution: All images licensed via canva.com
