Germany
Guide to Teaching English In Germany: How to Get Your First Teaching Job, TESOL Certification, Insurance, and Work Visa
Why Germany
Why Germany is the best country in Europe for teaching English abroad.
Why teach English in Germany? Germany is the best European country for teaching English abroad because there are plenty of job opportunities in many different cities, ESL wages are high, and it is relatively easy for non-EU citizens to get the work permit as a freelance ESL teacher.
Germany has a large and prosperous ESL market, which means plenty of jobs that pay well. Finding an ESL teaching job in Germany is easy because there are large organizations such as Berlitz and Inlingua, lots of small language schools in every city, major organizations that offer in-company Business English lessons, and even art schools that offer lessons in English.
If you are an EU citizen, you can just move to Germany and start working right away. For Canadian and American ESL teachers, getting the visa is the most complicated step — luckily, Germany is the most flexible country in Europe when it comes to issuing the work-visa to non-EU citizens.
Job Market
Germany’s ESL job market is driven by Business English and corporate lessons.
As Europe’s economic engine, Germany offers the best ESL teaching jobs on the continent. Many of the world’s largest multinational corporations have substantial operations in Germany. Business English lessons are in high demand in and around commercial parks where these businesses are situated.
TEYL (Teaching English to Young Learners) is also a large market. Many public schools offer their curriculum in English, and plenty of private ESL institutes have spread throughout the country.
Germany is one of the top destinations for non-EU teachers from North America and Australia because it is one of the few countries that provides work permits to those who have already obtained a job. Many non-EU teachers travel to Germany as tourists, apply for jobs, and then apply for the freelance work permit once hired.
Salary
Germany pays the highest ESL wages in the EU.
Although taxes are high for freelance teachers, wages are the highest in all of the EU. It is common for new teachers to earn €20 per hour, with Business English instructors earning between €30 and €40 per hour.
| Market Segment | Typical Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level language schools | €20/hr | Berlitz, Inlingua, and independent schools in every city |
| Business English (corporate) | €30–€40/hr | In-company lessons at multinational corporations |
| TEYL (young learners) | ~€20–€25/hr | Public schools and private institutes — a large market |
| Private one-to-one lessons | €25–€40/hr | Popular side income for established teachers |
How to Immigrate as a Non-EU Teacher
Your two work-visa routes to teach English in Germany.
Start your adventure by contacting the German embassy closest to your city for more information. In general, this is what North American teachers do:
Youth Mobility Agreement Visa (Canadians, 18–35)
Canada only
Canadian citizens between the age of 18 and 35 are eligible for the Youth Mobility Agreement Visa, which allows candidates to work in Germany for a maximum of one year.
This visa allows you to start teaching English as soon as you arrive and keep your savings for leisure. If you want to stay longer than a year, you will have to apply for the freelance teaching visa.
Tourist Visa → Freelance Work Permit (US & other non-EU)
Most flexible in EU
US citizens can enter Germany with a tourist visa and stay for 3 months. This is enough time to procure employment — most teachers aim to secure an ESL position within the first 2 months and then apply for the freelance teaching visa. You will need to bring enough savings to support yourself for 1 to 3 months, but you can save time and money if you plan accordingly.
To get the freelance teaching visa you will need to go to the “foreigner’s office” (Ausländerbehörde) in the city where you are established. The process is very bureaucratic and all the forms are in German. Bring all your documentation:
- Your passport
- A notarized copy of your university degree and transcripts
- 3 recommendation letters
- Your notarized TESOL / TEFL certificate
- A bank statement showing at least €3,000 (highly recommended)
You can start the application process before procuring employment, but you will likely need to show proof of having a teaching job awaiting your work visa. In short, you will have to show the Ausländerbehörde that you are qualified for the job you are pursuing and that you can support yourself until your first paycheque.
⚠️ Your TESOL certificate must be notarized
The freelance teaching visa application requires a notarized TESOL / TEFL certificate. OnTESOL certificates are recognized by TESL Canada and accredited by ACCET, so they meet the German Ausländerbehörde’s credential standards — you simply need to have your certificate notarized in your home country before you travel.
Bring a bank statement showing at least €3,000 to demonstrate you can support yourself until your first paycheque.
How to Apply
Finding your first English teaching job in Germany.
Finding an English teaching job in Germany is easy. Search for schools in your area and apply for the best jobs that your qualifications and experience afford. You can find a list of schools on your OnTESOL account, Google “ESL school in Germany,” or search the local phone guide.
Send your CV, cover letter, and a portfolio of lesson plans (if you have one) directly to the Director of Studies and follow up by phone to secure an interview.
Being proficient in German is not required for teaching English, but some schools prefer to hire teachers who have a basic level of German. Since you are going to be teaching the English language and learning about CLT methods in your TESOL certification course, it is useful to take German lessons to better understand language acquisition from the perspective of the language learner.
Best Cities
The best cities to teach English in Germany.
Germany’s ESL market is strong in every major city. Choose based on the kind of lifestyle you want, the type of teaching you’re looking for, and the mix of industries in each region.
Munich
Bavaria · Industry · Oktoberfest
Munich is a city of folklore and traditions. Home to world-class industries, Munich is a dynamic city known for great musical and cultural events. This is a great city for teaching English in Germany because there are lots of jobs available in every segment and plenty of activities to do all year round — perfect for both young and mature ESL teachers. Munich is home to some of the best local breweries in the world and is the best place to spend Oktoberfest.
Teach English in Munich →Berlin
Capital · Arts · Nightlife
As the second largest city in Europe, Berlin offers plenty of jobs in General English, Business English, and TEYL. Berlin provides a great social scene to young ESL teachers — enjoy a diverse architectural landscape and a great variety of entertaining activities, from museums and art galleries to jammed cafes and nightclubs.
Teach English in Berlin →Bochum
Ruhr region · Business English · Industry
Known for great theatres and festivals, Bochum is the cultural and traditional center of the Ruhr region. It became an important player in the German economy when steel and coal mining industries started to thrive in the 19th century. Today, Bochum is home to big businesses that include Opel and RIM — a great city for teaching Business English. Job opportunities are available in every ESL sector. Nearby Dortmund is another great option in the Ruhr region.
Teach English in Bochum →Cologne
Roman history · Active lifestyle · Mild winters
The Romans founded Cologne in 38 BC and the city is very rich in architecture, history, and entertainment. This is a great city for young ESL teachers. As the fourth-largest city in Germany, Cologne offers great job opportunities and a very active lifestyle. ESL teachers in Cologne enjoy the mildest winters and nice hot summers too.
Freiburg
Black Forest · Greenest city · Medieval
Freiburg is the greenest city in the world. This medieval city has an extensive pedestrian zone and 80% of people use public transportation. Solar energy use is very high in Germany in general, but it is the highest in Freiburg. There aren’t many ESL schools in this small city of approximately 300,000 people, but Freiburg offers a truly unique experience for those who want to teach English in Germany.