As it turns out, many foreigners living and working in Germany do not speak German. This shows that working in another country without knowing the language is indeed possible. In this article, we will present a list of industries.
Work in Germany Without Knowing the Language
Salaries in Germany
In 2024, the minimum wage in Germany is 12.41 EUR gross per hour. Interestingly, there is currently a debate in Germany to increase this rate to 14 EUR. Let’s take a look at the current average salaries* in various industries:
| Occupation/Industry | Average Gross Salary |
| Production | 14,00 EUR |
| Warehouse Work | 14,00 EUR |
| Forklift Operator | 16,00 EUR |
| Assembler | 12,41-22,00 EUR |
| Picker | 14,00 EUR |
| Painter | 13,50 EUR |
| Carpenter | 13,50 EUR |
| Driver/Courier | 12,50 EUR |
*The rates are based on job offers published on europa.jobs.
Important! We emphasize that the level of salary is influenced, among other factors, by knowledge of the German language. Communication is one of the key elements in almost every industry. It should be considered that not knowing the language significantly limits the choice of job opportunities.
Is it possible to work in Germany without knowing the language?
Germany is constantly looking for workers, and knowledge of the German language is undoubtedly an important factor that facilitates integration into the labor market. Of course, for skilled workers, knowledge of the language is required, especially in medical, engineering, or IT professions. However, in the case of seasonal work (greenhouses/fieldwork, etc.) or lower-skilled jobs, language knowledge becomes less important because employers are eager to hire a large number of workers as quickly as possible.
Many employment agencies hire foreigners in the construction, manufacturing, or warehouse industries. In this case, language knowledge will also not be as crucial. Furthermore, it is quite common that the employer is also an immigrant, who assists at every stage of employment and residence in Germany.
It is our duty to mention that the lack of knowledge of the German language can lead to complications at various stages of working in Germany. What should you keep in mind?
- Salary is usually lower
- Limited career development opportunities
- All formalities related to staying in Germany are conducted exclusively in German
- Recruitment interviews for higher positions are most often conducted in German
- Establishing new contacts is more difficult
Work in Germany without knowledge of the language – industry list
Returning to the topic of working in Germany without knowledge of the German language, it is useful to highlight a list of industries where employment can certainly be found:
- Horticulture/Harvesting
- Work in greenhouses
- Manufacturing
- Warehouse work
- Butchery
- Construction (most often manual labor)
- Hospitality/Hotels
- Courier
- Cleaning
Additionally, we provide information for Ukrainian citizens:
Due to the war in Ukraine, Germany has introduced special regulations to facilitate access to the job market for Ukrainian citizens (the so-called “Ukrainian temporary protection status”).
Special status for refugees and temporary protection status
- Legal residence and work in Germany for up to 3 years.
- Equal access to the labor market without the need to apply for additional work permits.
Temporary protection status provides access to social benefits, such as refugee assistance.
Work permit for Ukrainian citizens – normal procedures
If a Ukrainian citizen does not have protection status and wants to work legally in Germany, they are subject to the standard immigration procedure:
- Work visa
- EU Blue Card
- Work permit
Seasonal work permit
The period of work is usually limited to six months, and the job must be in an industry where there is a shortage of workers.
Types of jobs available for Ukrainians
- For individuals with higher education (e.g., engineers, doctors, IT specialists).
- For individuals with basic education or no specialized qualifications, such as jobs in services, construction, agriculture.
- Seasonal work: In agriculture, horticulture, tourism, or other seasonal industries.
It is recommended that Ukrainian citizens who wish to work in Germany contact the appropriate immigration authorities to obtain information regarding their situation.
In conclusion, finding work in Germany without knowing the language is definitely possible! For seasonal work, there is no need to worry about the language barrier at all. However, for a longer stay in Germany, it is worth considering learning the German language from scratch.
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