Why Germany? 

There’s so much more to Germany than beer and sausages (although no trip is quite the same without a stein and a plate of Bratwurst). The country is much more diverse than old stereotypes suggest, mixing time-honoured traditions with multicultural modernism. 

There’s a vibrant international art and music scene in Berlin, enchanting forests in the west, stunning cathedrals, and golden beaches in the north. 

Salary 

Teachers in Germany can expect to earn a comfortable living wage, as the average salary for teaching in the country is between $2,500 and $4,800 a month. 

While housing is not provided in the majority of positions, teachers will receive assistance and resources to help with finding accommodation, which shouldn’t be a problem given the decent compensation on offer.

Find out more about...

• Teaching in China
• Teaching in Dubai
• Teaching in Egypt

Academic requirements

International schools in Germany, of which there are more than 50, usually require teachers to hold a valid teaching license in their home state or country, as well as previous classroom teaching experience. 

University requirements can vary, though experienced licensed teachers are preferred. 

Some schools will also require that you have a basic grasp of German, even if you’re teaching English, so you’re able to make connections between German and English while teaching and easily communicate with colleagues. 

It’s also worth noting that finding a teaching job in Germany might be a difficult task, as roles are generally competitive across private and public settings; recent figures show that there has been an increase of 61.6 per cent in the last 10 years in the number of foreign teachers in Germany.

Cost of living

Teachers working in international schools will often find themselves in larger urban centres such as Berlin or Frankfurt, where you’ll find all of the advantages of a well-developed European country - efficient transport, excellent healthcare and high quality of life. 

However, as with most major cities, the cost of accommodation is generally high (around £670 per month on average), although Germany’s overall cost of living is generally very affordable - groceries and travel are generally cheaper than in the UK.

It’s recommended that teachers try to save enough to bring at least one to two months of living expenses before moving to Germany.

Culture

While living in Germany is unlikely to differ too much to the UK, it’s important you play by the country’s rules. 

For example, always wait for the traffic light to go green before crossing the road, as the country strongly disapproves of jaywalking. And if you’re planning to ride a bicycle, you always need to have a back and front light for safety reasons; being caught without could result in hefty fines.    

Being on time for appointments is also part of the German etiquette; there is no such thing as being fashionably late. 

The view from a teacher in Germany

Aisha Kristiansen, educational technology integrator at BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School: 

“Teaching and living in the heart of Germany is one of the best decisions I have ever made. Berlin provides a gateway to Europe, allowing for a diverse range of cultural experiences. 

“Teaching qualifications are the same as in many other countries around the world, requiring an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in education, with master’s degrees adding a further dimension to your teaching expertise.

“Professional learning opportunities are extensive, particularly working in an International Baccalaureate school like BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School. These experiences include both attending and facilitating professional workshops, with many locations just a short plane or train trip away. 

“While renting in Berlin can be slightly difficult in regards to price and availability, the cost of living is extremely low. English is widely spoken in the capital, although basic knowledge of German does assist when navigating the bureaucratic system.

“International schools in Germany have strong human resources departments that support teachers making the transition from another country - both EU and non-EU. 

“Overall, teaching in Germany has allowed me to grow professionally and personally, while providing outstanding cultural experiences for my family.”