Live and work in Germany

Germany

Latest available jobs in Germany

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German speaking Collections Specialist – Berlin
Germany

Join our team in Berlin! We're seeking Collections Specialists with experience in customer service and debt management. Fluent in German and English. Full-time, hybrid working model. Competitive benefits. Send CV and cover letter in English.

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Swedish Collections Specialist – Berlin
Germany

Berlin, the ultimate European city for a weekend getaway, offers vibrant nightlife, rich history, and renowned museums. Join our fintech growth platform in Berlin as a Collections Specialist and enjoy a supportive team, career growth opportunities, and competitive benefits. Apply now!

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Finnish Collections Specialist in Berlin
Germany

We are seeking debt collection specialists (f/m/x) for our Berlin office. Join our regulated fintech platform, offering growth opportunities, a friendly atmosphere, and the option to work remotely or from the office. Fluent English and Finnish required.

Currency

The Euro (€) has been the official currency in Germany since 2002

Famous people

Some famous German people are Ludwig van Beethoven, Michael Schumacher and Heidi Klum

Population

Germany has ~83.2 million, residents, many living in Berlin and Hamburg

Typical food

Bratwurst, Schnitzel (breaded cutlet), Pretzel, Sauerkraut (cabbage), Schwarzerwálder Kirschtorte (black forest cake), Berliner (donut)

Avg. working week

Germany has a 36-40 hour work week. 7-8 hours daily, 5 days a week

Location

Germany is located in central Europe and borders e.g. Denmark, Poland, Austra, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands

Languages

The official language is German, and their alphabet is Latin script

Healthcare

German healthcare is of high quality and ranks high globally. Healthcare is partially free because of the social contributions to the public healthcare system

All you need to know about living and working in Germany

Germany has a lot to offer, both when it comes to culture and job opportunities. If you dream of a life with new experiences and the opportunity to get to know a new country and a new culture, Germany is a very good option. It’s versatile and you will find everything from vibrant city life in cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich to landscapes with magnificent forests, mountains and castles. Keep reading to learn more about working and living in Germany.

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Work culture in Germany

The Germans are known for their sense of order – “Ordnung muss sein”. This also applies to business etiquette where punctuality, courtesy and reliability are highly valued. They use the formal “They”, and negotiating partners will always speak to each other by last name and possibly professional title. It can be more bureaucratic to do business with Germans, but it is important to adhere to their procedures and to be punctual and well-prepared when invited to a meeting.

The degree of formality varies depending on the type of company you are in. A large, traditional company will be more formal than a young start-up, where the environment is often informal. The level of English is high among the younger Germans, but in negotiations it is always an advantage to be able to respond in German to build trust and avoid misunderstandings.

Work in Berlin

Germany is a desired destination for European expats to live in, which is why getting a job, especially in Berlin, might be challenging. However, the IT and healthcare fields tend to be always requesting new employees, so if you specialise in some of these it will be easier for you to land a job in Berlin.

Taxes in Germany

If you want to stay to work and live in Germany, it is mandatory to register your address in the local citizens office (Bürgeramt) in order to get an ID. You have to do this within the first 14 days after your arrival. Taxes in Germany goes from 0% to 45% of the annual income.

Popular cities in Germany

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Life in Germany

You can explore historical sites, such as castles, museums, and landmarks. Enjoy the streets of Berlin or Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria. Nature lovers can hike in the beautiful Black Forest, bikwe along the Rhine River, or enjoy the lakes in Bavaria. And of course: taste traditional sausages at a beer garden, eat a pretzel at the famous Oktoberfest, or try pastries like the Black Forest cake. Pair these  with a beer brewed according to the Reinheitsgebot (Beer Purity Law), a testament to Germany’s beer culture.

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Basic facts about Germany

Germany has the largest population in the EU: a total of 83 million people. The country has an area of 357,500 square metres and is divided into 16 states, the so-called Bundesländer, which each have their own capital and extensive autonomy. Worldwide, Germany is the fourth largest economy. Germany borders the Baltic and North Seas, Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Austra, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands. The capital city is Berlin.

Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and reunification in 1990, the differences between East and West Berlin have gradually diminished. But both economically and culturally there are still differences between the eastern and western parts of the formerly divided country.

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German history is known by most people and contains several gloomy chapters. However, Germany is also known for its way of managing and disseminating history, and in Berlin you will find many monuments and memorials from World War II, just as many museums deal with the subject. In Berlin’s cityscape, history is constantly present in the form of remnants of the Berlin Wall, “stumbling blocks” of brass in the sidewalk in front of houses where Jewish residents fell victim to the Holocaust and much more.

Culturally, Germany has plenty to offer, and the country is prominent in areas such as philosophy, music and film. The size of the country offers great variations in customs and traditions, and you will have completely different experiences in Northern Germany compared to Southern Germany. Northern Germany is generally very similar to Denmark and Nordic culture, while in southern Germany you clearly feel that you are closer to southern Europe. This is also where you will find the famous Oktoberfest, which every year attracts guests from all over the world.

How to find housing and work in Germany

Start from home when you need to find housing in Germany. There are numerous websites and groups where you can start your search – e.g. the website WG-gesucht, where you can find apartments and housing associations, where you live with others in a so-called Wohngemeinschaft. Prices vary, depending on which city you choose, but the cost of living is generally a little lower in Germany than in Nordic countries, as you pay less in taxes and VAT.

Germany is Denmark’s most important trading partner, and therefore you as a Dane will be able to find jobs for Danish companies in Germany. In the larger cities, there are also international environments with many start-ups and jobs in IT, customer service, marketing, etc.

When you arrive in Germany, you must report your arrival to the citizen service. Here you also get a tax ID, which must be used when you have to pay tax on your income and every time you are in contact with your tax office (Finanzamt).

Where to learn German?

If you’re planning to stay longer in Germany, we encourage you to learn the language, to get more into their customs and traditions, plus they will appreciate your efforts to blend in. On this website, you can find affordable alternatives to learn German. You can also download apps like Duolingo on your phone and practice anywhere for free.

Typical German food 

Northern German dishes include potatoes and coarse vegetables, sourdough bread, smoked products and open sandwiches. In southern Germany, people often eat dumplings instead of potatoes, and soup is a popular choice.

Of course, the Germans are also crazy about schnitzels, sauerkraut and currywurst, but especially in the big cities, the influence from the rest of the world is also noticeable due to the large immigration that has been to Germany over time. It provides a versatile culinary environment, and especially in diverse Berlin, you can try food from around the world if you choose to live and work here.

Still not convinced about Germany?

Living in Germany is ideal if you want to expand your cultural horizons and have many job opportunities. Especially in Berlin you can get a real big city adventure with a diverse and interesting city, history, and culture. You can benefit from world-class universities, comprehensive healthcare systems, and a strong focus on environmental consciousness.

Germany is also known for its beer gardens, festivals, and vibrant nightlife, providing opportunities to socialise and experience the local culture. Additionally, the country offers a variety of recreational sports, including football, skiing, and water sports, to keep you active and entertained. Berlin also has more bridges than Venice, making it a city of waterways and hidden corners waiting to be discovered. And you know that Germany is the birthplace of the automobile? Take a drive on the picturesque roads of the Black Forest or visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart to trace the history of automotive engineering.

You can also immerse yourself in the arts and culture scene that Germany is famous for. Enjoy world-class opera performances at the iconic Semperoper in Dresden or visit the fairy-tale Neuschwanstein Castle, which inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. With over 6,000 museums, you’ll never run out of opportunities to indulge your artistic side.

If you are a nature enthusiast you will also be fascinated by Germany’s diverse landscapes. From the dramatic cliffs of the Baltic Sea to the picturesque Bavarian Alps, outdoor adventures await at every corner. Hike through the mystical Black Forest, cycle along the Rhine River, or relax in one of the many parks across the country.

FAQ

No, you do not need a work permit if you are an EU/EEA/Switzerland citizen. You just need to go to the town hall (Einwohnermeldeamt or Bürgeramt) to register your residence in Germany.

Germany has various weather because of the great area it covers. Generally there is a temperate climate, which provides warm summers and cold winters. If you live in the southern part of Germany it’s slightly warmer all year round and vice versa if you move to the northern part of Germany.

Germany has an excellent and efficient public transportation system. The country is well-connected with an extensive network of trains, buses, trams (S Bahn), and metro (U Bahn). The national railway company, Deutsche Bahn, operates an extensive train network that covers both regional and long-distance travel. Regional trains are reliable and connect smaller towns and cities, while high-speed trains like the ICE (InterCity Express) provide fast connections between major cities. Public transportation within cities is also highly developed, with comprehensive bus and tram networks, as well as efficient subway systems in larger cities like Berlin, Munich, and Hamburg. The public transportation system in Germany is known for its punctuality, cleanliness, and ease of use, making it a convenient option for both residents and visitors

Germany has a highly regarded healthcare system that provides comprehensive coverage to its residents. The system is based on mandatory health insurance, with both statutory and private health insurance options available. Statutory health insurance covers the majority of the population and offers a wide range of medical services, including doctor visits, hospital care, and prescription medications. The system is known for its high quality of care, accessibility, and a strong emphasis on preventive medicine. Additionally, Germany has a robust network of hospitals and medical facilities, including specialised clinics and research centres.

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