You are here: Forum > Living in Europe > Germany > Berlin > Everyday life > Can i survive by speaking only English in Berlin?
  Register and reply  

Can i survive by speaking only English in Berlin?


#1  2010-11-04 02:00:26

roman_greek
Member
roman_greek
From: London
Registered: 2009-11-13
Posts: 12

Can i survive by speaking only English in Berlin?

Hello everyone!

I was just wondering what is the level of English knowledge in Berlin or Germany in general? I really want to pay a visit at some point, but unfortunately i do not speak any German. Would English be sufficient?




 
 
 

  • Offline

#2  2010-11-04 14:18:36

lulusbay
Member
lulusbay
From: Cologne
Registered: 2008-08-21
Posts: 16

Re: Can i survive by speaking only English in Berlin?

Hiya,
If you are planning to come and visit as a tourist, then English will get you a long way.  Especially in Berlin.  Otherwise, a working knowledge of German is very necessary.




 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

  • Offline

#3  2010-11-04 14:27:44

roman_greek
Member
roman_greek
From: London
Registered: 2009-11-13
Posts: 12

Re: Can i survive by speaking only English in Berlin?

Thanks for your reply!

How would describe people and the atmosphere in Berlin in contrast to London? Is it expensive? Are you also aware of any good - cheap hostels in the Berlin area?

Thanks!




 
 
 

  • Offline

#4  2010-11-24 18:19:12

akarthis
Active member
From: Athens
Registered: 2010-03-13
Posts: 25

Re: Can i survive by speaking only English in Berlin?

Hi,
i do not live in Berlin but i've been there sometimes now. Even considering moving permanently there.
Great city. I see you are living in Athens so prepare to feel rich when you get there. Great quality of life!




 
 
 
 

  • Offline

#5  2010-11-24 18:33:19

roman_greek
Member
roman_greek
From: London
Registered: 2009-11-13
Posts: 12

Re: Can i survive by speaking only English in Berlin?

Thanks akarthis. Do you speak any German at all? I would consider living in Berlin, although i feel quite limited due to the language barrier. I like the German culture and i am an IT professional, i am hoping to get a job in a multinational company in Berlin. Are there any jobsites that offer information in English? I am also up for taking some German lessons.




 
 
 

  • Offline

#6  2010-11-24 19:55:57

akarthis
Active member
From: Athens
Registered: 2010-03-13
Posts: 25

Re: Can i survive by speaking only English in Berlin?

Hi,
The time i spent in Berlin i knew no German and i had no problems. Though,if you want to be realistic you have to learn in order to get a nice job and be adapted normally.
I am learning though at the moment,
Another fact is that Berlin is the city with the highest unemployment rates in Germany.So it will not be an easy walk.

But, being optomistic and sure in your decisions can guarranty only success!




 
 
 
 

  • Offline

#7  2010-11-24 20:06:55

roman_greek
Member
roman_greek
From: London
Registered: 2009-11-13
Posts: 12

Re: Can i survive by speaking only English in Berlin?

Thanks again. If you have any suggestions about books or other mediums where i could have a quick introduction to the German language, i would be grateful.




 
 
 

  • Offline

#8  2010-11-27 11:45:33

akarthis
Active member
From: Athens
Registered: 2010-03-13
Posts: 25

Re: Can i survive by speaking only English in Berlin?

Hi,
i am, at the moment, using the "Themen aktuell 1" series. I'm focusing mostly in learning everyday German that will help me adapt. Then i'm going for more business orientation. Then, i'm going for diplomas!
Hope that helps




 
 
 
 

  • Offline

#9  2010-12-06 08:42:12

skydigitalhd
New member
From: New York
Registered: 2010-12-06
Posts: 2

Re: Can i survive by speaking only English in Berlin?

I have been to Berlin and Frankfurt few times and faced not much problem with the English.Although it is better to learn German if you are planning to settle in Germany.Well German language is easy to learn, you can learn it within 3 or 4 months.

(moderated: no ads please)




 

  • Offline

#10  2010-12-09 21:18:20

workingberlinmum
New member
From: Berlin
Registered: 2010-12-03
Posts: 5

Re: Can i survive by speaking only English in Berlin?

I have lived in Berlin for 3 years and now speak pretty good German. I have however come across numerous expats who have lived here faaaaaaaaaaar longer and still don't speak more then a couple of words of German so it is definitely possible. I must say though that Germans here are very appreciative of any expat who makes some effort to speak the language even if it is the absolute basics.

Enjoy your visit, this is a great city.




 
 
 

  • Offline

#11  2011-01-26 13:58:58

Karenp
Member
Karenp
Registered: 2011-01-25
Posts: 14

Re: Can i survive by speaking only English in Berlin?

There are lots of jobs that require English but without any German you will be limited only to meeting other expats for a social life. There are also often job listings in English on toytown.com




 
 
 
 

  • Offline
Like this topic? Share it with your friends!


Expatriate health insurance Berlin

Free advice and quotation service to choose an expat health insurance in Berlin.
>> Click here

Moving to Berlin

A few tips from professionals about moving to Berlin.
>> Click here

Expat banking Berlin

Discover the benefits of expat banking for people living and working abroad.
>> Click here

Businesses and services in Berlin

Find the professionals in Berlin in the Expat blog directory.
>> Click here

Luggage shipping Berlin

Useful information about luggage shipping to Berlin.
>> Click here

Travel insurance Berlin

Don't worry and travel happy across Berlin.
>> Click here

To
Subject *
Message *
   You are here: Forum > Living in Europe > Germany > Berlin > Everyday life > Can i survive by speaking only English in Berlin?