Can I move to Germany without speaking German?
Yes, for some routes. The EU Blue Card has no language requirement, and the Opportunity Card accepts English at B2 instead of German. Many IT, engineering and research employers work in English. Nursing, teaching and most customer-facing roles need German at B1 or B2, and daily life outside large cities is difficult without it.
Where English is enough
- The EU Blue Card. Germany does not test language for the Blue Card. If you have a recognised degree and a job offer above the salary threshold, you can be granted the card speaking no German at all. English-speaking teams are common in software, data, engineering and research.
- The Opportunity Card. The points route accepts English at B2 as an alternative to German at A1, and English at C1 scores an extra point.
- Study. Many master's programmes are taught in English.
Where it is not
- Regulated professions. Nurses need German at B2 to be registered; doctors need B2 general plus C1 medical German. No employer can waive this because it is a licensing condition, not a preference.
- Vocational training (Ausbildung). Training is in German, and B1 is the practical minimum for most programmes.
- Most jobs outside the technical sector, and almost any role that deals with the public.
The part that is not about visas
Renting a flat, opening a bank account, registering your address, dealing with the tax office, and your children's school all run in German. Justin Tameo, who leads our Germany programme and is a German national, briefs every client on this before they go, because a visa without the language is a difficult first year.
Our advice for anyone planning Germany beyond a single contract: start German now, aim for B1 within a year, and treat the Blue Card's silence on language as an exemption, not a recommendation.
Sources
Checked against these on by Zehla AZ, Head of Sales. Immigration rules change without notice — if you are reading this much later, check them again.