Over 130 million people speak German, either as their primary (mother tongue) or secondary (learned) language. German is considered the international business language of the world, making it one of the most sought-after languages to learn next to English and Mandarin.

That statistic alone proves that the German language is a valuable skill to learn, even if you don’t live in a German-speaking country.

Here’s what you can do after you learn German.

What to Know Before Applying for a Job in Germany

Applying for a German job is no different than the American process. However, Germans have a different standard for resume creation, which often trips up expats. A Lebenslauf (CV) should resemble a fact sheet and present your experience and details in a bullet-point list format.

A typical Lebenslauf will look as follows:

• Personal Details
• Professional Experience
• Education and Training
• Voluntary Work
• Scholarships
• Language and Computer Skills

If you don’t have any information to put in a specific section, leave it blank. You also have to add a professional photo to your German resume. Most recruiters expect a passport photo.

While taking German classes, your teacher likely taught you the difference between formal and informal German. Business German is especially formal and should be used during interviews if you want to make a good first impression. Use formal words like Sie rather than Du for “you.”

12 In-Demand Jobs That Require German

Learning German opens up a lot of opportunities. The following jobs either require German as a prerequisite in your home country or are considered in-demand jobs in Germany.

1. Teacher

Skills Needed: Leadership, organization, multitasking, teamwork, adaptability, creativity.

Other Requirements: High-school diploma, TEFL course, Bachelors of Education.

By learning German, you can either stay in the USA and teach German or go to Germany and teach English. To teach German in a formal setting, you may need a bachelor’s degree or TEFL if you’re doing so overseas. Otherwise, you can teach German with just a high-school diploma.

2. Computer Programmer

Skills Needed: Programming proficiency, mathematics, communication, problem-solving.

Other Requirements: Computer science degree, further training.

Computer programmers are high in demand worldwide, but especially in Germany. You’ll need German to communicate with your fellow co-workers and read notes programmers leave in the code. Otherwise, you’ll need to be fluent in several coding languages and scripts.

3. Lawyer

Skills Needed: Attention to detail, logical reasoning, analytical ability, writing, persuasiveness.

Other Requirements: Bachelor's degree, law degree, international law degree.

In a business-centric country like Germany, lawyers are always needed. Once you’re qualified in American law, you can specialize in international law with a focus on German-speaking countries. You can also cater to German clients in America; there are plenty!

4. Pilot/Cabin Crew

Skills Needed: Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, spatial awareness.

Other Requirements: High-school diploma, pilots license, and qualifications.

To work on a German airline, you need to know English and German. Cabin crew members only need a high-school diploma, but pilots require a license. You can easily swap your qualifications overseas, but you don’t have to leave America or live in Germany to work for a foreign airline.

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5. IT Technician

Skills Needed: Self-discipline, problem-solving, attention to detail, communication, passion.

Other Requirements: Computer science degree, master’s degree.

IT technicians provide a wide range of services to support, maintain, and fix hardware and software. Since IT is a competitive industry in Germany, it’s better to get a computer science or master’s degree. However, you can get an IT job if you’re knowledgeable in network security.

6. Accountant/Banker

Skills Needed: Written and oral communication, organization, time management, mathematics.

Other Requirements: Finance or accounting degree, CPA certification.

Accountants are responsible for budgeting, managing financial information, and preparing accounts. Bankers need a similar set of skills, especially if they’re managers or securities specialists. German is helpful in all accounting and banking sectors, so take your pick!

7. Engineer (Any Discipline)

Skills Needed: Problem-solving, creativity, computer science, communication, teamwork.

Other Requirements: Engineering degree, PPE license, master's degree.

All 11 engineering disciplines benefit from German in some way because international companies often do business with German companies. Engineers develop, modify, design, test, install, inspect, and maintain a wide variety of products and systems and are always in demand.

8. HVAC Technician

Skills Needed: Knowledge of HVAC systems, problem-solving, adaptability, customer service.

Other Requirements: HVAC apprenticeship, further training

An HVAC technician (later Journeyperson) can install, maintain, and replace HVAC systems. To work in Germany, you may need to take another test that certifies your knowledge in HVAC technology, but you might be able to get your vocational qualifications recognized.

9. Human Resources Professional

Skills Needed: Analytical skills, coaching, communication, HRM knowledge, reporting.

Other Requirements: Bachelor’s degree.

Human resources professionals are the life-blood of any company, German or not. HR duties include recruiting, onboarding, and training, handling compensation, benefits, and employee relations. By learning German, you open yourself up to more HR opportunities worldwide.

10. International Diplomat

Skills Needed: Organization, analytical skills, leadership, communication, negotiation.

Other Requirements: International studies, international law, or political science degree.

International diplomats are the official representatives of their countries while abroad. Learning German gives you access to diplomat jobs in your own country, Germany, Australia, or Switzerland. However, you need to have a career in politics before you can become a diplomat.

11. Professional Writer/Copywriter

Skills Needed: Discipline, adaptability, research skills, editing, communication.

Other Requirements: High school diploma, journalism, English, or creative writing degree.

Writers who learn German can translate Germanic text. Professional writers and copywriters can bring their skills to international newspapers, any company with a website, and virtually any publisher. Your writing opportunities expand with each language you learn.

12. Marketer or Sales Managers

Skills Needed: Customer knowledge, listening, delegating, creativity, adaptability.

Other Requirements: Marketing or business degree, MBA in marketing.

Marketers and sales managers are in charge of creating advertising campaigns and developing pricing or targeting strategies based on demographic data. Americans who learn German can now pitch to Germans, while Americans in Germany can sell to English-speaking citizens.

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