TEFL jobs in Germany

There are several top-tier private international schools in Germany that would be ideal for a native English speaker. Languages are taught to foreign and German students who want to improve their language skills at these institutes. While English teaching positions at these German schools are tough, having a particular skill set can help you land a teaching position.

The state-run schools span age groups from elementary school (age 6-10) to secondary school (ages 11), like most traditional children’s school settings.

Students spend varying amounts of time in secondary school, as there are three learning paths. Hauptschule (vocational/skill training), Realschule, and Gymnasium are some options. Teachers must possess diverse skills and be able to teach several subjects.

Volkshochschulen, similar to night classes, are Adult Education Centers found in most German cities and towns. Adult learners can enrol in a range of courses that last for several weeks at these community-level centres.

Languages, computer skills, and fitness instruction are all common courses. When it comes to teaching languages, foreign teachers are usually a plus, although various positions exist depending on the community.

It is not unusual for English teaching positions in Germany to revolve around individual tutoring. Outside the usual classroom context, teachers can often work one-on-one with students to assist them in gaining language skills. While these jobs are more difficult to come by and entail logistics such as being able to legally work in Germany, finding a tutoring job in Germany is a terrific way to make money and expand your teaching portfolio.

Teaching English in Germany’s Language schools can be small businesses or part of a larger worldwide network. They teach English to students of all ages, from toddlers to adults, so your class may include students of various ages. These companies may hire EU nationals or people who already have rights.

Berlin, Munich, Freiburg, Frankfurt

The basic monthly salary for full-time positions is likely to be in the region of €1,200 to €2,000 gross, but full-time jobs are scarce. Most teachers are freelance and get a rate per lesson. For a 45-minute lesson, €12-€16 for an inexperienced teacher, rising to €18-€30+ for experienced teachers. You can earn €800 monthly for 12 hours a week as a secondary school classroom assistant. This may seem relatively low compared to a full-time position, but the hours are low, and it’s a good base rate for either classroom assistants or freelance teachers to make per month to cover their rent and bills for shared accommodation.

If you have experience, many schools aren’t fussy about what sort of TEFL qualification you have, but a 120-hour course is a good minimum.

Not all positions require a degree, but they certainly boost your chances, particularly if you studied German or business.

Courses start in September or April, but positions can be found year-round.

Adult language schools, summer schools, classroom assistants and freelance teachers.

For English-language classroom assistants in secondary schools (who have studied German, preferably at university, for at least two years), applications are welcome from those under 30. Experience is usually necessary for other positions, so young teachers struggle to find suitable jobs. Germans expect knowledgeable, intelligent and formal teachers and may prefer older teachers to young ones.

Many teachers in Germany will tell you that experience (preferably in business English) is often seen as more important than your level of qualification. If you speak a little German, even better.