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Living and working in Germany

People walking along a city sidewalk in the warm light of sunset, with cars passing by on the street. © Jedrzej Kaminski/EyeEm via GettyImages

Have you decided to live in Germany permanently, for professional or private reasons? You will need German language skills and up-to-date information about life in Germany. The Goethe-Institut offers you quality support to best prepare you for a successful life in Germany.

Residents of the following countries are also serviced by the South African team:  Botswana, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

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My life in Germany

Young people talk about their first steps in Germany, about their work, about their free time and their plans for the future.

Learn German with the Goethe-Institut in Joburg!

Germany speaks to South Africans in a big way. Be part of the conversation.

Student talking about the benefits of learning German.

„Einen Schritt voraus“ with Vernon from South Africa

Hear from Vernon about his move, his experience and life in Germany. 

Vlog „Einen Schritt voraus“ mit Vernon aus Südafrika

„Einen Schritt voraus“ with Sine from South Africa

Sine lives and works in Germany. Hear more about her experience in this video. 

Einen Schritt voraus with Sine from South Africa

Online offers by the Goethe-Institut

Mein Weg nach Deutschland

Find answers to frequently asked questions and useful information about living and working in Germany. Explore fun and interactive exercises to practice and improve your German skills.

Das Gesicht einer jungen dunkelhaarigen Frau ist vor dem Brandenburger Tor zu sehen im Sonnenlicht. Foto: © Alina Holtmann / Maridav Foto: © Alina Holtmann / Maridav

Practice German for free

Improve your language skills to facilitate and support your integration.

Man at computer © gettyimages © gettyimages

My Germany Booklet

  • Information about first orientation in Germany
  • Topics: First steps in Germany, getting a job, finances, family life, leisure time, finding help etc.
  • Language: basic German from A1 level

Graphic with writing: My Germany booklet © Goethe-Institut © Goethe-Institut

Self-study online course

My Germany Course

  • Preparation for your life in Germany
  • Topics: First steps in Germany, work, finances, family life, leisure time, finding help etc.
  • Language: German from A2 level

Graphics with writing: My German Course © Goethe-Institut © Goethe-Institut

Community

Alumniportal Deutschland

On the Alumniportal Deutschland you can network with people who are also preparing to move to Germany or who are already living and working in Germany.

The Germany Magazine

#DeutschlandNoFilter

The diversity of Germany in one magazine. #DeutschlandNoFilter presents dialects and book trends, series tips and insights into everyday working life, sports and music, sustainable ideas and special places that you should get to know. A magazine for everyone who is interested in Germany and loves the German language.

#DeutschlandNoFilter

Other Offers

Vocational training in Germany

Vocational training in Germany enjoys a high reputation abroad. Many young people from South Africa are also interested in it. We are receiving more and more questions about the dual training system. 

A young man checks something on a machine © Bernhard Ludewig © Bernhard Ludewig

German courses in South Africa

Our German courses are based on the levels defined by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFRL). 

Find out which course level is right for you with our placement test. 

A study group celebrating success © Goethe-Institut © Goethe-Institut

To ensure you have a great start in Germany

If you have already applied for a visa or are already living in Germany, the Welcome Coaches at six Goethe-Instituts in Germany offer free events to help you get off to a good start in Germany and integrate successfully into everyday and working life.

Free offers in Germany

Useful Links

Useful Links

Make it in Germany

The portal for international experts offering comprehensive information on living and working in Germany.

deutschland.de

This portal provides tips and information about work and study and addresses current topics in Germany and abroad.

ProRecognition

Is an advisory service of the German Chambers of Commerce Abroad (AHKs) and provides free and reliable guidance on everything you need to know when looking for employment in Germany.

anabin

This database provides information on educational certificates in classifying foreign qualifications in the German education system.

Visas and entry

On the website of the German Embassy South Africa you will find information about different visa options, requirements and procedures for applications.
 

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