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.

Our Offer

Contact

Sandra Stahljans

Project coordinator „Pre-integration – Living and Working in Germany“ (AMIF) for South- and Southern Africa

Tel.: +27 (0)64 980 1772
Sandra.Stahljans@goethe.de
Lolla Meyer

Regional coordinator for the project „Pre-integration – Living and Working in Germany“ (AMIF) for sub-Saharan Africa

Tel.: +27 (0)64 980 1772
Lorianne.Meyer@goethe.de

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.

© Goethe-Institut
„Einen Schritt voraus“ with Vernon from South Africa

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

© Co-financed by the Asylum, Migration and Integration Fund (AMIF) A film by Markus Erwig
„Einen Schritt voraus“ with Sine from South Africa

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

© Goethe-Institut

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.

Foto: © Alina Holtmann / Maridav
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
© 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
© 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.

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.

© 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.

© 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

Living and working in Germany

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

Upcoming Events

{{event.headline}}

{{event.headline}}

Our Offer

Contact

Sandra Stahljans

Lolla Meyer

My life in Germany

Learn German with the Goethe-Institut in Joburg!

„Einen Schritt voraus“ with Vernon from South Africa

„Einen Schritt voraus“ with Sine from South Africa

Online offers by the Goethe-Institut

Mein Weg nach Deutschland

Practice German for free

My Germany Booklet

Self-study online course
My Germany Course

Community
Alumniportal Deutschland

The Germany Magazine
#DeutschlandNoFilter

Other Offers

Vocational training in Germany

German courses in South Africa

To ensure you have a great start in Germany

Useful Links

Useful Links

Make it in Germany

deutschland.de

ProRecognition

Recognition of qualifications

anabin

Visas and entry

Follow us

Living and working in Germany

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

Upcoming Events

Our Offer

Personal advice and consultation

Information sessions

Intercultural workshops

Teaching of learning and examination strategies, tutoring and speech training

Contact

Sandra Stahljans

Lolla Meyer

My life in Germany

Online offers by the Goethe-Institut

Self-study online course My Germany Course

Community Alumniportal Deutschland

The Germany Magazine #DeutschlandNoFilter

Other Offers

To ensure you have a great start in Germany

Useful Links

Useful Links

Follow us

Self-study online course
My Germany Course

Community
Alumniportal Deutschland

The Germany Magazine
#DeutschlandNoFilter