Chapter 3Working

This material is for foreign citizens who are going to Germany soon or are already there. Here you can find information in different languages about the following topics: finding work, starting work, my workplace and the podcast: Arriving in the working world.

Finding work
If you from outside the European Union (EU) or the European Economic Area you need a work permit in Germany.  Whether you are allowed to work in Germany, and for how long, is shown in your residence permit. you can find jobs advertised on the internet, in the newspaper or through the employment agency/job centre. PDF availbale.

Starting Work
You need several documents for your employer. First you need proof that you have health insurance. You can get this proof from your health insurance company. In Germany everyone has to have health insurance. You often need a police clearance certificate as well. You can get this from the residents‘ registration office. You and the employer sign a contract. All the rules are in the employment contract such as: how much do you earn each month? How much holiday entitlement do you have? How long is the trial period? etc. This site also gives information on taxes, insurances, minijobs or professional development. More information and a PDF here.

Work place
In your new workplace you will get to know your new colleagues and your job. You can often address your colleagues informally after a few days (using the German “du”). However this varies depending on the company. In some professions you must wear work clothes, for example on a construction site, in the hospital or in the police force. If you have been in the job a little longer, there is also the possibility of professional development. PDF.

Podcast: Arriving in the working world
In the podcast "Arriving in the professional world" you get to know five people and their jobs: Mehmet, Mariia, Tristan, Yichun and Nhung. They talk about their experiences and beginnings in the professional world in Germany. In addition, you get information about the professions. Below each episode there is the text as a PDF to read and print out and a list of important words (glossary).