Initially, you will be able to get by in English in many parts of Germany. However, it is essential to learn German if you plan to stay in the country on a fairly long-term basis. You will quickly find that it is difficult to get by without German, especially at work, when dealing with the authorities, when shopping or in your private life. Learning German is therefore highly recommended. Ideally, you should start learning the language in your home country.
You can start learning at the Goethe-Institut, for example, since the cultural institution of the Federal Republic of Germany is responsible for promoting the German language and culture. To this end, the Goethe-Institut offers German courses at 158 locations in Germany and abroad. To find a Goethe-Institut near you, go to our world map of “Advisory & contact services”. The Goethe-Institut’s German certificates are officially recognised for many different purposes.