Is it possible to get a student job in Germany without having sufficient knowledge of the German language?

I like to answer this kind of questions as the person who asked it want a binary answer either yes or no. But in reality, it’s not always like that, it depends on so many factors including the person itself. I will try to break down the thinking scenario to make it easier for readers to prepare them self for their adventure in Germany.

The first thing to clear: What is a student job?

• A job which a student can do without affecting his studies and earn some money to finance his/her studies is known as a student job.
• A student job is mostly part-time up to 20 hours per week as per the guidelines of the German education ministry.
• There are many portals / Startups which recruits students and send them to their different clients such as restaurants, supermarkets, bars, factories etc.

The second thing: the German language?

• You need to know the German language if you are working in restaurants or bar as you have to somehow deal with your German customer, take orders and so on. You can also work in the kitchen, there might be some German working with you, it would be easier for them if you know some German.
• You can work in Amazon or similar warehouse because of the shortage of people with them during festivals. Here they are in need and also your work doesn’t need to communicate with anyone other than some basic instructions from your team leader. So here you can work without sufficient German skills.
• In factories and hotels as cleaners or packers, you don’t need German for your work, but your boss might love to instruct in German so if you know some German it’s always a plus point.

Conclusion:
it’s possible for sure, but it won’t be always easy to find. As Germany seems small on the map but you will be in different cities where different industries would be situated and they will have different requirements for their student employees. So you can’t get the binary answer in yes or no.

It depends on factors such as:

• Location
• Industry
• Type of work
• Demand / Supply
• Time of year
• etc.

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Knowing German in Germany makes things easier for you. As you will be in a position to discuss and argue in case of any conflict situation. There are many students who are in their learning phase with the German language, but they still managed to get part-time student jobs in their respective localities. In the end, your inner Jugaadu soul will lead you in case of trouble to find student jobs.

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