Recently married in the UK

Hello

Just to introduce myself, my name is Tim and I am recently married. My wife is from Bavaria. We both currently live in the UK in Hertfordshire and are considering moving to Munich in the near future.

I was just wondering how easy/difficult it would be for an English speaker to get a job over in Munich. I dont speak much German at the moment however I was considering a Berlitz 2 week intensive course soon...

I currently work in IT in a support role with 7 years experience and although I wouldnt expect to just get an IT job immediately I wondered if I could find some basic work until my German improved...

Any help and ideas would really be welcome...

Thanks and regards

Tim

Well obviously it helps to have German but there are still plenty of people here that got jobs especially in the IT industry without any German.

Two weeks ain't much but you'll pick it up faster if you're here. Avoid this site for a while and immerse yourself in German to learn faster. Watch the horrible TV here.

As far as IT, many departments use a lot of English but your choices will be pretty limited without a basic working knowledge of German. Look for international companies rather than German- or Munich-based ones. Good luck.

woof.

some people have lived here for *years* without speaking a word of german
specially those working in IT and such

Get your wife to speak to you in German. Believe me this is what works and it will also be difficult for your wife. I know this as I had a similar experience when my German ex boyfriend was desperate to learn English it was so much easier for me to speak to him in German but I did do my best and he did improve quite a lot.

Like a few have said IT is one of those jobs that requires less German. However, if you are in Support rather than development it may be more of an issues but really IT is one of the most international careers there are nowadays...

Don't want to put you off but learning the language is hard hence why many here haven't after many years. But it is STILL worth having basic to good german since it shows a committment and in Interviews you come across better even if it is not fluent. It sounds like you have lost the best way to learn thru your wife as I get the impression you speak German together.

You should joins Hays.de and Gulp for sites to look for jobs. The move would be a lot smoother if at least your wife can get a job quickly taking the pressure of you or another solution which I do is to continue to working in the UK and commute back...that would mean you shalln't have to starve (whilst making the move) and you will pay UK taxes.

If you need any more advice let us know or PM me.

Thankyou very much for all your replies. I will have a think tonight over what you have all said...

I am keen to learn the language and I must get my wife to talk more to me in German... Interestingly I seem to be actually understanding some converstaion when I listen to her on the phone to her family which before I couldnt, and I havent had any lessons ?!?!? is this how it starts ? Just by being exposed to it on a daily basis...

Thanks for your input, I will be back soon with more questions I am sure...

Kind regards

Tim

Yes thats how its starts,

1) You understand a few words
2) You understand a few phrases
3) You understand sentences & even more
4) You want to SAY SOMETHING. You manage a few words.
5) Forget the grammar & the accent - doesnt matter under friends.
6) You take over more & more - its like learning many things.
7) Just make sure your partner is considerate & doesnt switch to high-speed full-duplex.

This is the best advice going, you cannot beat a warm dictionary.