Common Ground Berlin

Sprechen Sie Deutsch? And should you, if you live and work in Germany?

Dec 15, 2024
Steffen Sottung, Director of International Affairs at the Federal Employment Agency, emphasizes the critical need for language in navigating life and work in Germany, showcasing personal success stories of non-German speakers. Britta Schneider, a migration language expert, discusses the socio-political implications of language in integration, while Patric Prager highlights the support structures aiding immigrant workers. They delve into the challenges of finding language classes and employer initiatives that bridge communication gaps, advocating for more inclusive language education and strategies for better integration.
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ANECDOTE

Guest Worker Experience

  • Ishii Sakala's parents thrived in German-Turkish communities without learning German.
  • The government didn't require it, and they found translating help when needed.
ADVICE

Learn German for Integration

  • Immigrants should learn German for full societal participation.
  • Ishii Sakala's family insists relatives learn German before arriving.
INSIGHT

German for Work

  • Steffen Sottung highlights the growing importance of German language skills in Germany.
  • While English is sufficient for daily life, German is crucial for bureaucracy and most workplaces.
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