I wrote a bit about my return to the English classroom in a previous post, and starting my journey as a freelance English teacher in Germany was both exciting and overwhelming. Whether you’re a native speaker looking to share your language skills or an experienced educator seeking new opportunities, Germany offers an interesting market for English instruction. This brief overview will walk you through some of things you need to know to get started successfully.
Just a note: I am not a tax or legal expert, so if you’re unsure about something, it is important to consult a professional for advice. This post is meant to serve as an introduction to freelancing in Germany, not professional advice.
Learning German: Your foundation for success
While it’s possible to teach English without speaking fluent German, having at least basic German skills will significantly enhance your experience and opportunities. Many clients appreciate teachers who can explain complex grammar concepts by drawing parallels to German, and understanding the local language helps with administrative tasks, networking, and daily life. That being said, lacking adequate German skills will not likely hurt your job search if you have the right qualifications.
Location and opportunities in larger cities
Germany’s major cities offer the best prospects for freelance English teachers. Each has its unique advantages (according to my research, not personal experience):
Berlin provides a vibrant startup scene with many international companies needing English training. The city’s diverse expat community creates demand for both business English and general conversation classes.
Munich hosts numerous multinational corporations and has a strong economy, making it ideal for corporate English training. The proximity to Austria and Switzerland also opens cross-border opportunities.
Hamburg serves as a major port city with international trade connections, creating steady demand for business English instruction. The media industry presence also generates opportunities for specialized English coaching.
Frankfurt stands as Germany’s financial capital, offering lucrative corporate contracts with banks, consulting firms, and international businesses.
The large cities also include a higher cost of living, which could be one of the difficulties of getting settled in your freelancing career.
Smaller cities like Düsseldorf, Cologne, Stuttgart, and Nürnberg also provide opportunities, particularly in specialized industries. Research your chosen city’s dominant sectors to tailor your services accordingly.
And don’t discount smaller villages if that’s where you’re located. There are often regional VHS (Volkschule) that offer English courses, and you could also try to work with private clients in small groups or on an individual basis.
A bit about Nürnberg
My teaching experience in Germany was in Nürnberg. There are both private and public universities as well as a robust community education (Bildungszentrum) where you might find English teaching opportunities. There are also private language schools like Berlitz and Activ Sprachschule.
During my time in Nürnberg so far, I’ve worked with learners through the Deutsch-Amerikanisches Institut, Nürnberg Bildungszentrum, Campus M University, and Ohm Technische Hochschule. When I first moved to Nürnberg, I decided to volunteer with the Deutsch-Amerikanisches Institut. Through that experience, I created an English conversation course. Then I cold emailed the Bildungszentrum to see if they had any need for instructors, which they did. Colleagues at Campus M found me on LinkedIn and approached me about teaching a business English course with them. And I heard about the business English course at Ohm through colleagues.
With each of these employers, they set their rates for instructors, so I didn’t have to make any decisions about pricing. The rates per hour ranged from €30-€50. Some clients paid per month, some every couple of weeks, and some at the end of a term.
All of this is to say that there are many opportunities to get into freelance English teaching available even in smaller German cities if you have the previous experience and qualifications.
Navigating taxes, laws, and insurance
Understanding Germany’s regulatory landscape is crucial for legal and financial success as a freelance English teacher. This is also the area where I found myself doubting whether continuing to teach is the right career path at times. There’s a lot of bureaucracy, but with some guidance, a little research, and lots of patience you can make it though!
Just a note: I am not a tax or legal expert, so if you’re unsure about something, it is important to consult a professional for advice. This post is meant to serve as an introduction to freelancing in Germany, not professional advice.
Tax considerations
As a freelancer (Freiberufler), you’ll need to register with the local tax office (Finanzamt) and obtain a tax number (Steuernummer). English teaching typically qualifies as a freelance profession rather than a trade business, which simplifies the registration process.
You’ll be responsible for:
- Income tax (Einkommensteuer) on your annual earnings
- Value-added tax (VAT/Umsatzsteuer/Mehrwertsteuer) if you earn more than €22,000 annually
- Quarterly advance tax payments (Vorauszahlungen) once your business is established
Consider hiring a tax advisor (Steuerberater) to ensure compliance and optimize your tax situation. Many speak English and specialize in helping international freelancers. However, I found it difficult to find tax advisors willing to work with me as a freelance teacher. In the event you can’t find anyone, another option is to subscribe to the Accountable service and platform. Again, you can also consult with your local Finanzamt with specific questions. They are ultimately the tax authority you’ll need to deal with, and all of the tax laws and regulations are their bread and butter.
Accountable
Accountable is an online service and platform specializing in supporting freelance workers in Germany. Their services are in English, and they have support for everything from registering with the Finanzamt to filing your taxes, to consulting with certified accountants.
I used Accountable to manage my bookkeeping, and it was super useful. I highly recommend subscribing if you don’t have a lot of experience with managing a freelance business or your German skills aren’t good enough to communicate easily with tax professionals at the Finanzamt directly. That being said, my local Finanzamt (shout out, Finanzamt Nürnberg-Nord!) has been very responsive and helpful by post (good old-fashioned snail mail), and I’ve heard they will do their best to assist you in person if you go into their office even with limited German skills.
Legal requirements
Work authorization: EU citizens can work freely in Germany. Non-EU citizens need appropriate residence permits that allow freelance work. The freelance visa (Aufenthaltserlaubnis zur Ausübung einer freiberuflichen Tätigkeit) is specifically designed for this purpose, but you may be eligible to work as a freelance teacher with other visas. You should check your resident status and any restrictions to make sure that you are able to work as a freelance employee in Germany before getting started.
Professional qualifications: While Germany doesn’t require specific teaching certifications for private English instruction, having recognized qualifications like TEFL, TESOL, or CELTA significantly enhances your credibility and rates. University degrees in English, linguistics, or education are highly valued. In fact, it may be challenging to find clients or jobs without a degree or qualification.
Insurance essentials
German law requires adequate insurance coverage. Health insurance is required for residents of Germany, and what you have access to might depend on your visa status and income. Again, I am not an expert in insurance, so please consult with an insurance professional to find out what your options are for coverage.
Health insurance: Mandatory for all residents. Freelancers can choose between statutory (gesetzlich) or private (privat) health insurance. Consider costs and coverage carefully, as switching between systems can be difficult.
Professional liability insurance: Protects against claims related to your teaching services. While not legally required, it’s highly recommended for peace of mind.
Public liability insurance: Covers accidents that might occur during your teaching activities, especially if you teach in clients’ homes or offices.
Pension insurance: Unlike many other freelancers, teachers are required to contribute to the statutory pension system (gesetzliche Rentenversicherung) in Germany. You must register with the Deutsche Rentenversicherung and make monthly contributions based on your income. The minimum contribution is calculated on a baseline income amount, even if you earn less. You can also choose to pay higher contributions to increase your future pension benefits. This mandatory pension insurance provides important retirement security and disability coverage.
Reflections on the freelance English teaching journey
Freelance English teaching in Germany offers some nice opportunities for those willing to navigate its complexities. The country’s strong economy, international business presence, and cultural appreciation for language learning create a pretty stable market for skilled instructors. While the market has fluctuated over the years, if you have the appropriate qualifications, you will likely be able to piece a career together.
Success requires more than just language skills. Building a sustainable freelance teaching practice demands business acumen, cultural sensitivity, and adaptability. The initial setup period can be challenging, particularly for those unfamiliar with German bureaucracy.
The flexibility to choose your clients, set your rates, and design your own curriculum provides professional satisfaction that traditional employment often lacks.
However, this freedom comes with responsibility. You’ll manage your own marketing, handle administrative tasks, and ensure consistent income flow. Building a solid client base takes time, and seasonal fluctuations can affect earnings.
The key to thriving as a freelance English teacher in Germany lies in treating your teaching as a business from day one. Invest in proper setup, maintain professional standards, and continuously develop your skills and network. With patience and persistence, you can build a rewarding career that combines your passion for language education with the stability and opportunities that Germany provides.
Remember that every successful freelance teacher started where you are now. The journey may seem daunting, but with proper preparation and realistic expectations, you can establish yourself as a valued English language professional in the German market.
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