If you’re an international professional applying for jobs in Germany, you’ve probably realized that the interview process can feel a bit…different. German interviews are typically structured, straightforward, and often dig a little deeper into your long-term plans, work style, and even visa status.
Having supported and coached many international talents here, I’ve seen patterns in the types of questions that tend to come up, especially for English-speaking roles. So in this post, I’ll walk you through five of the most common interview questions in Germany and how to answer them in a way that highlights your background, your mindset, and your readiness to work and grow here.
Let’s get started!
The top 5 interview questions in Germany
Question 1: “Tell me about yourself”
This is almost always the first question and it’s more important than people think. In Germany, interviewers are genuinely interested in your career story, and for international candidates, this is your moment to show how your background makes you unique.
💡How to answer professionally:
Keep it professional, brief, and relevant (max 3-4 minutes). Talk about your relevant career journey so far and your motivation for this company. Also, make sure to connect how your international experience helps you work well in global teams or adapt to new environments. If you want to watch a quick example on how to answer this question make sure to check out this video.
✅ Pro tip:
Mention what you’ve learned from working across cultures. That’s often seen as a strength, especially in international companies.
📌Example on how to integrate your international experience:
“I’m originally from Brazil and have worked in both São Paulo and Berlin in marketing roles. Working across cultures has taught me how to be flexible, curious, and clear in communication, which I think is key in today’s diverse teams.”
Question 2: “What kind of work environment helps you perform best?”
This question gives you the chance to show that you understand (and appreciate!) how things work in Germany. A lot of companies here value structure, reliability, and clear processes,and if that aligns with your preferences, say so.
💡How to answer:
Mention that you thrive in environments that are well-organized, collaborative, and goal-driven. These qualities are often found in German workplaces.
✅ Pro tip:
If you’ve already worked in a German company, mention it! That shows you’re familiar with the local work style.
📌Example:
“I really enjoy working in structured environments where expectations are clear, feedback is direct, and everyone respects deadlines. I’ve found that this kind of culture, which I’ve experienced here in Germany, helps me stay focused and motivated.”
3. “Have you worked in international or intercultural teams?”
This question is common, especially if the team or company is international. Employers want to know: Can you handle cultural differences? Can you collaborate across time zones or communication styles?
💡 How to answer:
Yes? Great. Give a short example. No? That’s okay too. Then talk about how you’ve adapted to new environments or worked with people from different backgrounds.
✅ Pro tip:
If you haven’t worked in diverse teams yet, talk about other times you’ve adapted to new systems, countries, or learning environments.
📌Example: “In my last job, I worked with colleagues in Germany, India, and the US. It taught me how important clear communication and cultural awareness are, especially when everyone brings different perspectives to the table.”
4. “What is your current visa status?”
This might feel a little awkward to answer, but don’t take it personally. Companies just want to know if you’re eligible to work and whether any paperwork is involved.
💡How to answer:
Be upfront and specific. If you already have a valid work visa, say what type and how long it’s valid. If not, show that you’ve researched your options and are prepared to take action. It is important you truly show you understand the process so companies feel more confident in hiring you. You can check out this blog post to learn more on the visa process or check out makeitingermany.com.
✅ Pro tip:
If you’re still job-seeking and need a visa, be transparent but also show that you’ve done your research and know the process.
📌Example:
“Yes, I would require a visa to work in Germany, and I’ve already researched the process for my situation. I’m eligible for the EU Blue Card based on my degree and salary requirements. I have all my documents ready, including degree recognition and translations, so I can submit my application immediately after receiving an offer. Based on current processing times, this would take about 6–8 weeks. If helpful, I’m happy to start remotely during the visa process so the role is covered as soon as possible.”
5. “Do you speak German?”
Even if the job is in English, German employers may ask about your language skills to understand how well you’ll integrate into the team or company culture.
💡How to answer:
Don’t pretend to be fluent if you’re not, just be honest, and show that you’re making an effort to learn.
✅ Pro tip:
Even if the job doesn’t require German, your willingness to learn can make a big difference.
📌Example:
“My German is at an A2 level right now, and I’m taking weekly lessons to improve. I’m confident in English at work, but I’m committed to learning German so I can participate more in everyday life and connect better with my colleagues.”
Final Thoughts: How to answer common interview questions in Germany
If you’re applying for jobs in Germany as an international professional, remember this: you’re not at a disadvantage, you bring something different to the table. The key is to show that you’re not only qualified, but also aware of the local work culture and genuinely interested in growing here.
With a little preparation and some honest, confident answers, you can turn these common questions into opportunities to stand out.
Want a guide with more common questions and answers as well as tips and insights for interviews in Germany?
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