Berlin - Post Report Question and Answers
What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
The spousal employment struggle is real, and the challenges faced by spouses in trying to obtain or bring over employment have resulted in at least two families that I know of shorting out of Berlin. If your spouse has a USG job, I've found the Embassy HR team to be tremendously supportive in navigating DETO agreements, but I would strongly suggest starting that process immediately upon assignment, especially if your spouse's agency isn't accustomed to sending people overseas. If your spouse works in the private sector, it seems to be much more of a challenge (not from the Embassy side but usually from the side of an employer that needs convincing that they won't have to pay German taxes on your spouse's salary). Start early and be prepared for this to be one of the hardest things about moving here. - Aug 2023
There are a good number of EFM jobs here. It seems like you could also work on the economy, even without great German, if you really tried. - May 2018
As with most places, a huge source of unhappiness. The hiring freeze was implemented FULL ON in Berlin, with no interest from MGMT to seek exemptions. That's been lifted, but people feel the lack of support. Some people have spouses that have been able to teach on the local market, but I think you need to be a certified teacher to pursue those options. - Feb 2018
Yes. - Jul 2015
No experience. Knowing German is a "must" though. - Aug 2013
Berlin has a high unemployment rate, so job opportunities are limited. German language and credentials are usually required as well. Post has been less than supportive of EFM employment. There are a few jobs at the Embassy, but they are generally secretarial and poorly paid. - Dec 2011
