Hey folks!

So, big news—this 35-year-young Irish lad (me!) is packing up his life in the quiet, pint-sized village of Loughglynn (population: a few sheep and a couple of pubs) and heading for the bright lights of Leipzig, Germany!

Why? Well, let’s just say Loughglynn isn’t exactly a hive of activity. Picture a place with a small shop, a community center, two pubs, a church, and…that’s it. Jobs are rarer than a sunny Irish summer, so I figured it’s time to shake things up and leap (or stumble) out of my comfort zone.

Here’s the plan: I’m starting off by renting a room through Airbnb for the first month while I scout out something more permanent. A flat share seems like the way to go—what’s the market like for that in Leipzig? Are roommates friendly? Do they share snacks? Asking the important questions here.

Now, onto work. I’m a telecommunications engineer by trade (shoutout to Virgin Media, Siemens, and Fujitsu for keeping me busy), but I’m itching to try something completely different. Irish bar? Sure. Courier? Why not. Shop or zoo? Count me in. Honestly, I’m not picky—just looking for a job where I can roll up my sleeves and get stuck in. Any advice on finding work as an English speaker?

Speaking of English, I know the language barrier might be a thing. Will people in Leipzig understand my charming Irish accent, or will I need to mime my way through ordering a pint? I’m planning to take a German course once I settle in, but I’m curious: how hard is it to pick up the language?

Lastly, making friends. I’m a pretty outgoing guy who loves a laugh, meeting new people, and all that good stuff. Any tips on cracking into the social scene in Leipzig?

Would love any advice, tips, or pointers you fine folks can share. Cheers for reading!

Sláinte,
Dave

by Bigdee6990

9 comments

  1. Hey mate, I appreciate your optimistic approach on relocating!

    I only have one particular comment: learn the language to a substantial degree before you arrive. If you don’t speak any German at all it might be close to impossible to find something to rent. I’m not from Leipzig though, some locals might be able to put this more into perspective.

  2. Hey Dave,

    I’ve not lived in Leipzig but I’ve been in Berlin for a few years now.

    First thing you need to think about is Anmeldung. In Germany you need to register your address with the local authority before you can open a bank account or get regular employment. In order to register with the local authority you will need an address. I doubt your Airbnb offers Anmeldung but maybe you can message the host. some hostels do offer this.

    If you’re looking for a flat share this is called a Wohngemeinschaft in Germany, or WG for short. If you Google WG, check Facebook groups related to Leipzig WGs or use WG-gesucht.de you might find something.

    In terms of finding a job, there’s a Facebook called Irish in Berlin, you can ask in there or see if there’s a Leipzig version. If you’re looking now there’s a better chance of getting something in an Irish bar, in the summer there’s more competition.

    Realistically I would recommend learning as much German as possible before you move, you’ll need it for Anmeldung appointment at the very least.

  3. This plan sounds absolutely insane. If anyone can pull this off it’s an Irish person, in my experience.

    Leipzig is not typical for east Germany, it’s more metropolitan and has a large student population, so it should be easier to find people who speak English. The Irish accent might be a bit of a challenge for people. I’ve lived in Ireland and I still struggle with it sometimes.

    As you’re not very picky about where you want to work, it should be more feasible to find something. I know several Irish people who moved to Germany between the 80s and 2010s, some of them had specific jobs lined up in advance, others worked in various sectors and moved from job to job in areas like construction, hospitality and -most of them- in Irish Pubs. Of course that is not the greatest place to learn German.

    Either way I wish you luck. You might have a great time… You might also really not enjoy it. I hope it’s the former!

  4. I think you picked the right city, Leipzig is probably one of the best places in Germany for your plans. I guess the best thing would be to get to know some people that have experience in Germany and Leipzig. Find some places (maybe a sports club or other clubs) where you will meet other Irish or English speaking people.

  5. I wish you lots of success man. You seem to be decent guy, there aren’t many left. All the best of luck!

  6. I did the opposite (moving from Germany to Cork 15 years ago) but sure, look it’s basically the same steps.

    Generally, you will be able to get around using English in most larger German cities, although you might have to tone down the accent. You’ll find threads in many of the expact subs that will tell you that’s it’s hard to make proper connections with people if you’re not speaking German, so eventually you’ll want to work on that.

    If you’re not too hung up on a Leipzig specifically the safest way to get started is looking for jobs while in Ireland. IT, Customer Service and those kinds of industries will often have English speaking roles, even better if they are fully remote and it doesn’t matter where you want to move to.

    Definitely make sure to read up on the German bureaucracy and all the steps like Anmeldung, Krankenversicherung, etc. that you need to take as soon as you arrive.

    Feel free to DM me if you want to know anything more specific.

  7. I cannot tell you anything about Leipzig, but good luck and welcome 🙂

  8. My own experience:
    I arrived 2016 unqualified and with as good as zero language. Began learning via Rosetta stone along side working warehouse for Amazon.

    The interesting bit. After 12 months I ended up not having a contract extension thanks to work related health issues.

    This was when I really got going. The state supported my learning German, to a certain degree, and then further allowed me to train as a programmer.

    Since 2020 I’m a qualified Software Engineer with a high level of German. Of course I didn’t manage all this alone.

    My top tips:
    – Have someone that can negotiate the bureaucracy for you.

    – Learn German asap, many can and will speak English, but many can’t or won’t.

    – Figure out if you need any qualifications translating, including drivers licence. If so for educational certs you’ll need the Kultusministerium.

    My experience with people (south west Germany) is that they are concerned and caring, generally friendly, and generally are helpful and wish the best for others. They’re direct and so, for some, sarcasm may go over their heads.

    I hope this helps. Feel free to ask questions. Will update if anything else comes to mind.

  9. Don’t use Katchup on your Schnitzel! Get a good dark souce or just fresh lemonjuice!

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