Quick answer: many German tech employers interview in English, often by video for applicants abroad. Expect to be asked why you want to move to Germany, about your German level, your notice period and your salary expectations, alongside technical and behavioural questions. Some employers add a test, an assessment centre or a trial work day. Answer factually, be on time, and never overstate your German.
This guide summarises what the official Make it in Germany portal says, explains how interviews usually run, and gives sample answers. It is written for software engineers and other tech professionals applying from India and other countries.
What the official portal says
Make it in Germany is the German federal government's portal for skilled workers from abroad. Its guidance for employers on conducting the job interview and its pages for applicants make these points (checked 15 October 2026):
1. Employers can interview in English, or bring in someone with the right language skills.
2. Employers are encouraged to ask why you want to come to Germany and what you think about working and living there.
3. Some employers use recruitment tests, which focus on job skills, cognitive skills or language, or assessment centres, which focus on teamwork and communication.
4. A day of trial work is not unusual in Germany.
5. A CV should not be longer than two pages, and ideally one. A photo is optional.
6. Do not overstate your German. Your real level will show in the interview at the latest.
7. Holders of the Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) can do trial work with an employer for up to two weeks.
For visa questions, use the official portal and the German mission in your country. This article is interview guidance, not legal or immigration advice.
How tech interviews in Germany usually run
Processes vary, but applicants commonly describe:
1. A short call with HR or a recruiter about your background, notice period, salary expectations and relocation.
2. A technical interview with engineers, sometimes with a take-home task or live coding.
3. A team or hiring manager interview, often with behavioural questions.
4. Sometimes a final conversation, a trial day or an on-site visit.
Interviews tend to be structured and punctual. Arrive or join a few minutes early, and expect specific follow-up questions about your experience.
Questions German employers often ask
1. "Why do you want to work in Germany?"
2. "What is your level of German, and are you learning?"
3. "What is your notice period, and when could you start?"
4. "What are your salary expectations?" Employers in Germany usually discuss pay as a gross annual figure, so research the range for your role and city before the call.
5. "Have you thought about relocation and your visa?"
6. Technical and behavioural questions, as in any other country.
For the behavioural part, the STAR method works well, and our salary expectations guide explains how to give a range.
Sample answer: "Why Germany?"
"I have worked on logistics software for five years, and Germany has some of the strongest logistics and manufacturing companies in Europe, so the work I want to do is here. I also like that your team works in English while the company supports German courses. I'm at A2 level now and taking evening classes, and I plan to reach B1 within a year. My partner and I have researched the city and we're ready to relocate."
A good answer links your career to the company first, then shows you have thought about living in Germany. Avoid answers that are only about the visa or the salary.
Sample answer: "What is your German level?"
"My German is at A2. I can handle everyday conversations slowly, but I'd work in English for now. I study four hours a week and use German at my language school's conversation evenings. If the team uses German in some meetings, I'd like to join them as practice."
Be precise and honest. Use the common European levels (A1 to C2) if you know yours, and describe what you are doing to improve.
Trial work and tests
A trial day (Probearbeit) lets you and the team see how you work together. Ask in advance what you will do, who you will work with and what to bring. Treat it like a long interview: ask questions, explain your thinking and be friendly with everyone.
For coding tests and take-home tasks, see our online assessment guide and technical phone screen guide.
How CrackInterviewAI helps you prepare
CrackInterviewAI is a Windows 10/11 app that turns a spoken, typed or screenshot question into a short answer outline, using your resume, target role and job description as context. New accounts get 30 free minutes; after that, international prices start at $3.99 for one hour, with no subscription or auto-renewal (USD plans).
Add your resume and the German job description, then practice answers to "Why Germany?", your notice period and your technical stories in English. A free mock interview helps you practise timing. Use these tools to prepare, and follow each interview's rules on outside help.
Practise for interviews with German employers
Download CrackInterviewAI for Windows and use your 30 free minutes to rehearse "Why Germany?", salary and technical answers in English.
Frequently asked questions
Can I do a job interview in Germany in English?
Often, yes, especially in tech. The official Make it in Germany portal notes that employers can interview in English. Some roles still require German, so check the job advert.
Is trial work common in Germany?
The official portal says a day of trial work is not unusual. Holders of the Opportunity Card can do trial work with an employer for up to two weeks.
How should I answer salary questions in Germany?
German employers usually talk about gross annual salary. Research the range for your role and city, give a range rather than a single number, and be ready to explain it.
Should I add a photo to my CV for Germany?
The official portal says a photo is welcome but optional. Keep your CV to one or two pages.
Is this article immigration advice?
No. It covers interviews only. For visas, the Opportunity Card and work permits, use the official Make it in Germany portal and the German mission in your country.
Keep exploring
Return to the CrackInterviewAI homepage to download the Windows app, or browse all guides on the interview prep blog.
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