Finding English-speaking professionals in Germany can be challenging. Here's your comprehensive directory of services you might need as a newcomer.
Healthcare
Finding English-Speaking Doctors
Online Directories:
- Jameda.de - Germany's largest doctor review platform (filter by "English")
- Doctolib.de - Book appointments online, shows languages spoken
- Kvberlin.de - Berlin doctor search (other cities have similar sites)
- U.S. Embassy websites - Often list English-speaking doctors
International Medical Clinics:
Berlin:
- Praxis am Gendarmenmarkt - Mitte, general practice
- Berlin Global Health - Charlottenburg
- Charite International - University hospital with international services
Munich:
- International Medical Service - Ludwigstraße
- Dr. Specht & Partner - Central Munich
- Klinikum Rechts der Isar - English services available
Frankfurt:
- International Practice Dr. Bettina Walker - Westend
- Uniklinik Frankfurt - International patient services
- Medical Care Center Am Opernplatz
Hamburg:
- Praxis am Rothenbaum - Expat-friendly
- UKE International - University hospital
- Praxis Dr. Gutzmer - Harvestehude
Types of Doctors
Hausarzt (General Practitioner):
- Your first point of contact for most health issues
- Required referral for specialists
- Register with one for continuity of care
Facharzt (Specialist):
- Requires referral from Hausarzt (except gynecologist, eye doctor, dentist)
- Longer wait times (weeks to months)
- Book appointments early
Emergency Care:
- Emergency Room (Notaufnahme): Life-threatening only
- Emergency Doctor (Notarzt): Call 112
- After-hours GP: Call 116 117
- Pharmacy Emergency Service: Check apotheken.de
Health Insurance
Required by Law:
- Public (Gesetzlich): AOK, TK, Barmer (covers 90% of Germans)
- Private (Privat): For high earners, self-employed
- You cannot be uninsured in Germany
Getting Treatment:
- Bring insurance card (Versichertenkarte) to every appointment
- Most GP visits: €0 copay
- Prescriptions: €5-10 copay
- Specialists: No additional fee with referral
Pharmacies (Apotheke)
What You Need to Know:
- Marked with red "A" sign
- Pharmacists speak some English in major cities
- Many medications require prescription (even ibuprofen over 400mg)
- "Apotheke" = pharmacy, "Drogerie" (dm, Rossmann) = drugstore (no prescriptions)
Common Medications:
- Paracetamol - Acetaminophen/Tylenol
- Ibuprofen - Ibuprofen (available over counter in low doses)
- Aspirin - Aspirin
- Nasenspray - Nasal spray
- Hustensaft - Cough syrup
Finding 24/7 Pharmacies:
- Check apotheken.de for "Notdienst"
- Emergency pharmacies rotate weekly
- Small surcharge for after-hours service
Mental Health
English-Speaking Therapists:
- Therapie.de - Search in English
- Psychology Today Germany - Expat therapist directory
- BetterHelp/Talkspace - Online therapy (U.S.-based)
- Your insurance - Call to ask for English-speaking providers
Crisis Hotlines:
- Telefonseelsorge: 0800-111 0 111 (free, 24/7, some English)
- Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to 741741 (English)
- U.S. Embassy Mental Health Resources
Important Notes:
- Public insurance covers therapy, but waitlists are long (3-6 months)
- Private therapy: €80-150/session out of pocket
- Many therapists offer sessions via video
- German therapy culture is more clinical, less conversational
Legal Services
Finding English-Speaking Lawyers
When You Need One:
- Rental disputes (very common)
- Employment issues
- Visa/residence permit problems
- Business formation
- Family law
Finding Lawyers:
- Rechtsanwaltskammer (Bar Association) - Each state has one, call for referrals
- U.S. Embassy - Lists English-speaking attorneys
- InterNations - Expat network with recommendations
- Anwalt.de - German legal directory (filter English)
Areas of Law (Rechtsgebiete):
- Mietrecht - Rental law (most common for expats)
- Arbeitsrecht - Employment law
- Ausländerrecht - Immigration law
- Familienrecht - Family law
- Vertragsrecht - Contract law
What to Expect:
- Initial consultation: €150-300
- Hourly rates: €150-400 depending on experience
- Fee structures vary (hourly, flat fee, percentage)
- Legal insurance covers many issues (Rechtsschutzversicherung)
English-Speaking Law Firms:
Berlin:
- Schlun & Elseven - Immigration specialists
- Graf Legal - International law
- Voigt Legal - Expat-focused
Munich:
- Schlun & Elseven Munich
- LegalBase
- Hasselbach Rechtsanwälte
Frankfurt:
- Oppenhoff & Partner
- Allen & Overy
- Freshfields (major international firms)
Tenant Rights Organizations
Mieterschutzbund (Tenant Protection Association):
- Membership: €70-100/year
- Provides legal advice on rental disputes
- Will represent you in court
- Essential if you have rental issues
- English services vary by city
Berlin: English available
Munich: Limited English
Frankfurt: Some English
Common Issues They Help With:
- Deposit disputes
- Rent increases
- Apartment defects
- Termination disputes
- Utility bill questions
Automotive Services
English-Speaking Mechanics
Finding One:
- Ask in expat Facebook groups
- Bosch Service centers often have English-speaking staff
- Dealerships (Mercedes, BMW, VW) have English services in major cities
- MyHammer.de - Find mechanics, filter by language
Common Repairs:
- TÜV (Technical Inspection): Required every 2 years - €100-150
- Oil Change: €80-150
- Brakes: €200-500
- General Service: €150-300
Useful Phrases:
- Mein Auto macht komische Geräusche - My car makes strange noises
- Die Motorkontrollleuchte ist an - Check engine light is on
- Können Sie einen Kostenvoranschlag machen? - Can you give an estimate?
Car Registration & Licensing
Getting German Driver's License:
- U.S. licenses valid for 6 months
- Must convert to German license after 6 months
- Some states have reciprocity (no test required)
- Others require theory and practical test
States with Reciprocity (No Test):
- Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
States Requiring Tests:
- California, New York, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, New Jersey, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont
Registration Services in English:
- Zulassungsstelle (vehicle registration office) - varies by city
- Some cities offer English-speaking staff
- Bring a German-speaking friend if needed
- Or hire a service (€100-200) to do it for you
Documents Needed:
- Passport/ID
- Proof of address (Anmeldung)
- Vehicle documents
- Insurance certificate (eVB number)
- SEPA mandate for vehicle tax
Banking
English-Speaking Banks
International Banks:
- Deutsche Bank - English services in branches
- Commerzbank - Some English support
- HSBC Germany - Limited branches
- Citibank - Very limited presence
Online Banks (Best English Support):
- N26 - App-based, fully English, easy setup
- Revolut - Multi-currency, English app
- C24 - German online bank, English available
- DKB - Popular, some English support
Opening an Account:
- Passport
- Anmeldung (proof of address)
- Some require visa/residence permit
- Can often do online with video verification
- Traditional banks require in-person visit
Banking in Germany:
- IBAN for all transfers (no routing numbers)
- SEPA transfers free and fast
- Credit cards less common (debit cards standard)
- Cash still widely used (always carry some)
Financial Advisors
For Expats:
- Bonn Steuerberatung - English tax advisors
- Horbach - Financial planning for expats
- MLP - English-speaking consultants in major cities
- Expatfinancial.de - Specializes in American expats
Services:
- Tax planning
- Retirement accounts (401k/IRA equivalents)
- Investment advice
- Insurance optimization
Handymen & Home Services
Finding Services:
- MyHammer.de - Germany's TaskRabbit, filter by English
- Blauarbeit.de - Handyman marketplace
- Myhammer - Request quotes from multiple providers
- Facebook expat groups - Personal recommendations
Common Services:
- Elektriker - Electrician (€50-80/hour)
- Klempner - Plumber (€60-100/hour)
- Maler - Painter (€30-50/hour)
- Umzugshelfer - Moving help (€25-40/hour)
Tips:
- Always get written quote (Kostenvoranschlag)
- Check reviews carefully
- Ask if "Mehrwertsteuer" (VAT) is included
- Book well in advance (weeks for popular services)
Translation & Notary Services
Sworn Translators (Vereidigte Übersetzer):
- Required for official documents
- Find via justiz-dolmetscher.de
- Cost: €25-40 per page
- Needed for: birth certificates, diplomas, contracts
Notary (Notar):
- Required for property purchases, business formation
- Cost: Government-regulated fees (several hundred euros)
- Some speak English, ask when booking
- Required by law for certain transactions
Documents You Might Need Translated:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- University diplomas
- Driver's license (sometimes)
- Employment contracts
Pet Services
Veterinarians:
- Tierarzt - Veterinarian
- Many speak English in cities
- Check Google reviews for "English-speaking"
- Emergency vets: Higher fees evenings/weekends
Pet Registration:
- Must register dog within 2 weeks (Hundesteuer)
- Annual dog tax: €100-200 depending on city
- Liability insurance required for dogs
- Some breeds restricted/require special permits
Pet Stores:
- Fressnapf - Major chain, some English
- Zoo & Co - Another large chain
- Staff usually speak limited English
Emergency Numbers
- 112 - Medical emergency, fire (like 911)
- 110 - Police emergency
- 116 117 - Non