Germany

UK PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS FORUMS EX-PAT BRITISH TRUCKERS (INTERACTIVE)
1

Hi all.

Just wondered if anyone on here lives in Germany.

I used to live in Germany and was thinking of moving back for certain reasons after I have experience in C+E. Was also wondering what the job situation is like as a HGV driver over there?

As much info as possible would be appreciated. :smiley:

Gareth

2

This from a couple of years ago might help:

Inselaffe:
Obviously the main factor in getting a job is the ability to speak German. Although most Germans can speak good English, once you get out in the sticks you really need to be able to communicate in the local lingo.

Availability of work is also dependant on the area you’re thinking of moving to. It would, for example, be easier to pick up a job in the industrial Ruhr area as it would in the backwoods of Bavaria.

Your English licence and driver’s card will be valid over here, so no need to get them exchanged.

The Saturday edition of the local newspaper is a good place to look for driving jobs.

When you move here, you will have to register your address at the local town hall.
Additionally as a foreigner from another EU country, you will have to apply for a Freizßgigkeitsbescheinigung, which is basically a residence permit for EU nationals. You will need to be able to show them a contract of employment before this is issued.
Also, landlords will want to see a contract of employment when you want to rent a flat, which is a bit of a Catch 22 situation.

International work is getting pretty thin on the ground these days as in all western European countries. Anything cross border is being pulled by Bogdan, Milan and chums at a fraction of the previous rates :imp: :imp:

Having said that, you should be able to pick up a job on national work but the pay might not be up to much due to the number of eastern Europeans flooding the job market…

HTH

3

Ye thanks that helped a bit :smiley:

Well I will be moving to the Industrial Part of Germany “The Ruhrpott” (NRW) as I have family there.

I have seen a few jobs there, but wondered if the market was like here a lot of drivers not much work. I can speak and write the language fluently as I grew up with both languages.

Also was thinking maybe living in germany and working in the Netherlands, as its not too far from where I would be moving to. Heard off an old friend living in Germany, the dutch pay more. (which I would have to find out)

I dont think should be too hard in the Amt as I have a german parent, which means I am half german, but also something I would have to look into. :stuck_out_tongue:

Gareth

4

apart from inselaffe’s helpful response you could try sending a PM to britpete, he lives dortmund area i think

5

welshboyinspain:
apart from inselaffe’s helpful response you could try sending a PM to britpete, he lives dortmund area i think

Cool.

Thanks, I will try that. Not too far away where I would be going to.

6

Gazza7682:
I can speak and write the language fluently as I grew up with both languages.

Well, you’re quids in then :slight_smile:

Get yourself down to the local Arbeitsamt when you arrive or do some research beforehand at: arbeitsagentur.de/