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Germany is facing a significant challenge: a severe shortage of skilled workers that threatens to cripple its economy. The government has taken steps to address this, enacting new laws to create what it calls the “most modern immigration law in the world.” But according to experts, legal reforms aren’t enough. The country lacks a crucial ingredient for success: a genuine culture of welcome.
While government campaigns like “Make it in Germany” paint a rosy picture of seamless careers for international professionals, the reality on the ground is often far more difficult. One career consultant notes that only five percent of German companies advertise their job openings in English, despite the global nature of many industries. This reflects a persistent mentality that assumes anyone wanting to work in Germany will already be fluent in German, even though many would prefer to learn the language after securing a job offer.
This cultural gap is not just an inconvenience—it’s a major deterrent. A study from the Institute for Applied Economic Research found that two out of three highly qualified professionals from non-European countries have experienced discrimination in Germany, with half of these incidents occurring at government offices. These negative experiences, from dismissive officials to outright hostility, spread quickly through social media and word-of-mouth, damaging Germany’s reputation as a desirable destination.
The consequences are clear. The article cites the story of an Indian scientist who left her job and the country after just one year due to constant prejudice, taking six other jobs with her. A biomedical technician from Egypt shared that if he feels he is no longer welcome, he will also leave—perhaps for Canada, where his brother lives and where a true culture of welcome exists.
This issue has not gone unnoticed by politicians. Chancellor Olaf Scholz has called for a “change in consciousness” across the country. Yet, with anti-immigrant sentiment on the rise, experts warn that the problem could worsen. Attracting and retaining the 400,000 skilled workers Germany needs each year requires more than just modern laws; it requires a society that shows, not just says, that they are truly welcome.
