Depends heavily on the position. ESCO and BA distinguish: positions in international companies or consulting: English at C1 level often mandatory. Corporations with international teams: English as working language, German optional. SMEs and local companies: German B2–C1 as minimum requirement. LinkedIn Economic Graph: bilingual profiles (DE+EN) receive up to 30% more recruiter enquiries in Germany. Cedefop: multilingualism is one of the most frequently cited key competencies in German job postings. Evidence: Goethe-Institut, DELF/DALF, IELTS, TOEFL, Cambridge. Objection: self-assessment is sufficient in many applications when language certification is not explicitly required — but you will be tested in the interview.
Want to know how well your CV matches your target role?
What is the difference between a German CV and an English resume?
How do I apply for jobs in Germany as a foreign professional?
How do I apply for jobs in Switzerland from Germany?
How do I apply for remote positions abroad as a German employee?
How do I apply for English-language positions in Germany?