Job Discussion Forums

Chris · Posted: Sat Oct 18, 2003 5:03 pm Post subject: Karlsruhe

Hi all!

I have a possible job offer in Karlsruhe for early next year, and am wondering if anyone on here is living there. What's the city like? I've been looking online, and have found some nice info, but I'd really like to hear from someone who might be living there.

Thanks!

Very Happy

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

The deep recession in Germany means that there are not so many jobs. And jobs in English teaching are not always for native speakers !

If you can find a job I wish you luck, but you may find that you are the only native speaker teacher in Karlsruhe, but there will be other foreigners and some of them will be native speakers of English.

Karlsruhe is a nice but rather sleepy town. Isn't it the seat of the Federal German Supreme Court ?

Chris · Posted: Mon Oct 20, 2003 12:08 pm Post subject:

Actually, I already interviewed for the company back in August for a job in Erlangen. While they knew that I could do the job, they chose the other person they interviewed for that particular position. However, they told me they would contact me in case another position became available.

They contacted me on Thursday and said that while they haven't got a firm offer yet, they are discussing with the company they contract to the need for an additional English trainer--there are 4-5 Native English trainers already there. They wanted to confirm that I would be available so they could go to the company and say "Look, this is the person who we have in mind for the new position".

I'm not giving specifics because I would like this job for myself.. Smile

The pay is very good (ca 2000 Euro in hand/month).

Yeah, I suppose that Karlsruhe might be a sleepy town (ruhe is, after all, part of the name!), but I'm sure it's a bit more lively than Sosnowiec.

Hod · Joined: 28 Apr 2003 Posts: 1613 Location: Home

I was invited to an interview earlier this year for a job in Karlsruhe. It was an in-company type position at a big German techy company. I had a few concerns about the job itself and living in Karlsruhe didn't really appeal, so I withdrew my application. Saying all that, the Black Forest is nearby I believe and it sounded OK. That job was offering 2600 euros.

If this sounds familiar, pm me for more details (nothing negative, just my story). If it's a different job, all the best.

Ferne · Joined: 29 Apr 2003 Posts: 177 Location: GZ

It depends on where youguys are coming from with the term "sleepy". Karlsruhe is not Berlin or Hamburg, that is for sure, but it's not just any little place either. It has quite a few fun things to offer to those who don't go around complaining how "sleepy" it is (to me, sleepy would be something veeery different) Wink

I personally think it would be a nice place for Germany starters! You've got the universities, the punks, the culture, the castle, the surrounding area (France, Black Forest), the dance clubs, mostly friendly people, street fests with great food and "das Fest" in the summer.

Germans also are having a hard time finding a job, not just you guys Wink

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

"Germans also are having a hard time finding a job, not just you guys "

Germany is faced with unemployment levels not seen since 1931. Recession it is. So do not expect to find it easy to get a job.

Karlsruhe is sleepy and personally that would be a plus. Not all of the posters here are into that. Some might prefer the big fcity scene which is certainly there in Berlin or Hamburg. I would no more work in a big city now than I would consider emigrating to Alpha Centauri !

I long ago resigned myself to the reality that I will not now find a job in Germany, and I work away in the Middle East which pays for my annual holiday to that amazing country. The irony is that when I was working there I did not value my opportunity to enjoy Germany !

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

"Sleepy" - ? Well, it is not a metropolis, but you can live there comfortably. It's in the deep South, close to Basle and to Strasbourg, and within Germany, near Freiburg.
A sunny place where grapes are grown and wines are made. South Germans are more extroverted than Northerners. Schwarzwald is in the same federal state too.
Not a bad choice - if you get that job.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

Karlsruhe does have the reputation of being quiet and populated by German civil servants, who are not the wildest species on Planet Terra

It is the seat of the "Bundesverfassungsgericht" or Federal Constitutional Court. A real "Beamtenstadt" with all that implies.