When starting a job in Görlitz, it is suggested to have adequate German skills. Some bigger companies support their employees during their start with language training and further offers. Yet, those companies are the exception. For most employees who are not working in direct contact with clients, language level B1 is sufficient. For other employees, B2 (Mittelstufe) will be required. B2 is also the precondition for education and further training with occupational recognition. C1 is necessary with applications for university studies or medical doctors, whereby the university offers special language exams, medical doctors will undergo special technical language exams.
According to our experience, academics who are used to learn content and have English skills, may reach the level B1 or B2 after 6 months of intensive training, and C1 after 12 months.
German language skills are also needed for administrational issues. You will find translators for difficult situations in Görlitz. In Görlitz and its surrounding, several educational centres offer language courses. Experienced institutions are the adult educational centre VHS and the Euro-Schulen.
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The Common European Reference for language skills defines 6 stages from A1 (Beginner) to C2 (Proficient). Some job offers may articulate their desired skill level in applicants.
Elementary/Basic Use
A1
Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce him/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
A2
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
Independent Speaker
B1
Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
B2
Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialisation. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
Proficient Speaker
C1
Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices.
C2
Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarise information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express him/herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations.
This project has received funding from tax resources on the basis of the budget adopted by the members of the Parliament of the Free State of Saxony.
