Yes, Germany is facing a shortage of IT specialists, and the problem is growing worse each year.
An IT specialist shortage refers to the high number of unfilled IT job positions because employers cannot find qualified candidates.
Why Does Germany Have a Shortage of IT Specialists?
There are many reasons for Germany’s shortage of IT professionals, including:
1. Aging Population
A large portion of Germany’s population is elderly, meaning fewer young graduates are entering the job market—especially in the IT sector.
2. IT salaries aren’t significantly higher than in other fields
The salary difference between an IT engineer and an accountant, for example, isn’t very large. For a young German student, choosing an easier degree over IT might seem like a smart move.
3. Attractive salaries from North American companies
While German IT specialists earn around €60k per year working for local companies, those working remotely for U.S. firms can expect salaries up to twice as high.
The Solution to Germany’s IT Professional Shortage?
The main solution to Germany’s IT shortage is relocating skilled IT professionals to fill the gap.
But what are the challenges of this solution? There are 3 key challenges:
1. The Difficulty of Learning German
Learning German can be harder for some people than others, depending on their native language.
- For English speakers: German is considered moderately difficult to learn.
- For Arabic speakers: German is more challenging due to unfamiliar sounds like "r," "ß," "ä," "ö," and "ü."
- For French speakers: German is relatively easier because of similarities in grammar and some pronunciations (e.g., the "R" sound).
2. The Lack of Soft Skills
Many IT specialists have all the technical skills required for a job in Germany—but they often face another challenge: soft skills.
To perform job duties effectively, skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management are essential. While an IT expert might have the technical qualifications, the real question is: How many can truly be productive team members?
3. Germany’s Culture and Laws
Relocating means adapting to a new culture and different laws. Some IT professionals struggle to accept Germany’s way of life or find its rules too strict. This can add extra stress on top of work responsibilities, affecting their well-being.
You may be disappointed by the number of challenges that can hinder the relocation process, but as with any problem, there’s always a solution.
With DastN’s relocation service, you’ll gain access to a large pool of professional developers across various specializations and choose the ones who best align with your business needs.
Let DastN handle the legal and administrative processes so you can stay focused on your business. You’ll save significantly with our competitive pricing, allowing you to achieve a higher ROI on your recruitment process.
Join our community of satisfied customers today and make relocation easier than ever!
