New job in Germany?
And wondering why learning here often feels harder than it should?
You’re not alone.
These are the hidden barriers many internationals face:
• Your onboarding feels like “learning by doing,” with little guidance.
• Feedback is given directly, usually without much softening.
• You’re expected to handle tasks independently, and to ask only when really necessary.
For many internationals, this feels discouraging.
But the hidden barrier is not your skills.
It’s the learning style.
In Germany, learning at work often follows a structured, independent, and rather neutral approach.
Correctness is emphasized more than encouragement.
Self-responsibility more than continuous support.
The key is not to change who you are, but to adapt:
• Confirm tasks by briefly repeating them back.
• Ask for one concrete example or a short “show me once.”
• Treat direct feedback as normal, not as personal judgment.
The hurdle is real.
But it’s not about you being wrong.
It’s about learning in a system that works differently.
Over time, the system becomes easier to read.
Hidden Barriers
