Rosemary

Spanish people are being told that there are jobs for them if they go to Germany so maybe that is why they are taking classes.

Rosemary

cricketman

As I said, they are learning some basic (broken) German which might get them a job as a cook or waiter in Germany earning less than they would here in Spain, but hardly any will ever learn it to the degree where they would be able to get a good job

The students don't know that of course, and they are desperate

amideislas

I agree.

I lived in Germany for a major part of my adult life, and I can fully verify that German language is an extremely important metric for anyone who aspires to more than simply a basic job. Even then, you still need basic German. I'd say even more so than Spanish in Spain (although not to remotely suggest Spanish isn't important in Spain -it certainly is).

I would make one exception with certain international business and some IT positions, where English fluency is important. Yet most young Germans are rather fluent in English, so there's probably plenty of qualified Germans for those jobs.

Spain is a different horse, as there are probably fewer Spanish that can fill the few positions requiring English fluency. But then again, there are so many Spanish out of work, that no doubt there are equally as many Spanish with English skills to fill those positions as any foreigners.

The good news is that Spain is beginning to hire again. In fact, Spain apparently has the best growth rate in the EU, due to cutbacks in spending, and the relaxation of it's previously punitive employment regulations. One could argue that the only way was up, and it's still amongst the EU's weakest economies with the 2nd highest unemployment rate, but the trend is positive, at least.

cricketman

That depends on how you define a weak economy

Spain's GDP per capita is still higher than the EU average, and is actually only 10% lower than the UK's

List of sovereign states in Europe by GDP (nominal) per capita - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For all the talk about how poor Spain is, it really isn't

Spain's biggest problem is unemployment. Given that Spain's unemployment figures are 5 times that of the UK, it is remarkable that GDP per capita is only 10% lower

amideislas

Less public spending?

cricketman

That's not like you amideislas.... arguing that more government spending equals a stronger economy

i.e. you are saying that the countries which are becoming more socialist have the strongest economies

I have to say, I dont understand that argument at all

On a side point, in 2007 50% of Spanish government income came from property sales tax. With the property bubble exploding this is now down to less than 10%. Hence the Spanish government debt problem. In 2007 the government accounts looked fantastic

amideislas

I'm as confused as you, however I'd argue the opposite result: A stronger economy fuels more government spending, and when the economy is weak, the way to strengthen it is to cut spending - and taxes.

The general wisdom is that the (highly protested) easing of labour regulations have everything to do with the increases in employment.

The confusing part of that equation is that VAT, income and capital taxes in Spain are still amongst the highest in Europe, which would suggest (starting from a weak economic position) that growth should be flat or in decline. I can only speculate that perhaps one reason tax has less negative impact is that at least 1/4 of Spain's GDP is entirely untaxable.

Still, Spain's growth is hardly "booming". It is after all, climbing out of a very deep hole. Anything resembling those numbers is remarkable.

It's encouraging just the same.

I think Podemos would be better served to wait until whatever this "miracle" drives Spain's economy into a far more tenable, sustainable position. Then they can claim credit for it, and proceed to start spending like there's no limit. The consequences could be a decade or more down the road before anyone notices.

Horlics

I worked for a year in a place called Kronberg on the outskirts of Frankfurt. Almost every German I met there spoke English and the vast majority of them spoke it perfectly. Another place where you can spend a day in an office with people whose 2nd language is being spoken and hear fewer grammatical mistakes than you would with a bunch of native English speakers in the room.

The office was full of people from all over the globe.

I'd started studying German not long before that experience but gave up because I hardly ever met one who didn't speak English.

That was in a professional setting though. I know it's not like that everywhere.

amideislas

Well, English is a required course in German public schools. You can't pass until you speak English to some extent, but yes, most Germans under 50 are fluent.

But day to day life, business and even the hiring process is almost always in German, and not having German language fluency is a definite minus for potential job candidates. Unless of course, your skill set excuses you.

Anna Collins1

Fibre optics are being laid as we speak in and around the Malaga to Marbella area which will make internet here much faster and more reliable. Just check what is available in the area you choose to live before you commit.

Regards to an IT business, there are lots of people offering this type of service and it may take you a while to build up a good client base.

You could try getting an in road with an established English run company first like this one in La Cala de Mijas: Computer City.

Good luck Anna

jc_bromley

Many thanks to all who responded, your opinions are much apreciated!


John