Berlin has long been at the vanguard of the tech scene in Europe, and that doesn’t seem to be changing any time soon. The city is also a thriving hub of change and innovation on the UX design scene, and for this reason it is a beacon for UX talent.
And, because Berlin is home for many companies with international business, particularly in the field of tech, you do not necessarily need to speak German to land a UX role.
Whether you’re a budding designer looking to kickstart your career, or a seasoned professional seeking new opportunities, this guide is your gateway to understanding the landscape in Berlin
If you are already living in Berlin and unemployed, you can use your Bildungsgutschein to train as a UX designer for free. Learn more here, or read Julian’s story
If you’re ready to get your hands dirty in UX, try our free 6-day UX course here
Use the clickable menu here to jump straight to individual sections:
- How to become a UX designer in Berlin
- Best Berlin UX design courses
- Top Berlin UX agencies
- Typical UX design salary in Berlin
How to become a UX designer in Berlin
Landing a UX design role or freelance client in Berlin involves a combination of education, skills development, networking, and gaining practical experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you embark on your journey to becoming a UX designer in Berlin:
Build your educational foundation
If you don’t already have years of experience in UX, a solid educational background in UX design will support you, as the field has evolved with dozens of formal bootcamps and certification programs.
Germany is a country with a cultural respect for formal education, whether in the form of a degree, a bootcamp, or a certification.
Consider enrolling in formal UX design courses or obtaining a UX design certification. Look for reputable institutions, both online and offline, that offer comprehensive programs.
At CareerFoundry, we offer a top-rated UX program with a job guarantee. We’re based in Berlin and placing students here is our specialty. Learn more here, or get a taste of it with our free 6-day course in UX design.
Dive deeper:
Build core technical skills
Nailing UX design in Berlin will necessitate the development of certain core skills. Hone your proficiency in essential tools and software commonly used in UX design, such as Adobe XD, Sketch, Figma, and InVision.
Perfect your skills in user research, wireframing, prototyping, and usability testing. These skills form the foundation of effective UX design.
Dive deeper: 12 essential skills for UX designers
Create a strong portfolio
Build a diverse and impressive portfolio showcasing your UX design projects. Include case studies that highlight your problem-solving abilities, user-centered design approach, and the impact of your work.
Dive deeper: check out our list of the 20 best UX portfolio examples
Networking
Attend UX meetups, conferences, and networking events in Berlin to connect with professionals in the industry. Building a network can provide valuable insights, mentorship, and potential job opportunities.
Join online UX communities and forums to engage with the global UX design community and stay updated on industry trends.
A few Berlin based communities to get you started:
Internships and freelancing
Gain practical experience through internships or freelance projects. Real-world projects will enhance your portfolio and provide you with valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities of a UX designer.
LinkedIn is the best place to start looking here.
Stay updated on industry trends
Follow industry blogs, subscribe to newsletters, and participate in webinars to stay informed about the latest trends, tools, and methodologies in UX design.
Language proficiency
Given that Berlin is a multicultural city, having proficiency in English is crucial. While many companies may operate in English, knowing German can be an added advantage, especially for local communication and understanding the culture.
Apply for entry-level positions
Start applying for entry-level UX design positions. Look for job openings on job portals, company websites, and professional networking platforms.
Dive deeper: How to get a UX job with no experience
Prepare for interviews
Be ready to showcase your portfolio, discuss your design process, and articulate your approach to solving UX challenges during interviews. Practice common UX design interview questions.
Dive deeper: Most common 11 UX interview questions
Continuous learning
UX design is a rapidly evolving field. Stay committed to continuous learning by attending workshops, taking advanced courses, and staying abreast of emerging design trends and technologies.
Best Berlin UX design courses
Berlin, being a hub for technology and innovation, offers a variety of UX design courses to help individuals acquire the necessary skills for a career in the field. Here are some highly regarded UX design courses in Berlin.
CareerFoundry UX design course
Here at CareerFoundry, we offer an immersive, mentored UX design course that covers everything from user research to prototyping. With a focus on real-world projects and mentor support, this course provides practical skills applicable in the industry. We also offer a job guarantee and job placement support, with strong connections to the Berlin tech scene.
If you’re unemployed in Berlin, you can take the course for free with a Bildungsgutschein from the Agentur für Arbeit.
Learn more: Read about the CareerFoundry UX Design Course, or get a taste of it with our free 6-day UX short course
Spiced Academy 12 week UX design course
Spiced Academy offers a full-time 12 week UX design course. Promising to ‘turn your creativity into a career’, this course offered by Spiced sees participants getting hands on with breathtaking products that users love, in only 12 weeks
Ironhack UX/UI design bootcamp
Ironhack‘s UX/UI Design Bootcamp is an intensive program that covers both UX and UI design. It includes hands-on projects and collaboration with industry professionals to give students a real-world perspective.
Udacity UX designer nanodegree
Udacity‘s UX Designer Nanodegree program is an online offering that covers the essential skills for UX design. It includes mentor support, real-world projects, and a strong focus on building a portfolio.
Super Code UX design bootcamp
UX design school Super Code offers German language UX courses. In particular, their full-time 18 week UX design bootcamp promises to transform participants into trained specialists in the field within 4 months.
UX Training
UX Training offers a variety of courses covering key UX principles. With a fast-paced, interactive, collaborative approach, UX Training courses focus on equipping students with the skills to design and code interactive web applications.
Top Berlin UX agencies
Fjord
Fjord, part of Accenture Song, is a renowned global design and innovation consultancy with a prominent presence in Berlin. Specializing in UX/UI design, they blend design thinking with technology to create impactful digital experiences.
IXDS
IXDS is a multidisciplinary design studio based in Berlin, offering services in UX design, service design, and digital product development. With a human-centered approach, they craft user experiences that resonate with audiences.
Edenspiekermann
Edenspiekermann is a design and digital agency with a focus on creating meaningful user experiences. From UX/UI design to digital strategy, they help businesses connect with their customers through intuitive and engaging designs.
Endava
Endava is a digital agency that excels in UX design, digital product development, and interactive experiences. Their team of designers and developers collaborate closely to deliver seamless user experiences across various platforms
Aperto
Aperto, a IBM company, is a digital agency known for its expertise in UX design, digital strategy, and innovation consulting. They help brands navigate the digital landscape by creating user-centric solutions that drive business growth.
Typical UX designer salaries in Berlin
Glassdoor reports that the typical UX designer salary in Berlin ranges from €44,000 to €58,000 annually, depending on factors like experience, company, and specialization.
To break it down further, junior UX designers with 0–2 years of experience can expect an average salary of €42,000 per year, complemented by an additional €2,000.
Mid-level designers with 2–5 years of experience step into more complex projects, garnering an average salary of €53,650 annually, coupled with an extra €3,000.
Senior UX designers with 5+ years in the field lead teams, contribute to strategic decisions, and boast a wealth of experience in UX research, earning an average salary of €73,000 per year, with additional pay ranging from €2,000 to €10,000.
These figures underscore the dynamic nature of Berlin’s UX design job market and the potential for both growth and competitive remuneration.
Dive deeper: Read our full breakdown of UX designer salaries in Berlin
Next steps
To learn more about the life of a UX designer, read our guides: