“The New Generation of Turks Naturally Bridges Two Cultures”

Interview: Aslı Çelebi

Elif Reimann, a teacher in Germany who has successfully combined her career in education with digital content creation, joins our “New Generation Careers” series. With her bicultural background and inspiring personal journey, she represents a new wave of young professionals shaping life in Germany.

Her move to Germany, her teaching career, and her fast-growing presence as a digital content creator—all are part of Elif Reimann’s multifaceted story. Meeting students in the classroom and thousands of followers on social media, Reimann shares her experiences on topics ranging from the role of new-generation Turks in Germany and the use of AI to cultural adaptation and her identity as an influencer.

“The new generation of Turks in Germany isn’t a minority anymore; they are a bridge shaping the country’s multicultural future.”

How did your move to Germany come about? What were your first impressions?

I’ve always been interested in living abroad and learning foreign languages. That’s why my academic background focused on languages. After working for 2.5 years as a German–English teacher in Türkiye, I wanted to live in a country where the languages I studied were spoken natively.

“Living between two cultures doesn’t divide you — it expands you.”

I started researching job opportunities in German-speaking countries. Based on what I found, having my teaching qualifications recognized wasn’t very easy. I explored various international programs—European Voluntary Service, volunteer programs in Germany, and Au Pair options. I eventually came to Germany as an Au Pair, living with a host family for a year and taking care of their three children.

“I realized in my first year that Germans aren’t as cold as people say”

While I was an Au Pair, my qualification recognition process continued. Because it took longer than expected, I joined the BFD (Federal Voluntary Service) after my Au Pair year. I worked with students with special needs, which I really enjoyed. When the school I worked at wanted me to stay on, I continued there as a substitute teacher. After three months, I changed schools because the commute was long and I wanted to work in a mainstream setting rather than special education. I now teach English and Math at a public school.

DON’T MISS

“For Me, Business Life Is Both a Challenge and a Source of Enjoyment”

Is Your Brand Speaking?

When I first came to Germany, I was surprised to find that Germans aren’t as cold as people often claim. People say hello when they pass you on the street, and once they get to know you, they’re very warm. I spent my first year in a small village in northeastern Germany with only German residents—no Turks, no other foreigners. Yet I never experienced racism or discrimination. Whenever I needed help, the people around me supported me. The calm pace of life here was one of the first things I truly appreciated.

“Germans are not cold — you just need to give them time to show their warmth.”

How did you start creating digital content?

In my fourth year in Germany, I realized how much I missed speaking my mother tongue and interacting with people from my own country. So I started posting videos on TikTok about Germany and the German language. My intention wasn’t to become an influencer; I didn’t follow a specific video series or strategy. As I began answering people’s questions, I enjoyed being able to speak Turkish and help those who were curious. That’s how my audience grew. I’ve been active on TikTok for two years and on Instagram for one.

How do you combine your teaching career with being an influencer?

At first, I didn’t want to bring my identity as a teacher into social media. But over time, I noticed that many of my followers had moved from Türkiye to Germany. They didn’t know how the German school system worked, so naturally, they were curious. As I received more questions, I began sharing aspects of my teaching life—always respecting data privacy, of course.

“Social media connected me back to my roots while helping others find their own path in Germany.”

I show classroom setups, talk about lesson structures, and explain the system. I also obtained permission from my school to do this. That’s how I merged the two parts of my professional life.

Do you use AI tools when creating content?

Yes, I use CapCut and occasionally ChatGPT.

Do you notice differences between your Turkish and German followers?

Yes. My German followers and friends usually respond more calmly. Turkish followers, on the other hand, tend to react more emotionally—especially if they don’t like something. We’re a community that feels things intensely. 😊

As a Turkish woman in Germany, what has challenged or motivated you the most in your career?

One of the biggest challenges at the beginning was explaining one foreign language through another. When students didn’t understand something, having to explain English in German was quite difficult. Parents’ evenings were also stressful at first—these events are challenging even in your native language. But each meeting that went better than I expected motivated me even more. 😊

How do you see the role of the “new generation of Turks” in Germany?

I believe the new generation of Turks has a unique ability to build bridges between two cultures. They preserve their Turkish heritage while contributing positively to German society. They naturally represent diversity and play a significant role in shaping Germany’s multicultural identity.

DON’T MISS

How Artificial Intelligence, Data, and Personalized Treatments Are Transforming Healthcare

Green Energy Race: Where Do Turkey and Germany Stand in 2025?

Which influencer do you think we should interview next?

I recommend my friend, the pedagogue @aysimadogaan, who also lives in Germany and whose content I enjoy following. 😊