Moving to Türkiye: Language learning, integration and insurance options – Your new start in Türkiye with KOCH Moving Logistics

Moving to Türkiye is a significant step that requires careful preparation. Türkiye combines a millennia‑old cultural tradition with a dynamic economy and high quality of life, making it an attractive destination for skilled professionals, families and retirees from all over the world. For successful integration, good Turkish language skills, an understanding of cultural peculiarities and knowledge of the Turkish insurance system are crucial.

The Turkish language is the key to successful integration in Türkiye. Even though many Turkish people in tourist regions and international companies speak English, Turkish language skills make everyday life considerably easier – from dealing with authorities to contacting neighbours to professional life. Especially in rural regions, Turkish language skills are essential. For German‑speaking immigrants, the linguistic situation in Türkiye is a challenge, but one that can be managed with structure. While international companies in Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir often use English as a working language, for everyday life and for official procedures, Turkish language skills are necessary.

– LOCAL LANGUAGE COURSES: The TÖMER certificate (Türkçe Öğretim Merkezi) is the standard certification for Turkish language skills and follows the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) from A1 to C2. Universities and state institutions offer structured courses worldwide throughout Europe and in Türkiye, ranging from A1 to C2. Many universities also offer Turkish courses for foreigners. There are various language schools in Türkiye offering courses in cities such as Istanbul and Izmir.

 

– ONLINE RESOURCES: Digital platforms and apps such as Duolingo, Babbel, Memrise or Busuu can sharpen vocabulary and listening comprehension for everyday life. For absolute beginners, Babbel or Duolingo are recommended.

 

– PRACTICE IN EVERYDAY LIFE: Talking to colleagues and neighbours is the most effective method for learning Turkish. Force yourself to speak Turkish, even if it is difficult at first.

 

– FREE OFFERS: The Turkish government offers low‑cost Turkish courses for immigrants through the TÖMER centres.

 

– TURKISH MEDIA: Watch Turkish television (e.g., TRT), listen to Turkish radio stations and read Turkish newspapers (Hürriyet, Milliyet) – this improves listening comprehension and expands vocabulary.

The TÖMER examinations follow the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) from A1 to C2. For study purposes at Turkish universities, level C1 is generally required. Some universities accept B2 with the condition of completing a Turkish preparatory year. Turkish is an agglutinative language with vowel harmony. It uses a Latin alphabet introduced in 1928. The grammar differs fundamentally from Indo‑European languages. There is no grammatical gender, which makes learning easier compared to German, French or Arabic.

Integration into a new country is a process that requires openness and a willingness to adapt. Türkiye and Germany are connected by a long shared history, particularly through the recruitment of Turkish workers from the 1960s onwards, and numerous cultural exchanges.

Turkish culture places great importance on personal relationships, warmth and respect. Here are some important tips for your daily life:

– GREETINGS: Greetings are usually by handshake. Among good acquaintances and friends, kisses on both cheeks are also common. Wearing shoes inside the house is not customary – shoes are taken off at the door. The use of formal titles is important: "Bey" for men ("Ahmet Bey") and "Hanım" for women ("Ayşe Hanım") are the polite forms of address.

– PUNCTUALITY: In Türkiye, punctuality is expected for business appointments, while a certain flexibility prevails in social contexts. For business appointments, however, strict punctuality is appropriate.

– DRESS CODE: Dress code is context‑dependent. In a professional environment, neat, classic business attire is worn. In everyday life and leisure time, casual but neat clothing is common. In mosques, women should cover their heads with a scarf and ensure that shoulders and knees are covered. Men should avoid shorts above the knee and sleeveless tops.

– CONVERSATION TOPICS: Good conversation topics are food, tea culture, family, football (Galatasaray, Fenerbahçe, Beşiktaş), the region and travel. Avoid becoming too personal – questions about salary or private circumstances are unusual.

Joining a local club – a sports club (football, basketball, wrestling), a cultural club, a hammam or a voluntary organisation – is an excellent way to meet new people and integrate. Türkiye has a very vibrant club culture. Tandem programmes, where you learn Turkish and in return offer your German, are also an effective way to get to know Turkish people. The German community in Türkiye is active – for example in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and on the Turkish Riviera – and offers numerous networks and events to meet like‑minded people and exchange experiences.

The Turkish government offers integration courses for non‑Turks, consisting of language courses and the provision of basic knowledge about Turkish society. The network of German‑Turkish societies in Türkiye – for example in Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Antalya – offers an excellent opportunity for Germans to network. German companies with branches in Türkiye (such as Siemens, Volkswagen, Bosch, Mercedes‑Benz or Deutsche Bahn) offer professional and financial advantages as well as enormous assistance in arriving in the country, making contacts and starting successful integration.

Moving to Türkiye requires structured preparation and cultural sensitivity. With openness, sound planning and a willingness to engage with the linguistic and cultural peculiarities, your new start in Türkiye can be shaped successfully. KOCH Moving Logistics stands by your side as a reliable partner and ensures that your move to Türkiye runs smoothly – so you can focus entirely on your new life.