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Case Interview Language

Dear all,

 

I am interviewing with MBB and T2 in DACH. Therefore, (case) interviews will be both in German and English.

I am a native German speaker and study a subject (think language, philosophy, law) that requires intricate knowledge of German - therefore I would assume that my fluency in German is not at question.

The vast majority of my practice has been in English and therefore my performance in German case interviews is worse than in English. Furthermore I am also having issues finding quality German speaking case partners.

With (case) interviews being both in German and English, I was wondering:

 

Would it be possible - and if so advisable - for me to ask for my case interviews to be conducted in English?

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Top answer
Hagen
Coach
edited on Jan 02, 2023
#1 recommended coach | >95% success rate | 8+ years consulting, 8+ years coaching and 7+ years interviewing experience

Hi there,

First of all, best of luck with your upcoming interviews!

I think this is an interesting question that may be relevant for many people. I would be happy to share my thoughts on it:

  • It's understandable that you might feel more confident conducting the interviews in English, especially if you have had more practice in that language. However, it is generally not advisable to request that your interviews be conducted in English if you are interviewing with a firm in a region where the primary language is German, especially given you are a native German speaker. Consulting firms are looking for candidates who can effectively communicate and work with clients in the local language, and demonstrating fluency in both English and German can be a valuable asset.
  • If you are having issues finding quality German-speaking case partners, there are a few things you can try to improve your performance in German case interviews:
    • Practice with native German speakers. This could include friends or colleagues who are fluent in German, or you could try finding online communities or forums where you can connect with other German speakers who are also interested in practicing case interviews.
    • Review German-language case interview resources. There are likely to be a variety of resources available in German that can help you prepare for case interviews, including case interview books and online articles or videos.
    • Seek feedback from German-speaking friends or colleagues. If you have native German-speaking friends or colleagues who are familiar with case interviews, you could ask them to provide feedback on your performance in a simulated case interview in German.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on how to address your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Moritz
Coach
on Jan 03, 2023
ex-McKinsey EM & Interviewer | 7/8 offer rate for 4+ sessions | High impact sessions + FREE materials & exercises

Hi there,

Let me get straight to the point:

Would it be possible - and if so advisable - for me to ask for my case interviews to be conducted in English?

No, especially in DACH you're expected to speak German. In fact, it's the #1 criteria. However, you can always speak ‘Denglish’ - I myself am fluent :)

Consider this: I am a German national (international since 2008, struggle a lot to speak my mother tongue in business context) that interviewed in Chile with McKinsey with a German Partner (same struggles as you and me) and we ended up with a wild mix of German, Spanish, and English. It was quite hilarious, and we both had a fun time.

My advice is to just go with German and not take it so seriously. It will hurt your ability to hold a friendly conversation because you'll be focused on being correct rather than a potential new college that's good to work and hang out with, and nobody wants that.

Hope this helps a bit. Best of luck!

Florian
Coach
on Jan 02, 2023
1400 5-star reviews across platforms | 600+ offers | Highest-rated case book on Amazon | Uni lecturer in US, Asia, EU

Hi there,

Depends on the firm!

  • In McKinsey, it is usually not possible.
  • In BCG, part of the interviews is in German, part in English, you need to go through both languages
  • In Bain, it depends a bit on the interviewer

I would suggest you practice German cases AND drills on your own + find 2-3 strong German-speaking practice partners. I have seen it a lot when people practice in English, then work through a case in a different language. It is a performance killer.

Not just during cases: I remember, I had all projects with English-speaking clients for a while when I started at McKinsey, then when I had my first German client after 2 years, I stumbled through my first presentation since I was not used to talking top-down consulting lingo in German AT ALL! 

Cheers,

Florian

Anonymous A
on Jan 02, 2023
For BCG/Bain, would you suggest asking HR whether it would be possible to accommodate that, or would it perhaps influence me negatively?
Deleted user
on Jan 02, 2023

Something I found useful was to seek out people on PrepLounge that speak German and ask them to case you. You should also record yourself and listen back, as that will be the best way of spotting words or parts where you are going wrong.

I don't think you can ask - it will be up to the interviewer.

7
Ian
Coach
on Jan 03, 2023
Top US BCG / MBB Coach - 5,000 sessions |Tech, Platinion, Big 4 | 9/9 personal interviews passed | 95% candidate success

Hi there,

I would recommend you do not ask them to change the interview language. They will decide what language they want.

Now, there's a really easy fix here: Case with German-speakers!

Preplounge has a whole bunch of German cases and you can filter your case partners by language!

Rushabh
Coach
on Jan 03, 2023
Limited Availability | BCG Expert | Middle East Expert | 100+ Mocks Delivered | IESE & NYU MBA | Ex-KPMG Dxb Consultant

Hello,

I think if you are expected to deal with clients in German, it is only fair that you are tested/interviewed in German too. There are many amazing German speaking coaches on this platform - reach out to them!

All the best,

Rushabh

Clara
Coach
on Jan 04, 2023
McKinsey | Awarded professor at Master in Management @ IE | MBA at MIT |+180 students coached | Integrated FIT Guide aut

Hello!

Don't. First, because it's not up to you, and asking would be weird. Second, because it will seem you are hiding something. 

Be ready with both (you are, totally!) and roll with what they give you ont he interview day. 

Hope it helps!

Cheers, 

Clara

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