Case Interview Language

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!

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

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

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

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!

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.