Of course, in the big cities like Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, and Munich, you can get by just fine with English. Especially in startups, English is often even the company language and part of the corporate culture.

If you leave this professional environment, it quickly becomes more difficult. Common ground connects people. A common language is important both professionally and privately.
Perhaps you have already experienced this: You are abroad and walk through the airport in a foreign country to your next gate – and suddenly you hear your native language. In the middle of a foreign country! Many people stop, start a short conversation, and spontaneously spend the waiting time together.

Languages connect, and not only at the airport. Now, you are in Germany – and you speak English.
It is hard to connect with you: the first obvious commonality – the common language – is not there. It will be harder to make German friends.


See more here: https://setlinn.com/do-you-have-to-be-able-to-speak-german-in-germany-doesnt-everyone-speak-english-anyway/