Chemnitz

Formally known as Karl-Marx-Stadt, Chemnitz is a portal into East German history

Situated close to the German border with Czechia in the state of Saxony, Chemnitz is a city with real history. The third-largest city in the state after Dresden and Leipzig, Chemnitz had a turbulent time in the 20th century. First a major stronghold of the German Communist Party during the 1920s, the city was renamed Karl-Marx-Stadt under the Soviets and was rebuilt as a model Soviet city. Since German reunification however, the city has flourished, and is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.

More about Chemnitz

The city has a population of around 250,000. A product of the city’s industrial heritage, Chemnitz is home to the Chemnitz University of Technology, a well-respected technical university with over 11,000 students.

Studying and Working in Chemnitz

The University of Technology is a research center for a number of major modern industries, including microelectronics, high-performance computing and microtechnology. Founded in 1836, the university has a rich history and plays a major role in Chemnitz’s reputation as a modern industrial city. It is also known for its international intake, with 25% of students coming from outside of Germany, one of the highest percentages in the country.

There are plenty of work opportunities in Chemnitz, particularly in engineering, medicine and tourism. Chemnitz is home to major Volkswagen production sites – the largest employer in the region – a major research hospital in the Klinikum Chemnitz, and the Ore Mountains, a major tourist attraction in the state.