I'm a Latin-american CompSci and applied math graduate(B.Sc. and M.Sc. respectively) currently living and working in Germany for five years.

> I know what kind of job I want. Generally I want to work at place that gives me some degree of freedom in the way I approach a problem

I've lived worked in three countries sofar, worked in two and met people from all around the world who worked in many different places. One thing to note is that nowhere I've been to are people, specially those who have a rank or time to show for it, who have been longer at a job so keen on showing you the _one and only right way_. This is a cultural German tendency in my opinion. Don't be surprised. Germans need a long time to let go and give you trust, they need a very long time. You will most likely have to use every opportunity you have to subtly but surely "flabergast" your superiors and colleagues so that they start trusting you. The cues for this are extremely subtle and almost not at all visible during an interview process. You might ask how they treat new hires or what kind of responsibility and trust you can expect in your first months. It's ok for them to take your hand and guide you, on the other hand I hate the attitude of most colleagues I've had that "they always know better". If this is the case, don't worry, this is almost everywhere in Germany and where it isn't is the exception. If you want to chase an unicorn or not is your decision.

> enables and supports further education of employees with conferences and literature

You can ask your first and second interviewers about how they support the education of the employees. I've never had problems in this regard sofar. This, as far as you show desire to learn and they don't think they're burning Euros on you.

> and respects the work life balance

Start-ups and small to medium companies will have a hard time guaranteeing this. Big companies usually can allow themselves to let you do 9-5. They move a bit slower than start-ups or midsize companies. Insurances, banks or other companies with high availability requirements will most likely be bad choices; give them the chance to prove themselves and mention "work-life balance" of their own volition but don't hold your breath.

> But I'm not sure about what I have to look into when I evaluate a potential employer

They believe in their product, aren't cheap with gear and have clear that you have a life out of work.

> What are good cues for a good/bad culture in a company?

When colleagues in the _same team_ bad mouth each other even if slightly so. Intra-team is mostly inevitable, never participate, remain neutral, think as you please.

"Work hard party hard, eh? Hehe, snort, LEL ... here, have another red bull or some pot."

> What are some warning signs?

"Work hard party hard, eh? Hehe, snort, LEL ... here, have another red bull or some pot."

When colleagues in the _same team_ bad mouth each other even if slightly so. Intra-team is mostly inevitable, never participate, remain neutral, think as you please.

They try to save on gear such as your chair, monitor or stuff you need for doing your work.

>What are signs of good employer?

They respect your time during the interview process and if something happens they apologize. Colleagues in the _same team_ don't bad mouth each other. They are aware of their strengths and weaknesses. They believe in their product. They _try_ to never compromise on quality over quantity. The atmosphere is friendly, there's water, coffee, cocoa and the like readily available for all, bonus if they have fruits and nuts. Mega-bonus if they have a canteen and the lunch is free or you only pay the tax/get a considerable discount.

>Is it okay to contact current employes and get some information from them? What

Yes, ask the first and second interviewer questions. Be polite, simply show interest and formulate your questions ALWAYS POSITIVELY: "what is the culture among colleagues?" vs. "are you all assholes who hate eachother?"

>What else should I look out for?

Be creative. Translate what you value to polite and positive questions you might pose.