I'm in Berlin startup scene and I can tell you that is quite easy to get a working permit as a software dev, basically only thing you need besides your passport is an employment contract with more than 33k€ per year. (search term: blue card)
Don't go the asylum way if you have the software skills. Blue card is much easier and a safe bet.
The processing can take up to 6-8 weeks though…
And as for language, at least in Berlin tech companies, english is the language of business…