One tiny exception to FormationFlyer's answer above.
Germany used to have a "CVFR Rating" which allowed a PPL/no IR to transit controlled airspace in VFR/VMC. Hence "Controlled VFR".
I don't know whether or not that rating still exists in Germany, but in the old days when I first got my IMC rating, it was accepted as equivalent to a CVFR and I could fly with CVFR privileges.
Any D-reg PPLs here who know if the CVFR still exists after JAR?