Work Education and Training in Germany

Table of Content

Teacher who is teaching in a classroom
Most Professions need formal education in germany.

What does „Ausbildung“ mean in Germany?

In Germany, „Ausbildung“ doesn’t just mean one thing. There are different ways to learn a profession, such as:

  1. Dual vocational training (apprenticeship + school)
  2. School-based vocational training
  3. University studies
  4. Dual studies (study + work)
  5. Further training
  6. Special programs for foreigners

1. Dual vocational training (Duale Ausbildung)

The most common form of training in Germany

  • Combination of practical work in a company and vocational school
  • Duration: 2–3.5 years
  • You receive a monthly salary
  • Requirements: school certificate + German (usually at least B1)

Examples: nurse, electrician, mechanic, office clerk

Nurse who is looking to the camera
Healthcare jobs are especially wanted in Germany.

2. School-based vocational training (Schulische Ausbildung)

  • Training takes place entirely at a vocational school
  • Usually no salary, sometimes school fees
  • Duration: 2–3 years
  • Often includes internships
  • Ends with a recognized certificate

Examples: early childhood educator, physiotherapist, medical lab technician

Adult who is drawing a picture with a child
As a childhood educator you can work in Kindergarten or Schools.

3. University studies (Studium)

  • For academic professions
  • Full-time at a university or university of applied sciences
  • Duration: 3–5 years (Bachelor and optionally Master)
  • No salary, but you can take part-time jobs
  • Usually requires a high school diploma (Abitur or equivalent)

Examples: doctor, engineer, teacher, psychologist

Engineer woman working at computer
Most engineers from abroad want to work in the car industry.

4. Dual studies (Duales Studium)

  • Mix of academic studies and company work
  • You receive a salary
  • Very popular but requires good grades and motivation
  • Duration: 3–4 years

Examples: business, computer science, social work, mechanical engineering

Men who is working at an office desk and writing down notes
As a Dual Student you need to concentrate at work and at your studies at the same time.

5. Further training (Weiterbildung)

  • For adults with work experience or a degree
  • Learn new skills to improve or change careers
  • Can be part-time or full-time

Examples: master craftsman, technician, IT courses, language certificates

Speaker in front of a group of people
You can continue learning even after complete your „Ausbildung“.

6. Preparation and entry programs for foreigners

  • Preparatory year (BVJ) or entry qualification (EQ)
  • German language courses and internships
  • Programs for refugees or non-EU citizens
  • Goal: help people start training or find a job
Two people who are doing a language worksheet
Learning german language is always good for every profession you choose.

Which path is right for me?

My goal is…Best option
Learn practical skills and earn money🧑‍💼 Dual vocational training, Dual studies
Work in healthcare or social professions📚 School-based training
Study at a university👩‍🎓 University studies
Work and study at the same time🧑‍💼 Dual studies
Prepare first, then start training or a job🗣️ Language + entry program
Improve or change my career📖 Further training

Requirements (for foreigners)

RequirementDual training 🧑‍💼School-based training 📚University 👩‍🎓
Recognized school degree✅✅✅
German language skillsB1–B2B1–B2usually B2–C1
Visa needed✅✅✅
Must pay living costsNo (you earn money)Yes (no salary)Yes

What kinds of training programs (Ausbildung) are available?

A woman who is signing a certificate
In Germany, every recognized training program (Ausbildung) ends with an official certificate or qualification.
  • https://www.ausbildung.de/berufe/glossar/: On this Page you can find every occupation of Germany. Unfortunately this website is only in English. I will explain the filter options at the top. After this, I hope your smartphone can translate the job descriptions more easily.

    Filter Options on ausbildung.de
  1. Show classic apprenticeships
    Displays professions that are part of the dual vocational training system – a combination of practical work in a company and theoretical lessons at a vocational school.
  2. Show in-house (company-internal) training
    Lists training programs that take place exclusively within a company, without attending an external vocational school.
  3. Show dual study programs
    Displays dual university study programs, which combine academic studies with regular work in a partner company.
  4. Show school-based training
    Shows vocational education programs held at schools, such as vocational schools or specialized colleges.
  5. Show further education
    Lists advanced training opportunities after completing an apprenticeship or university degree (e.g., master craftsman, technician, specialist qualifications).
  6. Show combined school-based and dual training
    Displays training programs that include both school-based and practical company-based parts.
  7. Show high school graduate programs (Abitur programs)
    Shows special programs for students with a high school diploma, often combining training with further study or additional qualifications.
  8. Show other professions
    Includes professions that don’t fit clearly into the other categories above.

I hope this guide has helped you understand the different training options in Germany. Take your time to explore which path suits you best.