The dual system in one paragraph
Most training in Germany is dual: part of the week you work in the company, part of the week you attend a vocational school (Berufsschule). Some professions - especially in healthcare - are school-based, with practical placements instead. Either way you finish with a nationally recognised qualification.
What you usually need
- A training place and a signed training contract (Ausbildungsvertrag) with a German company. The contract states the profession, length, allowance and working hours, and it is at the centre of the visa application.
- German. Training, school and the workplace are in German. Many employers ask for B1, some for B2 - it is the single biggest factor in getting a contract. Check the level required for the visa on the official portal.
- A recognised school-leaving certificate. Depending on the profession and your certificate, recognition may be required.
- A visa for vocational training from the German mission, with the documents it lists at the time you apply, including any proof of finances where the training allowance does not cover the requirement.
These are general patterns. Requirements depend on the profession, the employer and the rules in force when you apply - the official sources below are the authority.
How to find a training place
- Choose two or three professions that fit you and read their official descriptions in BERUFENET.
- Search current vacancies on the Federal Employment Agency's job search - search for "Ausbildung" plus the profession.
- Apply to companies directly with a German CV (Lebenslauf) and a German cover letter (Anschreiben).
- Prepare for interviews in German - many are held online.
Warning: nobody can guarantee you a training place. Legitimate employers do not charge you for one, and an agent who asks for a large fee for a "guaranteed Ausbildung" is a red flag.
63 popular professions
Standard lengths set by the training regulations; many can be shortened with prior education or good results. Training allowances are set by contract and collective agreement, so they are not listed here.
Health and care
| Profession (German) | In English | Standard length | Type |
|---|
| Pflegefachfrau / Pflegefachmann | Nurse (generalist nursing) | 3 years | School-based |
| Medizinische/r Fachangestellte/r (MFA) | Medical assistant | 3 years | Dual |
| Zahnmedizinische/r Fachangestellte/r (ZFA) | Dental assistant | 3 years | Dual |
| Pharmazeutisch-kaufmännische/r Angestellte/r (PKA) | Pharmacy commercial assistant | 3 years | Dual |
| Notfallsanitäter/in | Paramedic | 3 years | School-based |
| Operationstechnische/r Assistent/in (OTA) | Operating theatre technician | 3 years | School-based |
| Physiotherapeut/in | Physiotherapist | 3 years | School-based |
| Medizinische/r Technologe/Technologin für Laboratoriumsanalytik | Medical laboratory technologist | 3 years | School-based |
| Pflegehelfer/in / Pflegefachassistenz | Nursing assistant | varies by state | School-based |
IT and electronics
| Profession (German) | In English | Standard length | Type |
|---|
| Fachinformatiker/in - Anwendungsentwicklung | IT specialist - software development | 3 years | Dual |
| Fachinformatiker/in - Systemintegration | IT specialist - systems integration | 3 years | Dual |
| Fachinformatiker/in - Daten- und Prozessanalyse | IT specialist - data and process analysis | 3 years | Dual |
| Fachinformatiker/in - Digitale Vernetzung | IT specialist - digital networking | 3 years | Dual |
| IT-System-Elektroniker/in | IT systems electronics technician | 3 years | Dual |
| Kaufmann/-frau für IT-System-Management | IT systems management clerk | 3 years | Dual |
| Kaufmann/-frau für Digitalisierungsmanagement | Digitalisation management clerk | 3 years | Dual |
| Elektroniker/in für Geräte und Systeme | Electronics technician for devices and systems | 3½ years | Dual |
Engineering and technical
| Profession (German) | In English | Standard length | Type |
|---|
| Mechatroniker/in | Mechatronics technician | 3½ years | Dual |
| Industriemechaniker/in | Industrial mechanic | 3½ years | Dual |
| Kfz-Mechatroniker/in | Automotive mechatronics technician | 3½ years | Dual |
| Elektroniker/in für Betriebstechnik | Industrial electrician | 3½ years | Dual |
| Elektroniker/in - Energie- und Gebäudetechnik | Electrician - energy and building systems | 3½ years | Dual |
| Anlagenmechaniker/in für Sanitär-, Heizungs- und Klimatechnik | Plumbing, heating and air-conditioning technician | 3½ years | Dual |
| Zerspanungsmechaniker/in | Precision machinist (CNC) | 3½ years | Dual |
| Technische/r Produktdesigner/in | Technical product designer (CAD) | 3½ years | Dual |
| Chemikant/in | Chemical plant operator | 3½ years | Dual |
| Chemielaborant/in | Chemical laboratory technician | 3½ years | Dual |
| Land- und Baumaschinenmechatroniker/in | Agricultural and construction machinery technician | 3½ years | Dual |
| Fluggerätmechaniker/in | Aircraft mechanic | 3½ years | Dual |
Logistics and transport
| Profession (German) | In English | Standard length | Type |
|---|
| Fachkraft für Lagerlogistik | Warehouse logistics specialist | 3 years | Dual |
| Fachlagerist/in | Warehouse operative | 2 years | Dual |
| Kaufmann/-frau für Spedition und Logistikdienstleistung | Freight forwarding and logistics clerk | 3 years | Dual |
| Berufskraftfahrer/in | Professional driver | 3 years | Dual |
| Eisenbahner/in im Betriebsdienst | Railway operations worker | 3 years | Dual |
Business and office
| Profession (German) | In English | Standard length | Type |
|---|
| Kaufmann/-frau für Büromanagement | Office management clerk | 3 years | Dual |
| Industriekaufmann/-frau | Industrial business clerk | 3 years | Dual |
| Bankkaufmann/-frau | Bank clerk | 3 years | Dual |
| Kaufmann/-frau im Einzelhandel | Retail sales clerk | 3 years | Dual |
| Verkäufer/in | Sales assistant | 2 years | Dual |
| Kaufmann/-frau im Groß- und Außenhandelsmanagement | Wholesale and foreign trade clerk | 3 years | Dual |
| Steuerfachangestellte/r | Tax clerk | 3 years | Dual |
| Immobilienkaufmann/-frau | Real estate clerk | 3 years | Dual |
| Kaufmann/-frau für Versicherungen und Finanzanlagen | Insurance and financial services clerk | 3 years | Dual |
Hospitality and food
| Profession (German) | In English | Standard length | Type |
|---|
| Koch / Köchin | Chef / cook | 3 years | Dual |
| Hotelfachmann/-frau | Hotel specialist | 3 years | Dual |
| Fachmann/-frau für Restaurants und Veranstaltungsgastronomie | Restaurant and event catering specialist | 3 years | Dual |
| Fachkraft für Gastronomie | Hospitality worker | 2 years | Dual |
| Bäcker/in | Baker | 3 years | Dual |
| Konditor/in | Pastry chef | 3 years | Dual |
| Fleischer/in | Butcher | 3 years | Dual |
Construction and craft
| Profession (German) | In English | Standard length | Type |
|---|
| Maurer/in | Bricklayer | 3 years | Dual |
| Tischler/in | Carpenter / joiner | 3 years | Dual |
| Zimmerer / Zimmerin | Timber builder | 3 years | Dual |
| Dachdecker/in | Roofer | 3 years | Dual |
| Maler/in und Lackierer/in | Painter and decorator | 3 years | Dual |
| Straßenbauer/in | Road builder | 3 years | Dual |
| Friseur/in | Hairdresser | 3 years | Dual |
Media and events
| Profession (German) | In English | Standard length | Type |
|---|
| Mediengestalter/in Digital und Print | Digital and print media designer | 3 years | Dual |
| Fachkraft für Veranstaltungstechnik | Event technology specialist | 3 years | Dual |
Environment and green jobs
| Profession (German) | In English | Standard length | Type |
|---|
| Gärtner/in | Gardener | 3 years | Dual |
| Fachkraft für Kreislauf- und Abfallwirtschaft | Recycling and waste management specialist | 3 years | Dual |
| Fachkraft für Abwassertechnik | Wastewater technician | 3 years | Dual |
Education and social
| Profession (German) | In English | Standard length | Type |
|---|
| Erzieher/in | Early childhood educator | varies by state | School-based |
Official sources