Ausbildung in Germany
Germany's world-renowned dual education system lets you earn while you learn — combining practical training at a company with classroom education.
327+
Recognized Professions
€800-1,400
Monthly Training Salary
2-3.5
Years Duration
500K+
New Positions Yearly
What is Ausbildung?
Learn & Earn Simultaneously
Ausbildung is Germany's dual vocational training system. You work at a company 3-4 days a week and attend vocational school (Berufsschule) 1-2 days. You receive a monthly salary throughout your training.
2-3.5 Years Duration
Most Ausbildung programs last between 2 and 3.5 years, depending on the profession and your prior qualifications.
€800-1,400 Monthly Salary
You earn a training salary from day one. Pay increases each year of your Ausbildung and varies by profession and region.
327+ Recognized Professions
From IT specialist to mechatronics technician, from nurse to banker — there's an Ausbildung for almost every career interest.
How to Apply for Ausbildung
Your step-by-step guide to starting vocational training in Germany
Learn German to B1-B2
Most Ausbildung programs require German language skills at B1-B2 level. Start learning early — it's the biggest factor for success.
Research Professions
Explore the 327+ recognized training professions. Consider your interests, the job market demand, and salary prospects.
Prepare Your Bewerbung
Create a German-style CV (Lebenslauf) and cover letter (Anschreiben). Include your certificates and language proof.
Apply to Companies
Search for positions on the IHK, HWK, or Agentur für Arbeit job boards. Apply directly to companies offering Ausbildung.
Get Your Visa
Apply for a §16a residence permit for vocational training. You'll need your training contract and proof of financial means.
Start Your Training
Most Ausbildung programs start in August or September. Register your residence and get settled in your new city.
Popular Training Professions
Explore some of Germany's most popular and in-demand Ausbildung professions
IT Specialist
Software development, system integration, network administration, data/process analysis, or digital networking.
Mechatronics Technician
Mechanics, electronics, automation, robotics, industrial machines, and vehicle systems.
Nursing
Patient care, medical procedures, hygiene, care planning, and hospital/elderly-care support.
Bank Clerk
Banking services, account management, loans, customer advice, and financial products.
Electronics Technician
Electrical systems, devices, industrial electronics, installation, testing, and repair.
Industrial Mechanic
Machine assembly, maintenance, troubleshooting, production systems, and mechanical repair.
Hotel Management
Guest service, front office, reservations, housekeeping coordination, events, and tourism.
Retail Salesperson
Sales, merchandising, stock management, customer service, and store operations.
Event Management
Planning conferences, exhibitions, weddings, concerts, logistics, budgeting, and promotion.
Dental Technician
Creating dental prosthetics, crowns, bridges, braces, and precision lab work.
Ausbildung vs. University vs. Dual Study
2 to 3.5 years
3 to 4 years (Bachelor)
Earn €724 to €1,400+ per month. No tuition fees.
Pay €70-€430/sem. Non-EU in BW: €1,500/sem. TUM: €2k-€6k/sem. Need €11,904/yr Blocked Account.
70% practical work at a company, 30% theory at a trade school.
Academic theory, independent research, and broad foundational knowledge.
Requires strong B1 or B2 level German.
Hundreds of 100% English-taught degree programs available.
Fast financial independence. Salary plateaus mid-level unless you pursue Meister certification.
Delayed earnings but a significantly higher lifetime earning ceiling and corporate management access.
Top 15 Resources to Find an Ausbildung
Whether you are looking for official government platforms or specialized private job boards, here are the top 15 resources to find and apply for vocational training programs in Germany.
Ausbildung.de
ausbildung.deOne of the most comprehensive private resources. Features an extensive database of training offers, user-friendly tools, and expert application advice.
Federal Employment Agency (Jobbörse)
arbeitsagentur.deThe official government job search platform. Use the search mask to find apprenticeships based on occupation or location and create a profile for employers.
Azubiyo (azubiyo.de)
azubiyo.deA platform designed to help students find programs based on their interests and qualifications. Provides helpful application tips and firsthand accounts from trainees.
Make it in Germany
make-it-in-germany.comThe official government portal for skilled workers and international applicants. Features a dedicated Ausbildung section with visa and living information.
AUBI-plus (aubi-plus.de)
aubi-plus.deConnects students directly with apprenticeship opportunities across wide regions. Companies can post job offers and create profiles to attract trainees.
BERUFENET & Planet-Beruf
planet-beruf.deOnline platforms run by the Federal Employment Agency providing detailed occupation profiles. Highly useful for exploring career paths before applying.
IHK & HWK Platforms
ihk.deLocal Chambers of Industry, Commerce, and Crafts offer individual counseling and placement services to help individuals find vocational training.
Azubi.de
azubi.deA popular alternative search portal competing in the vocational training space. Serves as another active database offering a variety of vacancies.
StepStone Germany
stepstone.deOne of the leading general job portals in Germany with a significant variety of Ausbildung opportunities and robust filtering options.
MeinPraktikum.de
meinpraktikum.dePrimarily focused on internships, which are often a crucial stepping stone. Allows users to read reviews from former interns for transparent insights.
AzubiWelt App
arbeitsagentur.deA free application provided by the Federal Employment Agency. It allows users to be notified when new apprenticeship positions matching their desired professions become available.
Lehrstellen-Radar
lehrstellen-radar.deFocuses specifically on the skilled crafts (Handwerk) sector, providing access to vacant apprenticeships across more than 130 different trades in specific regions.
Indeed Germany
de.indeed.comA highly popular job search engine that aggregates job listings from various sources, making it a valuable tool with user-friendly search features for Ausbildung positions.
LinkedIn and XING
linkedin.comProfessional networking platforms frequently utilized by companies to post open apprenticeship positions that might not be as visible on traditional job boards.
Monster and Jobware
monster.deGeneral online job platforms where companies actively advertise open vocational training positions. Using multiple different boards increases your chances of finding a suitable position.