How to Apply for Ausbildung in Germany: Step-by-Step

Before you start searching for positions, you need German language proficiency. This is not optional; it's the foundation everything else builds on.

Timeline

• From zero to B1: 6 to 9 months of intensive study (20+ hours/week)
• From A2 to B1: 2 to 4 months of intensive study

Where to Learn

• Goethe-Institut - Gold standard. Available in most countries with both in-person and online courses.
• Online platforms - Deutsche Welle (free), Lingoda, Preply, italki for 1-on-1 tutoring
• Local language schools - Often more affordable than Goethe-Institut

Which Certificate?

Get a Goethe-Zertifikat B1 or telc Deutsch B1. These are the most widely accepted by German embassies and employers. Book your exam 4 to 6 weeks in advance as slots fill up.

Pro tip: Start searching for Ausbildung positions while preparing for your B1 exam. You don't need the certificate in hand to begin applying; many companies will consider your application if you can prove B1 by the time training starts.

Germany has several major platforms and resources for finding Ausbildung positions:

Online Job Portals

• Ausbildung.de - Germany's largest Ausbildung portal. Filter by profession, city, and start date. Many listings include salary information.
• IHK-Lehrstellenbörse - Official portal of the Chambers of Commerce. Lists positions registered with IHK across Germany.
• Agentur für Arbeit (Jobbörse) - The Federal Employment Agency's job board. Use the filter "Ausbildung" under job type.
• GoAusbildung.com - Our sister platform, specifically designed for international applicants looking for Ausbildung in Germany. Curated positions with English-language support.
• Azubiyo - Another popular Ausbildung portal with company reviews and salary data.

Direct Company Websites

Large companies like Siemens, Bosch, Deutsche Bahn, Edeka, Lidl, and hospital networks post Ausbildung openings on their career pages. If you have a target employer, check their site directly.

Application Season

Most Ausbildung programs start in August or September. The application window typically runs from:

• Large companies: August to November (one year before start). Some close applications as early as October.
• Mid-size companies: October to February
• Small companies and trades: January to June (some accept late applications until July)
• Shortage professions (nursing, SHK): Often accept applications year-round

Start early. The best positions fill up months before training begins. If you're targeting September 2027, begin searching in August 2026.

German Ausbildung applications follow a specific format. International applicants who get this right stand out immediately.

The Application Package

1. Anschreiben (Cover Letter)
   • One page, formal German business letter format
   • Address it to the specific contact person (call the company if not listed)
   • Explain: Why this profession? Why this company? Why Germany? What do you bring?
   • Mention your German language level and certificate
   • Written in German (critical!)
2. Lebenslauf (CV / Resume)
   • Tabular format (tabellarischer Lebenslauf) - this is standard in Germany
   • Include a professional photo (still expected in Germany)
   • Reverse chronological order: education, experience, skills, languages
   • Maximum 2 pages
   • In German
3. Zeugnisse (Certificates)
   • School certificates (10th/12th grade) - certified German translations
   • German language certificate (B1 or higher)
   • ZAB Statement of Comparability (if available)
   • Any work experience or internship certificates

Application Tips for International Applicants

• Quality over quantity: Customize each Anschreiben for the specific company. Generic letters get rejected.
• Get your CV reviewed: Ask a native German speaker or professional service to check your application for language and formatting errors.
• Apply broadly: Send 20 to 50 applications. The response rate for international applicants is typically 10 to 30%, so volume matters.
• Follow up: If you haven't heard back in 3 to 4 weeks, a polite follow-up email or phone call shows initiative.

If your application is shortlisted, you'll be invited for an interview (Vorstellungsgespräch). For international applicants, this usually happens via video call.

What to Expect

• Duration: 20 to 45 minutes
• Language: German (this is also a test of your language skills)
• Format: Usually with the HR manager and/or the Ausbilder (training supervisor)

Common Interview Questions

1. Warum möchten Sie diese Ausbildung machen? (Why do you want to do this Ausbildung?) - Connect your interests and skills to the profession.
2. Warum Deutschland? (Why Germany?) - Show genuine interest in living and working in Germany long-term.
3. Was wissen Sie über unser Unternehmen? (What do you know about our company?) - Research the company before the interview.
4. Wie haben Sie Deutsch gelernt? (How did you learn German?) - Shows your commitment and learning ability.
5. Was sind Ihre Stärken und Schwächen? (What are your strengths and weaknesses?) - Be honest and specific.
6. Wo sehen Sie sich in fünf Jahren? (Where do you see yourself in five years?) - Show you plan to stay in Germany and build a career.

Interview Tips

• Practice speaking German out loud before the interview, not just reading and writing
• Dress professionally (business casual minimum)
• Test your camera and microphone beforehand
• Have your certificates ready to share on screen if asked
• Ask questions about the training program, team structure, and company culture
• Send a thank-you email within 24 hours

Assessment Tests

Some larger companies use written tests (Einstellungstest) in addition to interviews. These may include math, logic, German language, and profession-specific questions. Practice materials are available on ausbildung.de and through IHK resources.

Congratulations! You received an offer. Here's what happens next:

The Ausbildungsvertrag (Training Contract)

The training contract is a legally binding document between you and the training company. It must include:

• Profession and specialization
• Start and end date of training
• Training plan (Ausbildungsplan)
• Monthly salary for each year
• Working hours (usually 38 to 40 hours/week)
• Vacation days (minimum 24 working days/year)
• Probation period (1 to 4 months)
• Termination conditions

IHK/HWK Registration

Your training company registers the contract with the relevant chamber (IHK for commercial/industrial, HWK for craft professions). This registration is mandatory and ensures your training meets national standards. The chamber also administers your intermediate and final exams.

What to Check Before Signing

• Is the salary at or above the legal minimum?
• Does the training plan cover all required skills for the profession?
• Are the working hours reasonable?
• Is the probation period clearly stated?
• Get a copy of the signed contract; you'll need it for your visa application.

With your signed training contract in hand, you can apply for the Ausbildung visa. Here's the process:

Book Your Embassy Appointment

Contact the German embassy or consulate in your country to book a visa appointment. Wait times vary by country: 4 to 12 weeks is typical. Since February 2026, Germany's digital visa portal is available nationwide, which can streamline parts of the process.

Key Documents for Visa

1. Valid passport
2. Signed Ausbildungsvertrag (training contract)
3. IHK/HWK registration confirmation
4. German language certificate (B1 or accepted A2)
5. Educational certificates with translations and ZAB assessment
6. Proof of financial means (training salary confirmation or blocked account)
7. Health insurance confirmation
8. Motivation letter
9. Biometric photos
10. Completed visa application form

After Visa Approval

1. Book your flight - Arrive at least 2 weeks before training starts to settle in
2. Register your address (Anmeldung) - Within 14 days of arrival at the local Bürgeramt
3. Open a German bank account - You'll need this for salary payments
4. Register for health insurance - Your employer will guide you through this
5. Get your residence permit - Visit the Ausländerbehörde (immigration office) to convert your visa to a residence permit

For a detailed visa guide, see our Ausbildung Visa page.

Overall Timeline

Phase	Duration
Learn German to B1	6 to 9 months
Search and apply for positions	2 to 6 months (overlapping with language study)
Interview and receive offer	1 to 3 months
Visa application and processing	1 to 3 months
Travel and settle in	2 weeks
Total from start to training	8 to 14 months