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Dual vocational training

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The German education system enjoys an excellent reputation worldwide. Vocational and academic education in Germany both offer high-quality qualifications and good career prospects. The combination of practical and theoretical content serves as a model for many countries. There are 327 recognized dual training occupations in Germany (as of 2025).

In order to ensure uniform and high-quality vocational training throughout Germany, all legal framework conditions for the company-based part of dual vocational training are set out in the Vocational Training Act (BBiG). The Crafts Code (HwO) also applies to skilled trades professions.

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The special thing about dual vocational training is the combination of theory and practice. This means that practical work and experience in a company is combined with theoretical instruction at a vocational school. Training usually begins on August 1 or September 1. A full-time dual apprenticeship usually lasts between 2 and 3.5 years, depending on the training occupation.

If you already have previous knowledge or very good school results, you may be able to shorten the apprenticeship. If necessary, training can also be extended under certain circumstances. In addition, all dual training can also be completed part-time.

Course of dual training

You apply directly to a company that offers training in the desired profession.

Most companies require a successful school-leaving certificate. If you have a foreign school-leaving qualification, this may have to be recognized. You can find more information on the recognition of foreign school-leaving qualifications here.

Important: In addition to the school-leaving certificate, the German language plays a decisive role. Sufficient German language skills (CEFR level B1) are required to obtain a residence permit for vocational training. However, we recommend good German language skills (CEFR level B2), as the lessons at vocational school are taught entirely in German and are very demanding.

You can find an overview of open apprenticeship positions at the Chambers of Industry and Commerce Apprenticeship Exchange and the Chemnitz Chamber of Crafts Apprenticeship Exchange, Dresden Chamber of Crafts Apprenticeship Exchange, Leipzig Chamber of Crafts Apprenticeship Exchange.

Further job portals can be found in the job search section.

Dual vocational training takes place at two locations: the training company and the vocational school. Once the training contract has been concluded, the training company registers the trainee at the relevant vocational school.
As a rule, the trainee spends 3 to 4 days per week at the training company and 1 to 2 days at the vocational school. Under certain circumstances, however, lessons at the vocational school may also take place as block lessons. This means that you have lessons at the vocational school for several weeks at a time and then spend several weeks at the company.

Practical training in the training company:

  • Here you learn the job-specific activities directly in practice.
  • You work under the guidance of experienced specialists who are personally and professionally qualified.

Theoretical training at the vocational school:

  • You will have lessons in job-specific subjects as well as general education subjects (e.g. German, economics, social studies).

If this is provided for in the training regulations for your training occupation, you will take an intermediate examination before taking the final examination at the end. The final examination consists of a theoretical and a practical part.

Once you have passed the final examination, you will receive a certificate of completion. In the skilled trades there is also a certificate, the "journeyman's certificate".

After passing the final examination, you will either be taken on directly by the training company or you can apply for a job at another company.

You also have a wide range of opportunities for further and advanced training.

Explanatory video "Dual vocational training in Germany", Federal Government Agency for International Cooperation in Vocational Education and Training

Training allowance

During your dual vocational training, you will receive a training allowance. The training allowance increases each year of training and is transferred to your account as a fixed monthly amount. As with wages for employees, the gross amount is always stated. This means that social security contributions are still deducted. If the training allowance is high, taxes are also levied.

The minimum wage does not apply to trainees. However, there is also a statutory lower limit for the training allowance. The training company must therefore adhere to the specifications of this minimum training allowance. If the employer has a collective agreement in place, the amount of the training allowance is usually also regulated there.

Advantages of dual vocational training

In addition to promising career opportunities, you are entitled to at least 24 working days' paid leave per year, depending on your age. You will also receive a salary during your training.

You will gain practical experience directly in a company. Ideally, you will be given an employment contract with the company where you are training. In any case, you can build up a professional network during your apprenticeship.

Special protection regulations apply to trainees under the age of 18.