Check minimum basis
Language level, school qualifications and ability to apply must match.
Not every school qualification or every language level is sufficient for every company. What exactly applies depends on the profession and the company – not of general rules. This explains what you need to know before you apply.
School qualifications, language, age, financing and career goals all decide whether training in Germany is realistic.
Language level, school qualifications and ability to apply must match.
Many rejections arise not because of motivation, but because of language and evidence.
Whatever is missing must be specifically closed before applying or getting a visa.
As on the homepage: first clarify the direction, then decide on the details.
Requirement 01
There are no uniform minimum requirements for training in Germany. Each company decides for itself which qualification is sufficient - depending on the training occupation.
What companies demand – and what they accept
| Training area | Typical minimum degree | Remark |
|---|---|---|
| Crafts (painter, carpenter, automobile) | Secondary school diploma | Practical suitability in the foreground |
| Care & Health | Middle school leaving certificate (secondary school) | Since 2020, nationwide nursing training |
| Commercially (office, trade, logistics) | Middle maturity | Good knowledge of German is crucial |
| IT / computer science | Abitur or secondary school leaving certificate | Technical understanding is tested |
| Banks, insurance companies | High school diploma or technical high school diploma | Highest demands in the commercial area |
| Gastronomy, cuisine | Secondary school diploma | Practical area, also for career changers |
| Medical assistants | Middle maturity | Central communication in German |
A foreign school qualification is not automatically treated as a German one in Germany. For the training visa, the qualification must be assessed – either through the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) or through comparable evidence. Based on this assessment, the company decides whether to consider the application.
Requirement 02
There is no legally required language level for the training itself. What applies is determined by the company – and the job. In practice, B2 is the standard for technical and commercial professions.
What the levels mean and which one you need
The level system goes from A1 (basic knowledge) to C2 (native speaker). B1 to B2 are relevant for training.
Not sufficient for training
Not sufficient for training
Minimum for simple training occupations (kitchen, simple crafts)
Standard for commercial, technical and nursing professions
For banks, insurance companies, advanced commercial training
Only required for language-intensive jobs
For that Training visa The embassy does not require formal proof of language skills – The visa requires a training contract, not a language course. The Operation However, you can specify proof of language skills as an application requirement. Common certificates: Goethe certificate B1/B2, telc German B1/B2, ÖSD.
Important: The German course belongs in the preparation phase, not as the first step. First choose the profession, then clarify the required level, then book the right course. A B2 course for a job that is B1 sufficient is a waste of time and money.
Requirement 03
For the training visa, the foreign school qualification must be assessed in Germany. The assessment is not the same as recognition – it gives the embassy and the company a comparable reference point.
Where and how the degree is assessed
Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB)
The ZAB is the official German body for the assessment of foreign school qualifications. She provides one Certificate evaluation which indicates which German qualification the foreign qualification corresponds to. Processing time: 4-12 weeks. Fee: approx. €200. Recommended if the company requires a formal assessment.
anabin database of the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs
For numerous countries and qualifications, the anabin database shows which German qualification they correspond to. Some companies accept anabin proof without a ZAB assessment – especially for degrees with H+ status. Free, available immediately, no application necessary.
Direct submission to the company (without formal recognition)
Some companies accept jobs in shortage professions (nursing, crafts, catering). the original certificate with a certified translation without a formal ZAB assessment. Ask the company directly what they charge – before investing time and money in recognition.
Further requirements
In addition to school qualifications and language, there are other factors that influence suitability for training. None of these conditions is generally exclusive – but all should be clarified before applying.
Age, health, certificate of good conduct
There is no statutory upper age limit for dual training. In practice, most trainees are between 16 and 25 years old. International applicants are generally older – This is not a reason for exclusion for companies that specifically train international specialists. Under the age of 18, special regulations of the Youth Employment Protection Act apply.
A health certificate is required for certain professions (food sector, nursing, catering). or a preventive examination is mandatory. The health certificate for the food sector (§ 43 IfSG) is applied for at the health department – after entry, before the start of training.
For training courses dealing with minors (educators, youth welfare services, schools) an extended certificate of good conduct is mandatory. The certificate of good conduct can only be applied for after registration in Germany. A police clearance certificate is required in the country of origin - translated and certified.
| professional field | Additional requirement | When |
|---|---|---|
| Food/Gastronomy | Health certificate § 43 IfSG | Before the start of training, after entry |
| Care/Hospital | Proof of vaccination (hepatitis B, measles) | Before the start of training |
| Children/youth | Extended certificate of good conduct | Before or with the start of training |
| Security/guarding | Expertise test § 34a GewO | During or before training |
| Car / driving school | Driving license depending on field of activity | Operational dependent |
Next steps
You now know the requirements.
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Those interested in training who want to check whether language, qualifications and evidence are enough to get started.
Clarify your language level, school qualifications and ability to apply before looking for a company.
Check requirementsAs of: May 2026. Lalmano checks content editorially and is based on official information, including from Foreign Office, BAMF and Make it in Germany. The content does not replace individual legal advice.