04.04.04 · German for dual training

German for
the training.
Mostly B1
– sometimes B2.

German is usually sufficient for dual training in Germany central requirement. Companies predominantly demand B1, some more demanding training courses (e.g. office management clerk, Medical assistants) require B2. Anyone who has the wrong level will not get the training position.

B1Default
B2for commercial & medical professions
telc / GoetheRecognized exams

Training occupations at a glance

Which training requires which language level?

The following table is based on experiences from training companies and chambers of commerce. Requirements may vary slightly from region to region.

01 Typical requirements

Production, crafts, sales, office, health

Direction of trainingUsual required levelExamples
Production / warehouse / logisticsB1 (min. A2 for manual activities)Warehouse clerk, machine operator, production assistant
CraftsB1 – B2 (depending on customer contact)Electronics technician, plant mechanic, carpenter, painter
Sales/tradeB1 (salesperson), B2 (retail clerk)Salesman, retail salesman, car salesman
Office/AdministrationB2 (common)Office management clerk, industrial clerk, tax clerk
Health/Social AffairsB2 (often mandatory)Medical assistant, dental assistant, educator, nursing assistant
IT / Technical draftsmanB1 – B2 (depending on the team)IT specialist, technical product designer
In nursing training, B2 is now almost always required, both by nursing schools and by employers (sponsors). For medical assistants, B1 is often the minimum, but B2 massively increases the chances of being hired.

Recognized examinations for training

Which certificate is most credible for training companies?

Companies usually know telc and Goethe. The DTZ exam is primarily accepted if it was taken as part of the integration course.

02 Certificates

Goethe B1, telc B1, DTZ B1 and telc B2

  • Goethe certificate B1/B2: Highest international reputation, accepted by every company. However, more expensive and less available.
  • telc German B1/B2: Very common in Germany, cheaper, many exam dates. Accepted without restrictions.
  • DTZ (German test for immigrants): Is taken in the integration course; the certificate indicates B1 level. Many companies accept it because it comes from the BAMF. However: Hardly known internationally if you continue to apply later.
  • Job-specific examinations (telc B1 B2 Nursing, telc B2 C1 Profession): A real plus point because they directly test communication in everyday working life. Chamber members (IHK, HWK) recognize them.
Some training companies also accept a positive report from a language course provider recognized by the BAMF. But that's risky - if you'd rather pass a standardized test, then there will be no discussion.

Preparation for the training language

Learn technical language – for your training occupation

It is not enough to have general B1. You have to master the typical situations in your job: customer contact, orders, accident reports, telephone calls.

03 Job-specific training

Technical vocabulary, occupational safety, communication with colleagues and superiors

  • Use online resources: The Goethe Institute’s “Professional German” website offers free exercises for various professional fields (crafts, office, nursing).
  • Specialist dictionaries: Create a list of the 200 most important technical terms for your profession with example sentences.
  • Role-playing games: Practice typical conversations: receiving work instructions, reporting a problem, advising a customer, making a phone call with a supplier.
  • Read company documents: Search the Internet for sample training certificates, safety instructions, operating instructions. This is the real language of your profession.
A pure general language course does not adequately prepare you for training. Ask your adult education center about special “German for Work” courses or “German for Caregivers”. These should be part of your preparation.

Funding for German courses

Who finances the preparation for the training?

There are several programs that finance or subsidize German courses for those interested in training.

programTarget groupPerformance
ESF-BAMF program “Job-related German”Job seekers and trainees with a residence permitFree courses (B2/C1) plus examination fees
Integration course (B1 + DTZ)New immigrants with a residence permitCourse fee only €1.95/unit, exam included, half refunded after passing
Employment agency/job centerJob seekers with good prospects of stayingCovering course costs for German up to B2 (discretionary decision)
If you already have a concrete training commitment, talk to the company. Many training companies cover the costs of a German course (B1/B2) for their trainees, especially in nursing and crafts.

Application with language skills

This is how you impress training companies with your language

Without a formal language certificate, you will rarely be invited to an interview. If you already have a certificate, highlight it.

04 Tips for applications and interviews

CV, cover letter, interview

  • Place certificate prominently: Please state the level, exam and date under “Language skills” in your CV.
  • Communicate missing certificate: If you are currently attending a course, write: “German B1 course, expected to complete [date]”.
  • Practical exercise for job interviews: Learn to answer typical questions: “Why do you want to do this training?”, “What are your strengths/weaknesses?”, “Introduce yourself.”
  • Show motivation: Emphasize that you are willing to continue learning German if the level is not yet perfect.
Unfortunately, many applications from non-native speakers are rejected because the cover letter is incorrect. Be sure to have your application documents proofread by a native speaker or a language teacher before you submit them.

Next steps

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German for the visa

→ B1Course for training

B1 course for training

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Training in Germany – Overview

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Editorial transparency

As 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.