Ausbildung in Germany in English
Ausbildung combines on-the-job training and classroom learning that leads you to a trade job. In Germany, it’s a very popular way to get a professional education. Yet, is it possible to find an Ausbildung program in English?
There are no Ausbildung programs or apprenticeships in Germany in the English language. Professional schools are lecturing in the German language. Furthermore, the official work language is German.
Ausbildung is the most common path for someone who wants to start working right after school. Trainees work and study simultaneously while receiving a monthly salary during the entire program.
Some common Ausbildung programs in Germany include nurses, salespeople, mechanics, etc. Read more about apprenticeships in Germany and your chances without speaking German in this article.
Is it possible to do Ausbildung in English in Germany?
Ausbildung in English is rare or almost impossible to find due to the nature of work and schooling. Most vocational programs will prepare trainees for the German work environment. Therefore, German is a necessity.
Some common training programs are intended for handicraft jobs like nurses, bakers, merchants, electricians, ambulance workers, doctor assistants, plumbers, masons, painters, hairdressers, etc.
When working in this profession in Germany, you most likely will need to speak German at your workplace. Consequently, Ausbildung happens in German too.
In fact, both training in the school and the company is in the German language.
Requirements for Ausbildung in Germany
Moreover, one of the main Ausbildung requirements for foreign applicants is proficiency in the German language. It should be confirmed with one of the official language certificates.
There is no legal requirement for a specific language certificate. The hiring company or school will determine which paper they need. Generally, the following certificates are widely accepted in Germany:
- German language certificate of at least level B1: Goethe, telC, TestDaF, German Language Test for University Admission.
In terms of requirements for Ausbildung, luckily, apprenticeship has very few admission requirements, unlike programs for higher education.
- Proficiency in the German language
- School leaving diploma recognized in Germany
For more details, read the in-depth post about the requirements for the Ausbildung in Germany.
Want to get an Ausbildung place in Germany? Start learning German today with the biggest online platform for languages – Lingoda.
Are there any age restrictions for Ausbildung in Germany? Read in this article.
Ausbildung where you will use English
Yet, you still have a chance to do Ausbildung in Germany and use your English skills. There are programs where some classes are taught in English, plus you can use English on the job afterward. Ausbildung programs with English are:
- Flight attendant
- Tourism management assistant
- Travel agent
- Hotel management assistant
- Interpreter
Flight attendant or stewardess
Indeed, being a flight attendant is the most international job you can think of. Your official language at work is English unless you are on the shift for a national flight in Germany.
Also, in an emergency, a flight attendant must command English. During the Ausbildung, trainees have some subjects taught in English. In addition to first aid and other tasks, you will improve your English during training.
Tourism management assistant
As a tourism management assistant, you help people to choose, book, and organize their vacations. It’s also the salesman position. At work, you handle communication with travel agencies, tour operators, bus companies, and airlines. Hence, using English is a part of the job.
Hotel management assistant or hotel clerk
This Ausbildung program is very popular in Germany, and every hotel needs at least one person for this position. Indeed, you will use English a lot while working in tourism and hospitality.
You might also manage other English-speaking employees of the hotel.
Interpreter
As an interpreter, you need to know German and the second language fluently. Usually, in addition to English, applicants need another foreign language.
The application process for Ausbildung
The application process for the Ausbildung program is entirely in the German language. As we mentioned, there is no vocational training where teaching is 100% in English; you will need to know German anyway.
Hence, the application is completed in German and addressed to the particular school or company. Companies often start looking for trainees a year before a program begins. So apply as soon as possible.
The application for Ausbildung contains a CV, motivation letter or cover letter, and certificates. The cover letter to Bewerbung is the most important document. Make sure you craft it well, always addressing it to the particular employer with the details while you choosed them.
In brief, it must emphasize why you want to learn this profession and at this particular school and employer.
Can foreigners do Ausbildung in Germany?
Ausbildung or vocational training is a typical career choice for graduates of German schools. But is it possible to participate in such a program as a foreign national?
The answer is yes! There are no restrictions on the applicant’s nationality for Ausbildung in Germany. People from all countries are welcome. In fact, Germany is actively trying to find as many foreign trainees as possible, and the shortage of qualified labor is significant.
Consequently, all nationalities (EU and non-EU) are allowed to apply for and participate in Ausbildung in Germany. After finishing the program, one can get a job within a country and apply for a suitable residence permit.
Vocational training (apprenticeship) or Ausbildung is a training program for non-academic professions, where participants receive the necessary skills and knowledge for their professional activity. They work and study at the same time while receiving a monthly salary.
Read more about how to apply for Ausbildung as a non-EU citizen here.
Ausbildung: list of courses for foreigners
There are some Ausbildung programs where both foreigners and Germans have higher success rates in getting a place.
Particularly popular apprenticeships such as salesman receive more applications than needed. Hence, a foreign applicant will have very few chances of getting a spot. We advise looking at the labor shortage list when applying for the Ausbildung in Germany.
These programs have fewer applicants than open vacancies. You can see the list of shortage occupations here.
For instance, in these industries, you can have a higher success rate in getting an Ausbildung place:
- Nursing
- Social work
- Hospitality – hotels, restaurants, cafes, etc.
- Technology
- Construction
- Logistics
Especially in nursing, you will have a high chance of getting an Ausbildung place and job afterward. Nursing schools might even accept lower German language skills.
Midwives and physiotherapists are also in short supply in Germany.
The second highly potential area is the technology sector, where many Ausbildung places and jobs remain unfilled. The following technical vocational programs need foreign applicants:
- IT specialists
- mechatronics engineers
- mechanics for sanitary, heating, and air-conditioning technology
- civil engineering technician
Furthermore, these vocational jobs are in high demand, and the shortage of applicants in Germany:
- Mechatronics technician
- Electronics technician
- Electronics technician in the trade
- Civil engineering technician
- Technicians for train and railways
- Plumber
- Plant mechanic for sanitary engineering
- Nurse
- Nursing assistant
- Geriatric nurse
- Physiotherapist
- Motor vehicle technician
- Ship mechanic
- Professional driver
- Hospitality staff
Skilled workers are desperately needed, especially in the field of nursing.
What are the best paid Ausbildung programs in Germany? Read here.
Alternative: study in English in Germany
Alternatively, you can study at a university in English in Germany. You can select between bachelor’s or master’s programs, although English undergraduate isn’t very common.
Two common subjects you can study in English are the English language and international business or management. Besides that, English masters can be found almost in all majors.
English language
When studying English, you will use this language on a day-to-day basis. Moreover, you will improve your English skills at the same time!
International Business Administration
Studying Business Administration is handy for everyone. You will learn about different parts of the business and can become a manager in an English-speaking company afterward or work internationally.
Most of the programs for international business are in English in Germany.
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