What Ausbildung actually means
Ausbildung is structured vocational training for a specific occupation. It is a professional route in its own right, with practical skills, formal learning and assessments.
Company-based training
Learn at an employer and attend vocational school. A training allowance is usually paid; your contract sets out the details.
School-based training
Learn mainly at a vocational school with practical placements. Pay, fees and funding arrangements depend on the occupation and provider.
Choose the work, not just the destination
Explore what a normal working day looks like before choosing an occupation. Consider the tasks, shift patterns, physical demands, language needs and your own interests.
Technical & trades
Explore areas such as mechatronics, electrical work and vehicle maintenance.
Business & services
Explore hospitality, logistics, retail and office-based occupations.
Health & care
Check the profession’s specific educational, language and training rules.
Examples for exploration. These are not advertised vacancies or promised placements.
Research occupations in BERUFENETMake German part of your plan
You will need to understand workplace instructions, communicate with colleagues and follow vocational classes. Learn for daily life as well as the certificate.
Federal training-visa guidance normally refers to B1 German, with qualifications and exceptions. Employers or schools can require a higher level.
The Colombo checklist and federal guidance currently differ on some language and funding details. Confirm the certificate and financial evidence required for your individual case through the current Consular Services Portal and the German Embassy Colombo. Do not assume B1 guarantees eligibility.
Find a genuine training opportunity
- Choose an occupation and research its entry requirements.
- Search genuine employer vacancies. In Jobsuche, select Ausbildung.
- Read the employer’s requirements and prepare a tailored CV and motivation letter.
- Keep track of applications and prepare for interviews.
- Read the complete training contract: occupation, location, start date, pay, hours and conditions.
The Federal Employment Agency offers free guidance and support. Paying an intermediary does not guarantee a place.
Understand pay and funding evidence
Training pay varies by employer, occupation and year of training. Never treat a funding threshold as a promised salary.
| Route | Federal livelihood benchmark, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Company-based training | At least €1,048 gross or €822 net per month in training allowance |
| School-based training | At least €959 net per month in available funds |
An eligible funding arrangement may cover a company-training shortfall. Actual living expenses can exceed the visa benchmark. Keep gross salary and net take-home pay separate in your budget.
Verify the current federal funding requirements ↗Use the correct visa route
Entering with a confirmed training place and entering to look for a training place are different routes, with different conditions.
The age condition belongs to the visa for seeking a training place. Do not apply it automatically to applicants who already have a training place.
Colombo directs vocational-training applicants to the official online portal. Follow the portal’s current instructions and the mission’s guidance for your circumstances. A complete application or training contract does not guarantee a visa.
Open the official visa portal