What is the Ausbildung in Germany and how to get a place as a Latin American

What is the Ausbildung?

The Ausbildung is Germany's dual vocational training: you study 1–2 days a week at a school (Berufsschule) and work the rest of the week at a company that pays you a salary. It usually lasts 2 to 3.5 years and ends with an official qualification that is highly valued in the German job market.

It is one of the most realistic routes to move to Germany without a university degree.

How much you earn during the Ausbildung

The company pays a training salary (Ausbildungsvergütung), usually between €900 and €1,300 gross per month, depending on the sector and year of training. Healthcare and technical trades pay more; hospitality pays less. It won't fund a lavish life, but it covers basic expenses in many cities.

Requirements for Latin Americans

1. German B1 (sometimes B2, especially in healthcare). This is the requirement most people underestimate.
2. A secondary school diploma that can be recognised (high school or equivalent).
3. An Ausbildung contract with a German company.
4. A vocational training visa, applied for at the German embassy with the contract in hand.

There is no legal age limit, although most candidates are between 18 and 30. People over 30 also get in, especially in healthcare.

The most in-demand Ausbildungen

• Nursing (Pflegefachfrau/-mann): the most sought-after and best paid; requires B2.
• Mechatronics, electrical, HVAC technicians.
• IT (Fachinformatiker).
• Logistics and warehousing.
• Hospitality and cooking: easiest to get, but worst paid.

How to get a place from your country

1. Reach B1 German with an official certificate (Goethe, telc, ÖSD).
2. Prepare a CV and cover letter in German, German-style (no casual photo, clear facts).
3. Look for places on Make it in Germany, Arbeitsagentur and companies' own websites.
4. Video-call interviews; if chosen, contract and visa.

Timing matters: most Ausbildungen start in August/September, and companies select 6 to 12 months ahead.

Common mistakes

• Applying with A2 German. Almost nobody will call you; B1 is the real minimum.
• Choosing only by salary. The Ausbildung defines your profession in Germany; pick something you can see yourself doing for years.
• Not calculating the cost of living. €1,000 goes far in small towns, not in Munich.

How we help at Moin Alemania

We prepare the German you need for the Ausbildung (up to B1/B2) and guide you through the place search and visa. See our courses and our migration support.

Official sources: [Make it in Germany](https://www.make-it-in-germany.com), [Arbeitsagentur](https://www.arbeitsagentur.de). Verified in October 2026.