CelinaGDear reader, so, you want to become a nurse in Germany? That’s fantastic! Nursing, or becoming a Pflegefachfrau (nurse for females) or Pflegefachmann (for males), is a rewarding career path that’s in high demand. Whether you’re a migrant or someone new to the country, an Ausbildung (vocational training) as a nurse is a great way to build a stable future while helping others. And the best part? You don’t need to have a background in nursing to apply—Germany’s Ausbildung system is designed to train you from the ground up!
Let’s walk through everything you need to know to become a nurse in Germany, step by step!
What is an Ausbildung as a Nurse (Pflegefachfrau)?
An Ausbildung is a vocational training program where you work and study simultaneously. For nursing, it usually takes three years to complete, combining theoretical studies at a vocational school (Berufsschule) and practical training in hospitals, care homes, or other healthcare facilities. After completing the Ausbildung, you’ll be qualified to work as a certified nurse in Germany.
If you are outside Germany and want to come to Germany and train as a nurse then check out this guide!
What’s so great about this?
You get paid while you learn! So, no need to worry about student loans or massive fees. It’s a solid win-win situation!
Step 1: Check if You’re Eligible
Before applying, you’ll need to make sure you meet a few basic requirements:
- Educational Requirements:
- Minimum secondary school certificate (Hauptschulabschluss) OR
- A comparable qualification from your home country. You may need to have your qualifications recognized in Germany (more on that later!).
- Language Skills:
German language proficiency is essential. You’ll need to have at least a B2 level of German, as nursing involves a lot of communication with patients and medical staff. If you don’t have B2 yet, don’t worry! There are plenty of language schools (like Goethe-Institut, DeutschAkademie, and Volkshochschule) where you can improve your skills. - Work Permit/Visa:
If you’re not an EU citizen, you’ll need a visa that allows you to work in Germany, such as the FSJ visa, student visa, or a visa for Ausbildung seekers.
Step 2: Get Your Foreign Qualifications Recognized (If Applicable)
If you’re coming from outside the EU and have any nursing experience or education, you’ll want to have your qualifications recognized. This process is called Anerkennung. Even if you have no prior nursing background, you might need to get your school certificates recognized to show that you meet the minimum requirements.
You can get your qualifications recognized through the website anabin.kmk.org or contact the IQ Netzwerk for advice on the recognition process.
Step 3: Start Your Search for an Ausbildung Position
Now for the fun part—finding the perfect place to start your Ausbildung! There are lots of healthcare facilities across Germany looking for future Pflegefachfrauen and Pflegefachmänner.
Here’s where to start your search:
- Online Job Portals:
- Jobbörse der Bundesagentur für Arbeit
- Kimeta.de
- Ausbildung.de (Type in Pflegefachfrau Ausbildung to see positions near you!)
- Hospitals and Care Homes:
Many hospitals and care homes offer their own Ausbildung programs. Don’t be afraid to apply directly through their websites. Just Google your city plus “Krankenhaus” or “Pflegeheim” and see if they have an Ausbildung section. - Networking:
Talk to friends, family, or other migrants who have gone through the process. They might know of open positions or recommend specific institutions.
Step 4: Apply for the Ausbildung
Once you’ve found a few Ausbildung programs that interest you, it’s time to apply! Here’s what you’ll typically need for your application:
- CV (Lebenslauf):
Your CV should be in German and include all relevant education, work experience (even if it’s not in nursing), and skills. - Cover Letter (Anschreiben):
This is your chance to shine! Explain why you want to become a nurse, why you’re excited about the program, and how your past experiences make you a good fit. Keep it bubbly and professional. - Certificates:
Include your school leaving certificates, language proficiency certificate (B2 or higher), and any other relevant documents. - Reference Letters:
If you have any previous experience in healthcare or even volunteer work, adding a reference letter can boost your chances.
Most applications are done online, either directly through the hospital or via a job portal. Just follow the instructions in the job listing.
Step 5: Nail the Interview
Once your application is successful, you’ll likely be invited for an interview. Don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it sounds! The interview is just a way for them to get to know you better. They’ll ask you questions like:
- Why do you want to become a nurse?
- How do you handle stress?
- How would you manage difficult situations with patients?
How to answer the job interview questions and impress your future employer – check out this video!
Tip: Be yourself and show your passion for the job. If German isn’t your first language, don’t stress too much about making mistakes—they’re more interested in your commitment than perfect grammar.
Step 6: Sign the Contract
Woohoo! If you’ve passed the interview, you’ll receive an Ausbildungsvertrag (training contract). Make sure you read it carefully before signing. This contract will outline your salary, working hours, and other important details.
Step 7: Start Your Ausbildung
Congratulations, you’re now officially on your way to becoming a nurse in Germany! 🎉
Here’s what your Ausbildung will typically look like:
- Theoretical Learning: You’ll spend about 2,100 hours in a vocational school learning everything from nursing theory to hygiene and patient care.
- Practical Training: You’ll work about 2,500 hours in hospitals, nursing homes, or outpatient care facilities, where you’ll apply what you’ve learned in real-life settings.
Throughout your Ausbildung, you’ll have regular exams and practical assessments to test your progress. But don’t worry—your teachers and mentors will guide you every step of the way!
How Much Will I Earn During the Ausbildung?
The salary during an Ausbildung varies slightly depending on the location and employer, but here’s an estimate:
- 1st Year: Around €1,100–€1,200 per month
- 2nd Year: Around €1,200–€1,300 per month
- 3rd Year: Around €1,300–€1,400 per month
Plus, many employers offer additional benefits like free public transport tickets or extra vacation days.
Please remember these are gross numbers, the money paid into your bank account will be a bit less,because your health insurance, tax etc. will deducted first. So expect net income of around 700- 800 Euros per month.
After the Ausbildung: What’s Next?
Once you complete your Ausbildung, you’ll be a certified Pflegefachfrau (or Pflegefachmann) and can start working right away. Nurses are in high demand across Germany, so job opportunities are plentiful!
If you want to specialize, you can continue your studies and focus on areas like geriatric care, intensive care, or even become a nursing instructor.
Useful Websites for Your Journey:
- anabin.kmk.org – For recognition of foreign qualifications.
- Ausbildung.de – Search for Ausbildung programs across Germany.
- Jobbörse der Bundesagentur für Arbeit – Government job portal for Ausbildung positions.
- Goethe-Institut – Language courses and tests to reach the required B2 level.
In Summary
If you’re passionate about helping others and want a stable, rewarding career, becoming a nurse in Germany through an Ausbildung is the way to go. From finding the right program to acing your interview, you’ve now got all the steps you need to start this exciting journey.
Remember, learning German and adapting to a new work culture takes time, but with patience and determination, you’ll be on your way to a fulfilling career as a Pflegefachfrau. Good luck, and happy applying! 🎉
Let me know if you have any questions and tell me when you are planing to apply? SUBSCRIBE more information like this.
