Ausbildung Myths and Facts

October 29, 2026 T. Ausbildung Corner

Short answer: Common Ausbildung myths include that it is unpaid, needs the Abitur, can be bought through an agent or ends if you fail one exam. In fact, training pay is required by law, most training regulations name no school certificate, nobody may charge you for a place, and a failed final exam can be repeated twice.

Many Ausbildung misconceptions travel through social media, agents and forums. This guide checks 16 of them against the law and official sources, so you can separate Ausbildung facts from marketing. It is general information, not legal advice. Visa and residence claims are outside the scope of this site.

Table of Contents

Ausbildung myths about entry and applying

Myth: You need the Abitur for an Ausbildung

Fact: Most training regulations name no required school certificate, and employers set their own requirements. A Rhineland-Palatinate government portal says an Ausbildung is initially independent of the school certificate. Exceptions exist: nursing training has its own entry rules, and a dual study programme needs a university entrance qualification.

Myth: Only teenagers can do an Ausbildung

Fact: The Federal Employment Agency (BA) says an Ausbildung is mainly done by young people after school, and that it is meant for people with no work experience or who want to learn a new occupation. We found no general age limit, so check each employer’s requirements. If you already work in an occupation, you can also search directly for a job.

Myth: English is enough

Fact: The BA says lessons at the vocational school are in German, so you need good German. The Rhineland-Palatinate portal adds that the final exam is held in German. Some employers accept an application in English, so Make it in Germany advises checking before you write.

Myth: An agent can guarantee you a place

Fact: Only the employer decides who gets a training place, so nobody else can guarantee one. The BA’s services are free, and agreements that make you pay a fee for training are void. If someone promises a guaranteed place or asks for money, read our guide to Ausbildung scams.

Myth: Applying six months ahead is always too late

Fact: Timing varies. Make it in Germany says application phases usually start 12 to 18 months before the start, while the Rhineland-Palatinate portal says half a year to a year, depending on the company. The BA also notes that many training places stay unfilled each year, so a later application can still work. Start early, and check each employer.

Myths about the contract, pay and rights

Myth: An Ausbildung is unpaid

Fact: The Vocational Training Act (BBiG) requires an appropriate training pay that rises at least yearly, and it sets a legal minimum. The amount depends on the employer and the occupation, and no regulation fixes one pay for everyone.

Myth: A verbal agreement is enough

Fact: The company must draw up the contract in text form with a minimum content, give it to you at the latest before the training starts, and register it with the chamber. Promises that are not in the document are hard to prove. Read our guide to the Ausbildung contract before you sign.

Myth: The company can charge fees or penalties

Fact: The BBiG declares void any agreement that makes you pay for the training, sets a contractual penalty, or limits your claims for damages. The company must also give you the tools and materials you need for the training and the exams free of charge.

Myth: Probation lasts six months

Fact: In an Ausbildung, probation lasts at least one and at most four months. A probation of up to six months applies to many ordinary jobs, which is why some websites mix the two up. During probation, either side can end the training without notice and without giving a reason.

Myth: School days are unpaid, or you must make up the time

Fact: Your employer must release you for school lessons. School time, including breaks, counts as training time, and your pay continues for it.

Myth: Overtime is part of the job and unpaid

Fact: The BBiG says work beyond the agreed regular daily training time must be paid separately or compensated with time off. Legal limits also apply, for example 8 hours a day and 40 hours a week if you are under 18.

Myths about school and exams

Myth: If you fail the exam, your Ausbildung is over

Fact: You can repeat a failed final exam twice. On your request, your training is extended until the next possible repeat exam, by up to one year. See our guide to Ausbildung exams for admission, repeating and preparation.

Myth: Berufsschule is optional

Fact: You must attend the training measures you are released for, and your employer must release you for school. Vocational school is part of the training, not an extra.

Myths about life after the training

Myth: Your employer must keep you on

Fact: The BBiG does not oblige an employer to offer you a job after the training. If you keep working without any agreement, the law treats it as an employment relationship for an indefinite period. Read what happens after Ausbildung for the full picture.

Myth: You must register as job-seeking three months before the end

Fact: Many websites say so, but the Social Code III says the duty to register does not apply to a company-based training relationship. The BA still advises you to contact it early if you have no job in sight.

Myth: After an Ausbildung you cannot study or move up

Fact: The BBiG defines three levels of higher vocational training, Geprüfter Berufsspezialist, Bachelor Professional and Master Professional, and the Aufstiegs-BAföG can fund advanced training. A fact check by the Bertelsmann Stiftung and the CHE calls the idea that the choice between training and study is final a myth, and says transitions in both directions are increasing.

How to check any Ausbildung claim

Ask for the source. A claim with no named law or official page is only an opinion.
Look for the same fact on an official page, such as the BA, Make it in Germany, a chamber or the law itself.
Check the date. Rules change, and an old article may be wrong today.
Be careful with guarantees, secret routes and urgent offers.
Compare the claim with your own contract, and ask the chamber’s training advisers if they differ.

Common mistakes

Trusting statistics with no source, such as “90 percent are hired”.
Copying rules from ordinary jobs. Training has its own rules, for example for probation.
Paying before checking the employer.
Signing without reading.
Believing a rule is permanent. Check the date of every source.

Frequently asked questions

Is an Ausbildung paid?

Yes. The BBiG requires appropriate training pay that rises at least yearly. The amount depends on the employer and the occupation.

Can I do an Ausbildung without the Abitur?

Usually yes. Most training regulations name no school certificate, and employers set their own requirements. Nursing and dual study have their own rules.

Can an agent guarantee me a training place?

No. Only employers decide, and agreements that make you pay for training are void. The BA’s services are free.

What happens if I fail the final exam?

You can repeat it twice, and your training can be extended by up to one year on request.

Will my employer keep me on after the training?

Not automatically. The law does not require it, so ask early and check your contract.

Sources

Last updated: 29 October 2026. Rules and figures can change, so confirm details with the official source before you decide.

Ausbildung Corner.