Ausbildung Corner.

Step-by-step guides and direct listings for German vocational training jobs aka Ausbildung

Ausbildung Corner.

Step-by-step guides and direct listings for German vocational training jobs aka Ausbildung

Berufsschule
Ausbildung Basics

Berufsschule Explained

T. Ausbildung Corner

Short answer: Berufsschule is the vocational school where you learn the theory of your occupation during a dual Ausbildung. Lessons run either on set days each week or in blocks of several weeks, in German. By law your employer must release you for lessons, count the time as training time and keep paying you.

This guide explains what Berufsschule is, what you learn there, how lessons are organised and what rights you have while you are at school. Visa and entry rules are outside the scope of this site.

What is Berufsschule?

Berufsschule is one of the two places where you learn during a dual Ausbildung, next to your training company. The Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education (KMK) says it teaches job-related content and content that goes beyond a single occupation, so that trainees can act sensibly and responsibly at work and in everyday life. For the bigger picture, see our guide to what Ausbildung is.

What you learn

  • At least 12 lesson hours a week. The KMK framework agreement sets this minimum. Lessons are partly job-related and partly general, and they extend the general education you already have.
  • A curriculum for your occupation. The KMK says a framework curriculum exists for the job-related lessons of every recognised training occupation.
  • Theory next to company practice. The company teaches you the practical skills, and the school teaches the theory.

How lessons are organised

According to the KMK, lessons are held either weekly (part-time) or in larger blocks of several weeks, depending on local conditions. Block lessons are used mainly when classes for an occupation are concentrated in a few places, so that daily travel would be unreasonable. In that case, accommodation near the school, for example in a boarding house, is arranged.

The federal states decide where the classes for each occupation are held. For occupations with few trainees, classes can be shared between states. Your employer or the chamber can tell you which school and which format apply to you.

Your rights while you are at school

The Vocational Training Act (BBiG) sets these rules. Your training contract may add details.

  • Release from work. Your employer must release you for lessons. It may not employ you before lessons that start before 9 a.m.
  • Long school days. On a school day with more than five lessons of at least 45 minutes, you are released once a week.
  • Block weeks. In a school week with planned block lessons of at least 25 hours on at least five days, you are released for the week. The company may add up to two hours of training a week.
  • School time counts as training time. This includes breaks and the necessary travel time between school and company. Block weeks count with your average weekly training time.
  • You keep being paid. The BBiG says your pay continues for the time you are released.
  • Exams. You are also released for exams and on the working day before the written final exam. See our guide to Ausbildung exams.
  • Under 18. The Youth Employment Protection Act applies in addition.

Language

The Federal Employment Agency (BA) says lessons at Berufsschule are held in German, so you need good German for your training. See our guide to the German level for Ausbildung.

Tips for school days

  • Attend regularly. Absences can put your admission to the final exam at risk.
  • Learn the German technical terms of your occupation from the first week.
  • Tell your employer your school days or block weeks early, so work can be planned.
  • Keep your school notes organised. The final exam also covers the school material.
  • Ask teachers and your trainer for help as soon as you fall behind.

Common mistakes

  • Treating school days as unpaid. The law says your pay continues.
  • Accepting work before an early school start. Employers may not employ you before lessons that begin before 9 a.m.
  • Skipping school because the training is practical. The exam covers the school material too.
  • Assuming every school works the same way. Formats differ by occupation and region.
  • Ignoring the German technical vocabulary.

Frequently asked questions

Do I get paid while I am at Berufsschule?

Yes. The BBiG says your pay continues for the time your employer releases you for school. See our pay guide for the general picture.

Does school time count as working time?

It counts as training time, including breaks and the necessary travel time between school and company.

Are lessons weekly or in blocks?

It depends on your occupation and the local situation. The KMK says lessons are held either weekly or in blocks of several weeks.

How many hours of school are there?

At least 12 lesson hours a week, according to the KMK framework agreement.

Are the lessons in English?

No. The BA says lessons at Berufsschule are held in German.

Sources

Last updated: 18 October 2026. Rules and figures can change, so confirm details with the official source before you decide.