Erzieher Ausbildung: How It Works

November 3, 2026 T. Ausbildung Corner

Short answer: Erzieher Ausbildung trains you to work as a state-recognised early childhood educator, for example in a Kita. It is mostly school-based at a Fachschule, usually takes three years full-time and follows state rules. Entry normally needs a middle school certificate plus a completed vocational training, with differences between the states.

Many people searching for “Ausbildung” with children find this route, but it is not a dual Ausbildung with a company contract and a training allowance. This guide explains how it differs, who can enter, which forms exist and what to check in your state. You can see other fields in our Ausbildung fields guide.

Table of Contents

What is Erzieher Ausbildung?

Erzieher training is offered at specialist schools (Fachschulen or Fachakademien für Sozialpädagogik) and leads to a state-recognised qualification. Most graduates work in Kitas. The training also qualifies for early-childhood-related help services, all-day schools and open child and youth work, according to the German Education Server. After you pass, you may call yourself “Staatlich anerkannte Erzieherin” or “Staatlich anerkannter Erzieher”.

How it differs from a dual Ausbildung

Point	Dual Ausbildung (for example bricklayer)	Erzieher training
Main place of learning	Company plus Berufsschule	Fachschule plus supervised practice
Rules	Federal training regulation	State school rules under a federal framework
Contract and pay	Training contract with training pay	Depends on the form and the state
BAB	Possible if you qualify	School-based training is not covered, see our BAB guide

What the national framework says

The states agreed a framework for specialist schools (Rahmenvereinbarung über Fachschulen, in the version of 20 March 2026). For social pedagogy it says the training includes at least 2,400 lessons and at least 1,200 hours of practice supervised by the school. It usually takes three years full-time and longer part-time. The states recognise each other’s final certificates, so the qualification is valid across Germany. The framework annex also allows the addition “Bachelor Professional in Sozialwesen” to the title.

Who can enter?

The framework admits applicants who have a middle school certificate (or an equivalent) and a completed relevant vocational training. It also allows other routes, for example a middle school certificate with a vocational training of at least two years, or a university entrance qualification, each with relevant social-pedagogical work. The states decide the details. Berlin, for example, names three routes:

middle school certificate plus a completed vocational training,
Fachhochschulreife plus an eight-week internship,
Abitur plus an eight-week internship.

The framework and Berlin’s page state no required German level, so ask the school you apply to.

Forms of training: Berlin as an example

Form	How it works in Berlin
Full-time	Taught at the Fachschule with three internships: 12 weeks in years one and two, 20 weeks in year three.
Part-time, work-based	At least 19.5 hours a week in a social-pedagogical facility, plus classes at the school on two days a week.
2+2 model	Two years to become a social-pedagogical assistant, then two years to become an Erzieher.

Some states also offer practice-integrated models (PiA), where you split your time between school and a facility. Berlin’s page does not name PiA, so check your state. Whether you are paid, and how much, depends on the form, the state and the employer.

Cost and money during training

In Berlin, attendance at public Fachschulen for social pedagogy is free. Full-time students may be able to get school student support (Schüler-BAföG), and part-time trainees can get a salary from their facility. Other states and private schools can differ, so ask each school about fees. If you are unemployed, the Employment Agency can fund retraining in some cases, for example under § 81 SGB III for people without a current occupation. Ask the Berufsberatung first.

How to apply: 5 steps

Check your state’s rules. Each state sets its own entry and form options.
Compare the routes. Full-time, part-time, 2+2 or PiA, if your state offers it.
Check your qualifications. Ask the school whether your certificate and training count.
Apply to the Fachschule directly. In Berlin, apply by the summer holidays. Some schools also start in winter.
Plan the money. Ask about fees, student support and paid forms. See our application guide for the general steps.

Common mistakes

Expecting a training allowance. Pay depends on the form and state.
Applying without checking the entry route. Many applicants miss the required prior training.
Using rules from another state. Berlin’s rules are an example, not a national rule.
Confusing it with nursing. Care training follows different rules, see our nursing guide.

Frequently asked questions

How long is Erzieher Ausbildung?

Usually three years full-time under the national framework, and longer part-time. The 2+2 model in Berlin takes four years in total.

Is Erzieher training paid?

It depends. Full-time school attendance usually has no salary (Berlin names student support instead). Work-based and practice-integrated forms can include a salary. Ask the school and the employer.

Do I need a vocational training first?

Often yes, if you have a middle school certificate. Other routes exist with a higher school qualification and an internship. The state decides the details.

Is the qualification valid in all states?

Yes. The states recognise each other’s final certificates under the national framework.

Can the Employment Agency pay for it?

In some cases of retraining, yes, for example for people without a current occupation. The agency decides each case.

Sources

Last updated: 3 Nov 2026. Rules and figures can change, so confirm details with the official source before you decide.

Ausbildung Corner.