Subjects in Berufsschule – How to succeed in the theoretical exams?

Author name: Admin Publication date: 2025-07-11 Article category: school

First: What subjects do you study in Berufsschule?

Subjects are divided into two types:

1. General subjects (Allgemeinbildende Fächer):

  • German (Deutsch)

  • Mathematics (Mathematik)

  • Social studies / Politics (Sozialkunde / Politik)

  • Religion or Ethics (Religion / Ethik)

  • Physical education (Sport) – in some federal states

2. Vocational/specialized subjects (Fachbezogene Fächer):
They vary depending on the occupation. Examples:

Occupation Main specialized subjects
Kaufmann/-frau für Büromanagement office management, accounting, commercial law, administrative correspondence
Elektroniker/-in DC/AC electricity, measurement systems, electrical safety
Pflegefachkraft anatomy, nursing, ethics, health communication
Verkäufer/-in sales techniques, marketing, economics, consumer behavior

Second: How are you assessed theoretically?
Assessment includes:

  • term tests in Berufsschule

  • homework

  • class participation

  • the final theoretical exam (Abschlussprüfung – Part 1 & Part 2) organized by IHK or HWK

  • Part 1: often after the first year and counts as a percentage of the final grade

  • Part 2: at the end of training and is the most important

Third: How can you pass the theoretical exams?

1. Understand the curriculum plan (Rahmenlehrplan)
Ask the school or teacher for the learning field plan (Lernfeld) and know every required topic.

2. Plan weekly study
Set aside 2–3 days a week to review lessons, especially specialized subjects. Use flexible study schedules.

3. Use the right resources:

Resource type Examples
School textbooks e.g., “Wirtschaft und Verwaltung”, “Fachkunde”
Worksheets & summaries provided by school or found on platforms like schulportal.de
Learning apps e.g., “IHK Lernapp” or “AzubiWissen”
Educational YouTube videos search: job name + “Prüfung”, e.g., “Bürokaufmann Prüfung”

4. Ask questions and engage in class
Don’t just memorize; understand why rules/processes apply, and ask teachers about what you don’t understand.

5. Form a study group
Group study helps exchange understanding, solve exercises together, and prepare for exams.

6. Practice past exam papers
Search for:

  • “IHK Prüfungsaufgaben mit Lösungen”
    or ask teachers for previous years’ exam materials.

7. Review smartly
Use mind maps
Create flashcards (Lernkarten)
Try the Pomodoro technique (25 minutes focus + 5 minutes break)

Additional tips:
Attend all Berufsschule classes
Organize your files well – each subject in a separate folder
Track your internal assessment regularly and ask for help when needed
Take it seriously – school grades affect your final evaluation and graduation certificate


— The site’s team of writers and editors strives to provide accurate information through extensive research and reviewing multiple sources when writing articles. However, some errors may occur or some information may be unconfirmed. Therefore, please consider the information as an initial reference and always consult the competent authorities for confirmed information.

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