Required school certificates (Zeugnisse) when applying for an Ausbildung

Types of certificates required to apply for an Ausbildung

1. Latest school certificate (aktuelles Schulzeugnis)
   The most important thing is always the most recent certificate you received, and it is often:

   • The end-of-10th-grade certificate (Realschulabschluss)

   • Or a Hauptschule certificate

   • Or a Zeugnis der Berufsvorbereitung / DAZ-Klasse if you are in a preparatory or language program

   If you have not finished school yet:
   Attach the most recent mid-year report (Halbjahreszeugnis) instead.

2. Previous certificates (falls vorhanden)

   • It is useful to attach the 9th- or 8th-grade certificate, especially if it has good grades

   • A basic education certificate from your home country (with an officially certified German translation) if you are a refugee or migrant

3. German language certificates
   If German is not your native language, you should attach a certificate that proves your level, such as:

   • telc B1 / B2

   • Goethe-Zertifikat

   • Or a certificate of passing an integration course (Integrationskurs)

4. Internship or experience certificates (Praktikumszeugnisse)

   • If you did an internship or worked in a simple job (such as Aushilfe), attach a certificate proving that

   • It gives a good impression and shows seriousness and commitment

Formatting notes when sending:

• Certificates should be clear PDF files

• If they are not in German, attach the official translation with them

• Best file order:

  • Anschreiben

  • Lebenslauf

  • Schulzeugnis

  • Sprachzertifikat

  • Praktikumszeugnis

What if your certificate is not recognized yet?

• Submit the application first with the certificate and the translation

• And mention in the letter that you have applied or will apply for recognition (Anerkennung)

• You can apply for recognition via anabin.kmk.org or the local recognition office in your federal state

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ـ* The team of writers and editors at the website strives to provide accurate information through extensive research and reviewing multiple sources when writing articles. However, some errors may appear or some information may be unconfirmed. Therefore, please consider the information in the articles as an initial reference and always consult the competent authorities for confirmed information.