Around a quarter of a million teachers currently work in Germany. Many of them will retire in the next few years. This opens up very good opportunities for young people from Germany and abroad. Become a teacher in Germany: We explain what you should pay attention to.
What speaks for the profession of teacher?
There are many reasons why it can be great to work as a teacher. First of all, it offers an opportunity to make an important contribution to society by supporting young people in their education and equipping them with the skills and knowledge they need for their future. It is also a very rewarding experience to see how students progress and achieve their goals.
As a teacher, you also have the opportunity to have a positive impact on your students’ lives and help them reach their full potential. You have the chance to inspire them and show them that they can achieve anything they set out to do.
Another advantage is that teachers usually have fixed working hours and are free during school holidays. This gives you the opportunity to spend time with your family and friends and focus on other interests and hobbies.
Finally, the teaching profession also offers the opportunity to constantly educate and learn. You will always get to know new content and teaching methods and have the opportunity to further your education and improve your skills.
Becoming a teacher in Germany: This is the standard way
If you want to become a teacher in Germany, there is a standard procedure for you. It consists of three elements:
- Higher education: To become a teacher, you must complete a university degree. Depending on which subject you want to teach, you can choose different courses of study. For example, you can study German, mathematics, physics or music at Universität Hamburg in order to be able to teach these subjects later.
- Legal clerkship: After graduation, you have to complete a legal clerkship. The traineeship is a practical training in which you teach at a school and at the same time attend further training at a teacher training college. The legal clerkship usually lasts two years and ends with the so-called state examination.
- State examination: The state examination is an examination that you have to take at the end of your legal clerkship. The exam tests whether you have the necessary skills and knowledge to work as a teacher. If you pass the state examination, you will be allowed to work as a teacher.
It is important that you, as a teacher, are interested in your subject and enjoy learning. You should be good at dealing with people and have the ability to motivate and support others.
In order to become a teacher, you must first complete a university degree and then complete a traineeship and the state examination. If you have successfully completed all these steps, you are entitled to work as a teacher.
In addition to this path, you can also become a teacher as a career changer. This is possible for people who have already completed a university degree, but which was not a teacher training.
As a foreigner, you can have your foreign teacher training programme recognised or you can also start as a lateral entrant.
Becoming a teacher in Germany: What requirements should I have?
It is important that you are interested in your subject and enjoy learning if you want to become a teacher. You should also be good at dealing with people and have the ability to motivate and support others. If you have these qualities and are willing to work hard, then the teaching profession might be suitable for you.
If you want to become a teacher, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
- Choose the right course of study: To become a teacher, you must complete a course of study that is suitable for the teaching profession. There are various courses of study that are suitable for the teaching profession, such as the teaching profession for primary school, the teacher training for lower secondary level or the teacher training for upper secondary level. So you should think carefully about which subject you want to teach and which course of study is best suited for it.
- Complete the traineeship: After graduation, you must complete a traineeship in order to become a teacher. The traineeship is a practical training in which you teach at a school and at the same time attend further training at a teacher training college. The legal clerkship usually lasts two years and ends with the so-called state examination.
- Pass the state examination: The state examination is an examination that you have to take at the end of your legal clerkship. The exam tests whether you have the necessary skills and knowledge to work as a teacher. If you pass the state examination, you will be allowed to work as a teacher.
It is important that you successfully complete all these steps to become a teacher. However, if you are interested in your subject and enjoy learning, are good at dealing with people and have the ability to motivate and support others, then you can successfully master these steps and start a successful career as a teacher.
Do you have to like children as a teacher?
It is important that you, as a teacher, are interested in your subject and enjoy learning. However, it is not absolutely necessary that you particularly like children to become a teacher. However, you should be good at dealing with people and have the ability to motivate and support others. If you have these qualities, you can also be successful as a teacher, even if you don’t like children very much.
However, it is important that you as a teacher treat your students respectfully and professionally and have a positive attitude towards them. Even if you don’t particularly like children, you should be able to build a good relationship with them and provide them with a safe and supportive learning environment.
Overall, it is important that you as a teacher have the ability to motivate and support others and that you have a positive attitude towards the children.
How much do you have to work as a teacher in Germany and when do you retire?
As a teacher in Germany, you usually have to work 40 hours a week. However, working hours can vary greatly depending on the type of school you work at. If you work at an elementary or secondary school, you will usually teach in the mornings. If you work at a college or university, you may also teach evenings or weekends.
The working hours of teachers can also be extended by preparatory and correction work, further training and parents’ evenings. It is therefore important that you plan enough time for your work and also have time for your free time and your family.
In Germany, there is a legal retirement age of 65. However, teachers in some federal states can retire earlier, for example at the age of 60. However, the retirement age limit may vary from state to state and can also be adjusted through individual agreements with the employer.
Overall, it can be said that teachers in Germany have a responsible and time-consuming job, which also offers many opportunities for personal and professional development. If you are interested in your subject and enjoy learning and dealing well with people, the teaching profession could be the perfect profession for you.
As a teacher, do you have a right to part-time?
Yes, as a teacher you have the right to part-time work in Germany. You can arrange your working hours individually with your employer and, for example, only work a certain number of hours per week. You also have the right to parental leave if you have children and need time for your family.
It is important that you discuss your wishes regarding working hours with your employer at an early stage and make an individual agreement. You should note that teachers’ working hours can usually vary greatly and that you may also need to teach in the evenings or on weekends.
Overall, it can be said that as a teacher in Germany you have the right to part-time work and that you can arrange your working hours individually with your employer. If you are interested in your subject and enjoy learning and dealing well with people, the teaching profession could be the perfect profession for you.
In which subjects are most teachers sought in Germany?
In Germany, there is a high demand for teachers in various subjects. The demand for teachers can vary based on factors such as curriculum changes, student interest, and societal needs. Here are some of the subjects that are currently experiencing a higher demand for new teachers:
- STEM Subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics): With a focus on promoting STEM education and meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving technological landscape, there is a constant need for qualified teachers in subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and computer science.
- Foreign Languages: The importance of language education and the growing emphasis on global communication have led to a demand for teachers in foreign languages such as English, French, Spanish, and German as a second language.
- Special Education: Special education teachers who can support students with diverse learning needs and disabilities are in high demand. The need for inclusive education and individualized support has resulted in an increased demand for qualified special education teachers.
- German Language and Literature: As the national language, German language and literature teachers are essential for promoting language proficiency and fostering an appreciation for German culture and literature.
- Social Sciences: Subjects like history, geography, politics, and economics require teachers who can provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the social and political dynamics in both national and international contexts.
- Arts and Music: Teachers in the arts, including visual arts, music, and performing arts, are valued for nurturing creativity and artistic expression among students.
- Physical Education: Physical education teachers who can promote an active and healthy lifestyle are sought after, as schools recognize the importance of physical well-being and sports education.
Overall, it can be said that there is a need for teachers in many different subjects in Germany and that you have many opportunities to start a career as a teacher. If you are interested in your subject and enjoy learning and dealing well with people, the teaching profession could be the perfect profession for you.
Which states in Germany offer most teacher positions?
Germany has a diverse educational landscape, with a significant number of teachers contributing to the education system across the country. The distribution of teachers varies among the different states, reflecting the unique characteristics and needs of each region, but also the fact that school education is a political prerogative of the states in Germany.
Let’s take a closer look at the approximate number of teachers in each state, partly reflecting where chances of finding a job are high:
| State | Number of Teachers |
|---|---|
| Baden-Württemberg | 93,000 |
| Bavaria | 121,000 |
| Berlin | 28,000 |
| Brandenburg | 30,000 |
| Bremen | 8,000 |
| Hamburg | 16,000 |
| Hesse | 53,000 |
| Lower Saxony | 78,000 |
| Mecklenburg-Vorpommern | 19,000 |
| North Rhine-Westphalia | 180,000 |
| Rhineland-Palatinate | 37,000 |
| Saarland | 10,000 |
| Saxony | 54,000 |
| Saxony-Anhalt | 33,000 |
| Schleswig-Holstein | 29,000 |
| Thuringia | 30,000 |
Currently, several of these federal states in Germany have a significant demand for new teachers, with expectations for the near future. While the specific needs may vary, some states have been identified as having a higher demand for teachers due to factors such as population growth, retirement of existing teachers, and an increasing number of students.
One of the federal states with a considerable need for new teachers is North Rhine-Westphalia, which has a large student population and a high number of retirements expected in the coming years. Similarly, Lower Saxony and Bavaria also face a significant teacher shortage, particularly in certain subject areas.
Looking ahead, the future expectations indicate a continued need for new teachers in many federal states. The growing student population, coupled with an aging teacher workforce, is likely to contribute to this ongoing demand. Efforts are being made to attract and train new teachers, as well as to address the specific needs of each state.
It is important to note that the demand for teachers can fluctuate over time and may vary between different subjects and regions within each federal state. Ongoing monitoring and planning are crucial to address the changing needs and ensure a sufficient supply of qualified teachers across Germany.
Become a teacher in Germany: FAQ
What qualifications do I need to become a teacher in Germany?
To become a teacher in Germany, you generally need a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in education or a related subject, followed by a teaching certification (Staatsexamen).
How long does it take to become a teacher in Germany?
The process typically takes 5-7 years, including the completion of a bachelor’s and master’s degree, as well as a teacher training period called “Referendariat.”
Is it mandatory to learn German to teach in Germany?
Yes, proficiency in German is essential for teaching in Germany, as you will need to communicate effectively with students, colleagues, and parents.
Can foreign teachers work in Germany?
Yes, foreign teachers can work in Germany, provided they have their qualifications recognized and obtain a German teaching license.
How do I get my teaching qualifications recognized in Germany?
To have your qualifications recognized, you must submit an application to the relevant regional education authority, providing documentation of your academic and professional credentials.
Are there opportunities for non-German speaking teachers in international schools?
Yes, international schools in Germany often hire non-German speaking teachers, particularly for subjects taught in English or other foreign languages.
What is the average salary for a teacher in Germany?
The average salary for a teacher in Germany ranges from €40,000 to €60,000 per year, depending on experience, qualifications, and the type of school.
How do I find teaching job vacancies in Germany?
Job vacancies can be found on school websites, job portals like StepStone or Indeed, and through networking with other professionals in the education field.
What is the process of obtaining a German teaching license?
To obtain a German teaching license, you must complete a teacher training period (“Referendariat”), pass a state examination (Staatsexamen), and fulfill other requirements set by regional education authorities.
What is the typical teaching workload in Germany?
Teachers in Germany usually teach between 20 to 26 hours per week, with additional time spent on lesson planning, grading, and administrative tasks.
