Training for foreigners with B1 level: Your opportunities in Germany

Do you already have a B1 level of German and are you interested in training in Germany? Congratulations! That's a great achievement, because with B1 level, many doors are open to you on the training market in Germany - especially in areas such as nursing and technical professions. In this article, you will find out which apprenticeships are open to you, what you can learn in the various apprenticeships and how you can continue to improve your German language skills with a B1 level.

Which professions are possible with B1 language level in Germany?

With a B1 language level, you will be sought after in many training occupations in Germany. B1 means that you can hold basic conversations, understand information and make yourself understood in everyday life. Such language skills are sufficient to cope with basic tasks during training and in the workplace. You have very good chances, especially in professions in the trades / industry and in nursing, as many workers are also in demand. 

Popular training occupations for foreigners with B1 are, for example:

• Nursing specialist: If you want to work in the healthcare sector, you are in particularly high demand here in Germany.
• Electricians and plumbers: Here you can use your technical skills, especially in the field of HVAC (you can learn more about the importance of HVAC here).
• Solar technician trainingTechnical training enables you to enter a rapidly growing field as a solar technician, which also offers good career opportunities.

These professions not only offer you interesting training, but also long-term prospects on the German job market.

Requirements for an apprenticeship with B1 in Germany

For an apprenticeship in Germany, you usually only need a recognized school-leaving certificate from your home country in addition to the B1 language level. Some professions, especially in the care sector, also require a health certificate. As many companies look for practical skills and your motivation to learn, you have good chances even without perfect language skills.

If you are a citizen of an EU country, you do not need a special work permit. You can find out more about this in our article on Working in Germany as an EU citizen. For applicants from non-EU countries, visas and residence permits are required, which you can apply for via embassies or consulates.

Opportunities and prospects in the care sector and other areas

The care sector in particular offers many open training positions for foreigners with a B1 language level, as there is great demand here in Germany. However, it is not only the care sector that is open to people with this language level, but also many skilled trades. This is because these professions are very practical and basic German skills are sufficient to communicate and work successfully. If you have completed an apprenticeship in this field, you are very well placed for a successful career in Germany. Trades such as electricians, mechatronics engineers, HVAC plant mechanics and construction workers are in particularly high demand and will remain so in the future. 

The shortage of skilled workers is a major problem in Germany: there is a shortage of trained specialists in most industries. However, this also means that training in these areas is an excellent opportunity to secure long-term job prospects. You can find out more about this and which apprenticeships are particularly in demand in our article on careers with a future.

How you can improve your German language skills during your training with B1

During your apprenticeship, you will have many opportunities to improve your German language skills. Daily contact with colleagues and customers will help you to become more confident in using the language. You can also learn German free of charge by watching German films or series in your free time. Many training companies also offer support for language courses or learning materials. Some trainees also take part in special courses that prepare them for the technical language of the job. We have also written an article about the best ways to learn German for free - check it out!

WorkerHero: Your partner for training and careers in Germany

Whether you are looking for an apprenticeship or a job in a skilled trade or technical field - WorkerHero will help you find the right job. Our platform offers numerous job offers for qualified professionals in the blue and gray areas, ideal for people who may not yet speak perfect German. 

Even if you have not yet completed your training or are perhaps still in the process of moving to Germany, you can use our articles to prepare yourself for life and work in Germany. Whether it's information on the recognition of foreign qualifications or work permits - we will do our best to prepare you so that you can make a successful start to your new career in Germany!