'How to Become a Teacher in Germany: Lehramt, Referendariat, and

A career in education in Germany typically follows one of two paths. The first is the traditional Lehramt, that is, training to become a school teacher, followed by the Vorbereitungsdienst or Referendariat and the second state examination. The second is a broader path through Erziehungswissenschaft or Paedagogik, which is related to education, child-rearing, social work, research, and adult education, but does not always qualify one to work as a school teacher.

What You Need to Know Before Choosing a Program

The profession of school teacher in Germany is a regulated field: rules governing training, admission to the profession, recognition of qualifications, and employment are established not only at the federal level but also by the federal states. Therefore, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to “how to become a teacher in Germany” without specifying the federal state, school type, and subjects.

Before applying, you should check three things:

• Which type of school you want to teach at: elementary school, lower secondary school, high school, vocational school, special education school, or another type of school;
• which subjects are in demand and permitted in the chosen combination;
• In which state do you plan to study and work, since the requirements for the Lehramt and Referendariat vary.

The Traditional Path: Lehramt

Lehramt is the university-level training program for future school teachers. In most cases, students choose two subjects, study subject-specific knowledge (Fachwissenschaft), subject-specific pedagogy (Fachdidaktik), and educational sciences (Bildungswissenschaften), and complete teaching practicums. Depending on the state and the type of Lehramt program, the program may conclude with the first state examination (Erste Staatsprüfung) or a Master of Education degree, which is recognized as the first phase of training.

Typically, the process looks like this:

1. Choosing a state, school type, and subject combination.
2. Admission to a Lehramtsstudium at a university or, in some cases, a teacher training college (Hochschule für Pädagogik).
3. A program with subject-specific, pedagogical, and didactic modules.
4. School internships and a final project or exam block in accordance with the regulations of the specific state.
5. Admission to the second phase of training—Vorbereitungsdienst or Referendariat.
6. The Second State Examination (Zweite Staatsprüfung) and subsequent employment.

The phrase “5–6 years of study plus 18–24 months of teaching internship” is often found in initial descriptions. While it serves as a useful guideline, it cannot be considered a rule that applies to all states and all types of schools. As of 2026, the duration and structure depend on the specific program, school level, and the legislation of the respective Bundesland.

Referendariat: Practical Training Before Full-Time Employment

After the first phase, the prospective teacher undergoes the Vorbereitungsdienst, often referred to as the Referendariat. This is practical training in a school and at a teacher training seminar: the candidate teaches classes, receives guidance, studies teaching methods, undergoes evaluation, and prepares for the second state examination.

At this stage, it is important to clarify in advance:

• application deadlines in the relevant state;
• language and documentation requirements;
• possible restrictions on subject combinations;
• school placement process;
• the amount of Anwärterbezüge or other payments during training.

Upon successful completion of the Referendariat and the second exam, one obtains formal teaching certification (Lehrbefähigung) for the relevant school type and subjects. However, the specific job, type of contract, and prospects for civil service appointment still depend on the federal state, available positions, age, citizenship, health, and other conditions.

Tenure and Teacher Salaries

Many school teachers in Germany work as civil servants (Beamter or Beamtin), but this is not an automatic result of obtaining a degree. Verbeamtung is regulated by the federal states and is only possible if certain requirements are met. These may include appropriate qualifications, personal suitability, health status, age restrictions, and requirements regarding citizenship or legal status.

The claim that Verbeamtung “does not apply to non-German citizens” is too simplistic. In practice, the rules are more complex: in certain cases, citizenship of Germany, another EU country, the EEA, or Switzerland is relevant, as are specific exceptions. Therefore, this issue must be verified according to the rules of the specific state and the employer’s current requirements.

The situation is similar with regard to salaries. Teachers may be paid according to the pay scale for public service employees or receive a salary as civil servants (Beamte). The amount depends on the Bundesland, school type, pay grade (Besoldungsgruppe or Tarifgruppe), years of service, family circumstances, and employment status. Therefore, a fixed figure such as “around 3,500 euros gross” quickly becomes outdated and can be misleading. For planning purposes, it’s best to consult the current pay scales (Besoldung/Tarif) for the state where you intend to work.

If your teaching degree was not earned in Germany

For people with a foreign teaching degree, the key issue is the recognition of qualifications (Anerkennung). Since the school teaching profession (Lehramt) is a regulated profession, you usually need to apply to the competent authority in the state where you want to work. During the process, they may compare subject-specific training, pedagogical modules, teaching practicums, exams, and language requirements.

Possible outcomes:

• the qualification is fully recognized;
• will identify significant differences and assign an Anpassungslehrgang, Eignungsprüfung, or other compensatory measures;
• An alternative path will be offered, such as additional study, a lateral entry program, or work in a related educational field.

To start, it’s helpful to use the official Anerkennungs-Finder on the “Anerkennung in Deutschland” portal, and then check the website of the Ministry of Education in the relevant state.

Alternative: Erziehungswissenschaft and Paedagogik

Not everyone interested in pedagogy is required to pursue a teaching degree (Lehramt). Programs in Erziehungswissenschaft, Bildungswissenschaft, or Paedagogik typically cover upbringing, education, development, social processes, educational organizations, and research methods. They can lead to careers in fields that do not require a school teaching certification (Lehrbefähigung).

Possible career paths after completing such programs:

• educational projects and non-formal learning;
• youth work and social-pedagogical organizations;
• Adult education and continuing education;
• corporate training and workshops;
• educational management;
• research in the field of education.

It is important not to confuse these programs with the Lehramt. Even a strong degree in Paedagogik alone usually does not replace the Lehramtsstudium, Referendariat, and Zweite Staatsprüfung required to work as a teacher in a public school.

Universities and Choosing a Program

There are many universities in Germany offering programs in Lehramt, Erziehungswissenschaft, or Paedagogik. The original article mentioned the University of Jena, the University of Tübingen, the University of Bochum, the University of Giessen, and the University of Halle-Wittenberg. These names can be used as starting points for your search, but the list should not be taken as a ranking or a guarantee of the best choice.

When comparing universities, consider not only their reputation but also practical factors:

• whether the required combination of subjects is available;
• Which type of school (Schulform) the program prepares students for;
• Is the degree recognized for the Referendariat in the desired state?
• What are the requirements for German language proficiency and documentation?
• how school internships are structured;
• Is it possible to move to the state where you plan to work after graduation?
• as shown on the current program pages, the module handbook, and the study regulations.

The CHE Ranking and other rankings can serve as additional guidance, but they are no substitute for checking the program’s official website.

A Quick Checklist for Future Teachers

Before choosing between a teaching degree (Lehramt) or a pedagogy program, draw up a plan of action:

1. Specify the Bundesland, school type, and subjects.
2. Check the requirements for the teaching degree (Lehramt) on the university’s website and the state Ministry of Education’s website.
3. Clarify which Abschluss is required for the Referendariat.
4. Check the deadlines, language requirements, and required documents.
5. If you have already earned a degree abroad, start with the Anerkennung process.
6. Be sure to research the specific employment conditions, civil service status (Verbeamtung), and pay in the state you have chosen.

Conclusion

In Germany, the Lehramt is a long but straightforward path to becoming a school teacher: university training, a practical phase, a second exam, and employment in accordance with state regulations. Erziehungswissenschaft and Paedagogik open the door to a broader educational sector but do not always lead to a school teaching degree (Lehramt). To avoid mistakes, choose a program not based on its general name, but on the specific state, school type, subjects, and official requirements for 2026.