Work & Career

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Into a new field: state-funded training with a BildungsgutscheinIf you want to do a course in AI, data or software but can't afford it, the Arbeitsagentur's education voucher (Bildungsgutschein) can cover the full course fee. Who can get one, how to apply, what to look for in a course and what to do if you're refused.

Questions on this topic

Can I be dismissed during the probation period (Probezeit), and what should I watch out for?The probation period lasts at most 6 months, and during it either side can end the contract with 2 weeks' notice. Maternity protection also applies during probation.
Can I take time off work when my child is sick? (Kinderkrankentage)Yes. In 2026 each parent can take 15 working days per child, and single parents 30 working days, to care for a sick child. Your health insurance pays child sick pay for these days.
Do I need my Turkish profession or degree recognised in Germany?For regulated professions such as doctor or teacher, recognition is required. In other professions you can work without it, but recognition is an advantage. The official portal anerkennung-in-deutschland.de is also available in Turkish.
How do I apply for a job in Germany, and which documents do I need?Usually a cover letter (Anschreiben), CV (Lebenslauf) and certificates are expected. A photo on the CV is common but not required. You send copies, and certification is usually not needed. You can search for jobs for free on the Arbeitsagentur Jobsuche site.
How do I call in sick, and when do I need a sick note (Krankmeldung)?Tell your employer on the first day you are ill, before work starts. If the illness lasts more than 3 days you need a doctor's note; your employer may also ask for it from the first day.
How is my foreign university degree recognised in Germany? (ZAB / anabin)For regulated professions (such as doctor, teacher or nurse), official recognition is mandatory. For other professions you can work directly if your degree is recognised in anabin; a ZAB statement of comparability makes job and visa applications easier.
I have a child. Can I do vocational training (Ausbildung) part-time?Yes. In a part-time Ausbildung (Teilzeit-Ausbildung), daily or weekly hours can be cut by up to half, and the training takes longer accordingly. You need to agree this with your employer. The Arbeitsagentur offers free advice on 0800 4 555500.
I want to start my own business (Gewerbe or Freiberufler). Where do I begin?First find out whether your business is a trade (Gewerbe) or a liberal profession (Freiberuf). A trade must be registered with the district office, and in both cases you register with the tax office; make sure your residence permit allows self-employment.
I'm having surgery in Turkey. Will my sick leave be valid in Germany?If you fall ill or cannot work after surgery in Turkey, you must inform your employer and your health insurance immediately. A Turkish sick note is forwarded to your German health insurance via the SGK; talk to your health insurance before any planned surgery.
I've lost my job. When should I contact the Arbeitsagentur?As soon as you know your job is ending, register as a jobseeker within 3 days at the latest.
My recognition was only partial. What is a compensation measure (Ausgleichsmaßnahme)?Partial recognition means your training has gaps compared to the German equivalent. You can close these gaps with an adaptation course or an exam and then get full recognition.
My residence permit is tied to a specific employer (Zusatzblatt). Can I change jobs or sectors?Yes, but first check the conditions on your supplementary sheet (Zusatzblatt). If it names your employer, you need approval from the LEA before starting a new job; EU Blue Card holders only have to notify changes during the first 12 months.
What can help me while looking for a job in Berlin?You can fill gaps in your CV with personal projects, look at jobs in Berlin's public sector and get free advice on having your qualifications recognised from the TBB.
What happens if I get pregnant during my Ausbildung? Can I pause it?Pregnancy does not cost you your Ausbildung place or your rights at school and at work. Check the details of paid leave and pausing with your school and your workplace.
What is a Bildungsgutschein, and does it also cover childcare costs during a course?A Bildungsgutschein is a voucher with which the Employment Agency or Jobcenter pays for vocational training. Course fees, travel costs and childcare costs during the course can be covered. You need to talk to your adviser first.
What is a Minijob, how much can I earn, and am I insured?A Minijob is a small job where you earn at most 603 euros a month in 2026. The employer pays most of the taxes and contributions, but a Minijob does not give you health insurance.