You have the PDF in your inbox: “Ausbildungsvertrag” (Training Contract). You are ready to sign immediately because you want that visa.
Stop.
This document binds you for 3 years. If you sign a bad contract, you could be stuck with low pay, illegal working hours, or no vacation. German labor law is strict, but mistakes happen, and some employers try to cut corners.
Here are the 5 Mandatory Clauses every legal Ausbildung contract must contain. If one is missing, do not sign—contact your staffing agency, get-talent.eu in the EU immediately.
1. The Training Plan (Sachliche und zeitliche Gliederung)
This is the most important attachment. It’s not just “You will work here.” It must be a detailed syllabus.
- What it says: “In Month 1-3, you learn X. In Month 4-6, you learn Y.”
- Why it matters: Without this, they can use you as “cheap labor” (making coffee and sweeping floors) instead of teaching you the trade.
2. The Probation Period (Probezeit)
- The Law: Must be at least 1 month and maximum 4 months.
- Red Flag: If it says “6 months,” it is illegal for an Ausbildung.
- Why it matters: During this time, you can quit (or be fired) instantly without notice. After this time, you are almost impossible to fire.
3. Working Hours (Arbeitszeit)
- The Law: Adults cannot work more than 8 hours a day (40 hours/week), or up to 10 hours temporarily.
- Red Flag: “Trust-based working hours” with no limit, or mandatory unpaid overtime. As a trainee, overtime is generally meant to be compensated (either paid or time off).
- Shift Work: If you are in Nursing or Hospitality, the contract must explicitly state you will work weekends/nights and list the extra pay (Zuschläge) for those shifts.
4. Vacation Days (Urlaub)
- The Law: If you are over 18, the legal minimum is 24 working days (based on a 6-day week) or 20 days (5-day week).
- The Standard: Most decent jobs in Germany offer 25 to 30 days.
- Red Flag: Anything less than 20 days is illegal.
5. Termination Conditions (Kündigung)
After probation, you can only be fired for “good cause” (e.g., theft, violence). However, you can quit with 4 weeks’ notice if you decide to change your career path entirely (e.g., quit baking to study IT).
- Red Flag: Contracts that demand you pay a “penalty fee” if you quit. This is illegal in Germany. You never have to pay your employer for leaving.
Conclusion
Your contract isn’t just a visa requirement; it’s your shield. If the German is too complex (it’s “Legalese”), ask a mentor or an agency to review it.
References
- IHK Munich: Contract Guidelines
- DGB (German Trade Union): Ausbildung Contract Rights