Germany is one of the most attractive destinations in Europe for international students and professionals seeking hands-on work experience. Internships (called “Praktikum” in German) are a key part of the academic and professional journey here — whether you’re a student enrolled in a university, a recent graduate, or an international jobseeker looking to understand the German work culture.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about how internships work in Germany, including:
- Types of internships
- How to find one
- Paid vs unpaid internships
- Visa implications
- What German companies expect from interns
- Tips for success
🔍 What Is an Internship (Praktikum) in Germany?
An internship in Germany is a temporary work placement where students or recent graduates gain practical experience in a real work environment. Internships may be a formal requirement of academic programs or done voluntarily to boost one’s CV.
They can last anywhere from a few weeks to 12 months, depending on the field and type.
🏷️ Types of Internships in Germany
There are several types of internships you can pursue:
1. Mandatory Internship (Pflichtpraktikum)
- Required by your university program
- Typically integrated into your curriculum
- May be unpaid or paid, depending on company and contract
- No minimum wage law applies
2. Voluntary Internship (Freiwilliges Praktikum)
- Not required by your university
- Chosen to gain extra experience
- If longer than 3 months, companies must pay at least minimum wage (€12.41/hour as of 2025)
- Popular with international students during semester breaks
3. Internship after Graduation
- Open to recent graduates seeking German work experience
- Treated like a full-time job; minimum wage laws apply
- Visa required for non-EU applicants (job-seeking or training visa)
💰 Paid vs Unpaid Internships: Know the Rules
✅ Paid Internships
- Most voluntary internships longer than 3 months must be paid the German minimum wage.
- Mandatory internships are exempt from minimum wage laws, but some companies still pay a small stipend (e.g., €300–€800/month).
- Internships in technical, business, and engineering fields are more likely to be paid.
❌ Unpaid Internships
- Allowed only if:
- It’s a mandatory internship (Pflichtpraktikum)
- Duration is under 3 months
- Unpaid internships are more common in:
- Non-profits, arts, journalism, and NGOs
- Small startups or language-related fields
Tip: Always check the internship contract for payment terms and social insurance conditions.
🎯 How to Find Internships in Germany
Finding an internship in Germany can take time and strategy. Here are proven ways to search effectively:
1. Job Portals & Internship Platforms
- StepStone
- Indeed
- Glassdoor Germany
- Praktikum.info
- Absolventa.de – Good for students & grads
- MeinPraktikum.de – Focused on internships
2. University Career Centers
- Most German universities have career services that post internship offers, especially from partner companies.
- Some faculties even require internships and guide students through the process.
3. Company Websites
- Large firms like BMW, Siemens, Bosch, SAP, Lufthansa, Deutsche Bank post internships on their own websites.
- Search under “Careers” → “Students” or “Internships”
4. Networking & Career Fairs
- Attend events like Bonding, Connecticum, or Stuzubi, which focus on student-employer connections.
- Don’t underestimate LinkedIn networking — connect with recruiters or alumni.
5. Speculative Applications (Initiativbewerbung)
- Many companies accept unsolicited internship applications.
- Prepare a tailored CV and cover letter (in German or English) explaining your skills and internship goals.
📄 Documents You’ll Need to Apply
A successful application in Germany typically includes:
- CV (Lebenslauf) – In reverse chronological order, concise and professional (usually 1–2 pages)
- Cover Letter (Anschreiben) – Customized for each role; explain why you want to intern with the company
- Transcript of Records – Optional but helpful
- Enrollment certificate – For students
- Reference letters or recommendation – If available
Language tip: While many internships (especially in tech/startups) are available in English, knowing German (B1 or higher) increases your chances.
🛂 Internship Visa Rules (For Non-EU Applicants)
If You’re a Student Already in Germany:
- You can work up to 120 full days or 240 half days per year on a student visa.
- Mandatory internships do not count toward these limits.
If You’re Outside Germany:
- For mandatory internships, you can apply for a Type D internship visa, usually arranged through a university agreement.
- For voluntary internships, apply for:
- Job-seeker visa (after graduation)
- Visa for training purposes (if internship is related to future employment or study)
Always apply early — visa processing can take 6–12 weeks.
🧠 What Do German Companies Expect from Interns?
German companies take internships seriously. Interns are often considered part of the team and expected to contribute meaningfully.
Here’s what most companies look for:
✅ Skills & Attitude
- Solid understanding of the field (e.g., programming, marketing, engineering)
- Willingness to learn and take initiative
- Good time management
- Basic German language skills (depending on role)
- Team spirit and punctuality
✅ Cultural Expectations
- Formality: Use formal greetings (“Sie” instead of “du”) unless told otherwise.
- Punctuality: Being late is frowned upon.
- Structured Communication: Be clear, concise, and factual in emails or meetings.
- Self-reliance: You’re expected to handle tasks independently once trained.
💼 What Interns Can Expect in Return
- Professional experience in a German-speaking environment
- Exposure to work culture, processes, and international teams
- Mentorship or supervisor support
- A certificate (Praktikumszeugnis) that’s useful for future job applications
- Possibility of a full-time role later if you perform well
🧾 Sample Internship Pay by Field (Estimates)
| Field | Monthly Pay (€) |
|---|---|
| Engineering | €800 – €1,500 |
| IT/Software | €900 – €1,800 |
| Business/Finance | €700 – €1,500 |
| Marketing | €600 – €1,200 |
| NGOs / Social Work | Often unpaid or €300–€600 |
| Research Institutes | €500 – €1,000 |
These are average figures. Pay depends on company size, location, and internship type.
💡 Tips for a Successful Internship Experience
- Start early: Begin searching 3–6 months before your preferred start date.
- Tailor your application: Avoid generic CVs and letters.
- Practice German: Even basic conversational skills help with integration.
- Ask questions: Show initiative, curiosity, and openness to learn.
- Seek feedback: It shows maturity and helps you grow.
- Maintain professionalism: Dress appropriately, meet deadlines, and communicate clearly.
- Network internally: Build relationships — many full-time offers come through internal referrals.
✅ Final Thoughts
Internships in Germany offer much more than work experience — they provide a foot in the door of Europe’s largest economy and a real chance to understand the German professional world. Whether you’re aiming for a full-time role or just exploring your career interests, the right internship can open significant doors.
With careful planning, a strong application, and the right attitude, you can secure a valuable internship that enhances your skills, builds your CV, and possibly leads to a permanent job in Germany or the EU.