Cook (Koch/Köchin)
You prepare meals, coordinate the work in the kitchen and follow hygiene rules: a 3-year training, paid from the first year, in a restaurant, hotel or catering kitchen.
What a cook does
They draw up menus, buy and store ingredients, cook and plate dishes, then coordinate the work so that every dish is ready on time. They also calculate prices and advise guests.
Cook
Prepare meat, fish, vegetables, sauces, soups and desserts using different cooking methods.
Organise
Plan kitchen tasks, receive and store goods, and follow hygiene rules.
Advise
Work out costs and prices, suggest menus and inform guests, for example about allergens.
This occupation is for you if…
- you enjoy cooking and putting new dishes together
- you work carefully and follow hygiene rules
- you like teamwork in a kitchen
- you are fine with standing for long periods
Less suitable if…
- you cannot stand for long periods
- you do not like working in a team under pressure
- you reject very strict hygiene rules
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Cooking techniquesCutting meat and fishSauces, soups and dessertsHygiene and HACCPStock managementCosting and pricingPersonal qualities
OrganisationTeam spiritAttention to detailCreativitySense of responsibilityHow the Ausbildung works
In Germany you learn by working: this is the “dual system”. You are an employee of a company and a student at a vocational school (Berufsschule) at the same time.
The fundamentals
- Hygiene and safety at work
- Receiving and storing goods
- Basic kitchen techniques
Widening the repertoire
- Simple dishes, vegetables, sauces
- Fish, meat, doughs, batters
- Exam part 1 (4th half-year)
Independence
- Menus, desserts, pricing
- Advising guests, guiding staff
- Final exam, part 2
Exams and qualification
The final exam has 2 parts. Part 1 takes place in the 4th half-year: it covers the first 18 months, with simple dishes and a 60-minute written paper. Part 2, at the end, includes a 3-course menu, products and storage, technology and guest information, then economics and social studies. Qualification: the final certificate (Abschlusszeugnis) of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK).
You are paid during the training
Gross monthly pay during the training. These amounts are averages: they vary by region, sector and collective agreement.
What you need to apply
Education level
German level
Physical fitness
Documents to prepare
- CV and cover letter in German
- Translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts
- German B2 level certificate
Advantages and difficulties
Advantages
- Paid from the 1st year
- IHK certificate recognised across Germany
- Restaurants, hotels, canteens, hospitals: varied jobs
- Vegetarian cooking as an additional qualification
Difficulties
- Work on your feet, in a hot kitchen
- Strict hygiene rules and record keeping
- Precision and speed needed during service
- Professional German takes effort at first
Where it can lead
Qualified cook
Jobs in restaurants, hotels, canteens, hospitals, care homes or catering companies.
Dietary cook (Diätkoch)
Specialise in dietary cooking through a recognised continuing training course.
Master chef or Fachwirt
Work towards the Küchenmeister (master chef) or the Fachwirt im Gastgewerbe (hospitality manager).
Other trainings: Agriculture, environment and sciences
Not quite convinced by this occupation? Here are related trainings in the same field.
We are by your side from day one until you arrive in Germany
Four steps to move forward, all run by our own structures.
Take the test online or at the office
The eligibility test is done online on our website, or by visiting our Douala office directly.
Take the testTalk to our team
Germany: +49 (0) 7033 694 18 80
Cameroon: +237 622 20 81 64
DZK, our language centre
Deutschzentrum KAGEDEV (DZK) is our own language centre in Douala. Outside Douala: partner language centres, call us to find the nearest one.
AZUFA is always us
AZUFA is our platform: it connects you with German companies that recruit apprentices and follows your application through to the training contract.
Go to AZUFAFrom German A1 to the first day of training in Germany
Each step is run by one of our structures. You keep the same contact from start to finish.
- 1
Check my eligibility
The test is done online on our website or at our Douala office.
Run by Campus Germany
- 2
Talk to an advisor
Review your profile, your wishes and the chosen occupation.
- 3
Learn German, from A1 to B2
Courses adapted to your starting level, up to the required B2 level. In Douala at our own language centre; elsewhere, with our partner centres.
Run by DZK
- 4
Prepare the application file
CV and cover letter in German, translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts, B2 level certificate.
- 5
Find the company and sign the training contract
We connect you with German companies that recruit apprentices, and follow your application through to the contract.
Run by AZUFA
- 6
Prepare the visa and paperwork
Support to gather the documents and complete the administrative steps.
- 7
Prepare your departure and settling in
Travel, housing and first steps in Germany: we prepare you before you leave.
Run by KAGEDEV e.V.
- 8
First day of training in Germany
You arrive prepared and supported, with a team that has known you since day one.
Stay informed
Join our channels to receive new offers, session dates and advice. These are announcement channels: no private conversations.
Our structures for this occupation
Our platform for recruiting apprentices and skilled staff from Africa: matching with German companies through to the training contract.
Our own German language centre, in Douala. Outside Douala: partner centres.
Training offers for this occupation
No offer is open here at the moment. Browse apprenticeship offers on AZUFA, or receive an e-mail as soon as a partner company recruits.
See offers on AZUFA →Take this sheet with you
A 5-page document to read offline or show your family: the occupation, the training, the pay and the whole pathway, from German A1 to the first day of training.
Download the brochure (PDF)You may be wondering…
What German level is required?
How long does the training last?
Am I paid during the training?
Where can I take the eligibility test?
Where can I learn German?
How does the final exam for cooks work?
Can you train in vegetarian cooking?
Ready to find out whether this occupation is for you?
Take the test online or come and see us at the office. We are by your side from day one until you arrive in Germany.