Retail clerk (Kaufmann/-frau im Einzelhandel)
You sell, advise, manage stock and help with buying for a shop: a 36-month training, paid from the first year, in almost every type of retail business.
What a retail clerk does
They sell consumer goods (clothing, food, household items) to end customers, advise, handle complaints and help with buying and presenting goods.
Sell and advise
Hold sales conversations, take payments and handle complaints calmly.
Supply
Plan purchases, place orders, and check quality and storage.
Present
Price and fill the shelves, lay out the shop floor and support promotions.
This occupation is for you if…
- you enjoy dealing with customers and advising them
- you are careful with calculations and tills
- you like organising a department and displaying products
- you accept shift work and Saturdays
Less suitable if…
- you dislike standing for long periods
- you cannot cope with constant contact with the public
- you want the same hours every day
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Advice and sellingTill and cash handlingStock controlPrice calculationProduct presentationComplaint handlingOnline retailPersonal qualities
People skillsAccuracyPatienceOrganisationTeamworkHow 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.
Learning the shop
- Range and presentation
- Receiving, stock, labelling
- First sales conversations
Selling and tills
- Selling, till and prices
- Stock control
- Part 1 of the final exam
Specialisation
- 3 options chosen in the contract
- Retail business processes
- Part 2 of the final exam
Exams and qualification
The final exam is in two parts. Part 1 takes place at the end of the second year: three written papers (selling and advertising, 90 minutes; goods management and calculation, 60 minutes; economics and social studies, 60 minutes). Part 2, at the end of training, has a written paper of 120 minutes and a discussion of up to 20 minutes on the chosen option. Qualification: IHK certificate (Chamber of Commerce and Industry).
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 first year
- Work possible in many types of retail
- Qualification recognised across Germany
- Route to the Handelsfachwirt or to university
Difficulties
- Saturday and shift work
- Long hours on your feet and handling goods
- Customers can sometimes be difficult
- Sales vocabulary is demanding in German
Where it can lead
Qualified retail clerk
Jobs in fashion stores, supermarkets, department stores, DIY chains or mail order.
Department manager
Lead a team, run a department or take part in purchasing.
Handelsfachwirt or degree
Take the Handelsfachwirt (retail business specialist), study business administration or open a shop.
Other trainings: Trade and sales
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 is it different from the Verkäufer?
Can I move from Verkäufer to retail clerk?
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.