Building cleaner (Gebäudereiniger/Gebäudereinigerin)
You clean, disinfect and maintain surfaces in offices, hospitals, factories or facades: a paid 3-year craft training with a qualification recognised across Germany.
What a building cleaner does
They pick the right method for each surface and place: windows, floors, textiles, facades, sanitary areas. They use machines, dose products, follow hygiene rules and work safely.
Clean
Clean windows, floors, textiles and facades, in routine, interim or deep cleaning.
Care for surfaces
Protect, preserve and restore surfaces using the right products and machines.
Ensure hygiene
Disinfect in healthcare, kitchens or sanitary areas, and dispose of hazardous waste.
This occupation is for you if…
- you are careful and like to see the result of your work
- you are dexterous and can handle machines
- you have a head for heights and work comfortably at height
- you accept working early in the morning or late in the evening
Less suitable if…
- you are afraid of heights or refuse to climb a ladder
- you cope badly with chemicals and their fumes
- you refuse to work very early, late in the evening or at night
A typical day in the workshop
What you will learn, what is expected of you
Technical skills
Cleaning techniquesCleaning machines and equipmentDosing productsHygiene and disinfectionWorking safely at heightSurface carePersonal qualities
CareManual dexteritySafety awarenessPunctualityTeamworkHow 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.
Cleaning basics
- Safety, products, machines
- Setting up a workplace
- Maintenance cleaning
Interim cleaning
- Windows, textiles, floors
- Working safely at height
- First part of the exam
Hygiene and restoration
- Deep and outdoor cleaning
- Hygiene and disinfection
- Preserving surfaces
Exams and qualification
The journeyman's exam (Gesellenprüfung) is split into two parts. The first takes place in the 4th half-year: cleaning glass, textile and non-textile surfaces, with practical work and a written test. The second ends the training: deep and outdoor cleaning, hygiene, surface care, economics and society. Qualification: Gesellenbrief, under the authority of the Chamber of Crafts (HWK).
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 training from the first year
- Craft qualification recognised throughout Germany
- Varied workplaces: offices, hospitals, factories
- Route to the Meister and the chance to set up on your own
Difficulties
- Physical work, often on your feet and moving
- Hours early in the morning, late in the evening or at night
- Chemicals: protection needed
- Work at height: you must not be afraid of heights
Where it can lead
Skilled cleaning worker
Work in a cleaning, disinfection or pest-control company.
Team leader or site manager
Coordinate teams, check quality and train apprentices.
Meister or own business
Take the Gebäudereinigermeister, study or start your own cleaning company.
Other trainings: Security, cleaning and services
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?
What is a “Gesellenbrief”?
Does the training include courses outside the company?
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.