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Vocational training in Germany (Ausbildung)

Chemical laboratory technician (Chemielaborant/in)

Chemielaborant / Chemielaborantin

You analyse and make substances in a laboratory: a 3.5-year training, paid from the first year, alternating between the employer and vocational school.

Check my eligibility →I already have B2

LevelBaccalaureaterequired

Duration3.5 years42 months

GermanB2required level

Pay during training€1,198 to €1,432gross / month, during the training

The occupation in 30 seconds

What a chemical laboratory technician does

They test organic and inorganic substances, prepare mixtures, develop syntheses and analyse the results, which they record and evaluate on a computer.

Analyse

Test substances using chemical and physical methods, for example with a spectrometer.

Prepare

Make mixtures and preparations, separate and purify substances, optimise a synthesis.

Record

Note how each test went, evaluate measurements on a computer and follow safety rules.

Is this occupation for you?Advantages and difficulties

This occupation is for you if…

you enjoy chemistry, physics and mathematics
you watch closely for changes during an experiment
you follow safety and environmental rules without exception
you stay focused during long series of tests

Less suitable if…

you struggle with chemicals, smells and fumes
you have very sensitive skin or airways
you are looking for an outdoor or very physical job

Advantages

Paid from the first year
Precise, scientific work in a laboratory
Jobs in chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food and environment
Clear ways to progress: technician, studies

Difficulties

Longer training: 3.5 years
Hazardous products: strict safety rules
Fumes and gases in laboratory air
A solid grounding in science and German is needed

Day to day

A typical day and the key skills

A typical daySkills and qualities

08:00

Instructions and planningThe supervisor presents the day's tests; you plan the steps and get the equipment ready.

09:00

Preparing solutionsWeigh, measure and prepare solutions, wearing a lab coat, safety glasses and gloves.

10:30

Synthesising a preparationMake a substance by following the steps, then separate and purify it.

13:00

Analysing a sampleMeasure the quality and quantity of a substance with an analytical instrument.

14:30

Record and evaluationNote the results and evaluate them on a computer using laboratory software.

16:00

Cleaning and safetyClean the instruments, put hazardous products away and follow the storage rules.

Technical skills

Chemical analysisSpectroscopyChromatographyMaking preparationsSeparating substancesHandling chemicalsData evaluation

Personal qualities

PrecisionPatienceSense of responsibilityObservationRigour

The training

How the Ausbildung works, year by year

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.

3 to 4 days a week at the company

1–2 days school

Year 1

Laboratory basics

≈ €1,198gross / month

Safety and hazardous substances
Sampling and measuring methods
Instruments and documentation

Year 2

Preparations

≈ €1,268gross / month

Making preparations
Separating and purifying substances
Final exam, part 1

Year 3

Analysis

≈ €1,338gross / month

Qualitative analysis and titration
Spectroscopy and chromatography
Evaluating measurements

Year 4 (6 months)

Final exam

≈ €1,432gross / month

Chosen options: 6 in total
Independent laboratory work
Final exam, part 2

Gross monthly pay during the training. Source: BIBB 2025, moyenne nationale. These are averages: they vary by region, sector and collective agreement.

Exams and qualification

The final exam (Abschlussprüfung) has 2 parts held at different times. Part 1 (35% of the mark) takes place before the end of the second year: 2 practical tasks on preparation and characterisation, then a written paper. Part 2 (65%) takes place at the end. You obtain the Abschlusszeugnis (final certificate) of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK).

Requirements and prospects

Applying, then moving on

What you need to apply

Education levelBaccalaureate level is required.

German levelThe required level is B2. Good technical vocabulary for the trade is a real plus.

Physical fitnessThe job requires manual precision, good near vision and colour vision, and skin and airways that tolerate chemicals.

Documents to prepare

CV and cover letter in German
Translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts
German B2 level certificate

Where it can lead

Straight awaySkilled lab technicianJobs in chemicals, pharmaceuticals, paints, food, cosmetics, institutes or environmental agencies.

With experienceTechnician or masterTrain as a technician (Techniker) in chemistry, laboratory technology, or as an Industriemeister (industrial master) in chemistry.

Longer termUniversity studiesIf university entry is met, study for example chemistry, biochemistry or chemical engineering.

Already B2? Take action

Already have German level B2 and looking for a training contract?

Employers in the “Agriculture, environment and sciences” sector are currently looking for candidates in Africa on AZUFA.

Create your candidate profile, state your German level and the “Chemical laboratory technician (Chemielaborant/in)” occupation: companies recruiting apprentices can find you, and we follow your application step by step.

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Your pathway with Campus Germany

We are by your side from day one until you arrive in Germany

Four steps to move forward, all run by our own structures.

Check my eligibility

Take the test

Online on our website, or directly at our Douala office.

Talk to an advisor

Talk to our team

Call us, an advisor will answer.

Germany+49 (0) 7033 694 18 80 Cameroon+237 622 20 81 64

Need assistance

Prepare your German

DZK, our language centre

Our own language centre, in Douala. Elsewhere: partner centres, call us.

See the courses

Get the contract

AZUFA is always us

Our platform connects you with German companies recruiting apprentices.

From German A1 to the first day of training in Germany

A pathway in a loopEach step is run by one of our structures. You keep the same contact from start to finish.

1
Check my eligibility
Campus Germany
2
Talk to an advisor
Campus Germany
3
Learn German, from A1 to B2
DZK
Douala: DZK centre. Elsewhere: partners
4
Prepare the application file
Campus Germany
5
Find the company and sign the training contract
AZUFA
It is always us
6
Prepare the visa and paperwork
Campus Germany
7
Prepare your departure and settling in
KAGEDEV e.V.
8
First day of training in Germany
AZUFA
It is always us

See the detail of the 8 steps

1. Check my eligibility (Campus Germany)
The test is done online on our website or at our Douala office.
2. Talk to an advisor (Campus Germany)
Review your profile, your wishes and the chosen occupation.
3. Learn German, from A1 to B2 (DZK)
Courses adapted to your starting level, up to the required B2 level. In Douala at our own language centre; elsewhere, with our partner centres.
4. Prepare the application file (Campus Germany)
CV and cover letter in German, translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts, B2 level certificate.
5. Find the company and sign the training contract (AZUFA)
We connect you with German companies that recruit apprentices, and follow your application through to the contract.
6. Prepare the visa and paperwork (Campus Germany)
Support to gather the documents and complete the administrative steps.
7. Prepare your departure and settling in (KAGEDEV e.V.)
Travel, housing and first steps in Germany: we prepare you before you leave.
8. First day of training in Germany (AZUFA)
You arrive prepared and supported, with a team that has known you since day one.

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.
Run by Campus Germany
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 · Douala: DZK centre. Elsewhere: partners
4
Prepare the application file
CV and cover letter in German, translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts, B2 level certificate.
Run by Campus Germany
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 · It is always us
6
Prepare the visa and paperwork
Support to gather the documents and complete the administrative steps.
Run by Campus Germany
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.
Run by AZUFA · It is always us

Stay informed

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Our structures for this occupation

AZUFAOur platform for recruiting apprentices and skilled staff from Africa: matching with German companies through to the training contract.

Deutschzentrum KAGEDEV (DZK)Our own German language centre, in Douala. Outside Douala: partner centres.

Occupation brochure

Take this sheet with you

Two documents to read offline or show your family: the 5-page brochure (occupation, training, pay, pathway) and the one-page flyer with the essentials.

Occupation brochure

Occupation brochurePDF, 5 pagesDownload the brochure

Flyer

FlyerPDF, 1 A4 pageDownload the flyer

Frequently asked questions

You may be wondering…

What German level is required?

Level B2 is required. You do not need perfect German, but you must be able to follow lessons and understand safety instructions.

How long does the training last?

42 months, i.e. 3.5 years.

Am I paid during the training?

Yes. You receive a monthly pay throughout the training, and it generally increases each year.

Where can I take the eligibility test?

Online on our website, or directly at our Douala office.

Where can I learn German?

In Douala, at our language centre DZK. Elsewhere, at our partner language centres: call us to find the nearest one.

Is there an intermediate exam?

No: the final exam is divided into 2 parts held at different times. Part 1 counts for 35% of the final mark and part 2 for 65%.

Which options does the employer choose?

The employer chooses 6 options from the official list, for example spectroscopy, chromatography, microbiology or digitalisation in the laboratory.

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Ready to find out whether this training 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.

Check my eligibility →Need assistance Write on WhatsApp

Germany+49 (0) 7033 694 18 80Cameroon+237 622 20 81 64

Douala office : Rond-point Maetur Bonamoussadi – Nice Cream building (4th floor), opposite the COGENI hardware store, Douala, Cameroon

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