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Vocational training in Germany (Ausbildung)

Wholesale and foreign trade clerk (Kaufmann/-frau für Groß- und Außenhandelsmanagement)

Kaufmann für Groß- und Außenhandelsmanagement / Kauffrau für Groß- und Außenhandelsmanagement

You buy, sell and organise the flow of goods between suppliers and customers: a 36-month training, paid from the first year, with two possible specialisations.

Check my eligibility →I already have B2
LevelBaccalaureaterequired
Duration3 years36 months
GermanB2required level
Pay during training€1,198 to €1,347gross / month, during the training
The occupation in 30 seconds

What a wholesale and foreign trade clerk does

They plan and monitor purchasing, logistics and sales, compare offers, negotiate with suppliers and advise customers. The specialisation, wholesale or foreign trade, shapes the job.

Buy

Find sources of supply, compare offers, negotiate and place orders.

Sell

Advise customers, draw up quotes, process orders and complaints.

Steer

Monitor stock, deliveries and costs; in foreign trade, handle customs formalities.

This occupation is for you if…

  • you enjoy negotiating with suppliers and customers
  • you are comfortable with figures and price calculations
  • you like organising the flow of goods
  • you want to work mostly in an office, at a screen

Less suitable if…

  • you do not want to spend the day at a computer
  • you feel uneasy with contracts and paperwork
  • you dislike negotiating and persuading

Advantages

  • Paid from the first year
  • Two specialisations: wholesale or foreign trade
  • Posts in almost every sector of the economy
  • Route to the Handelsfachwirt or to university

Difficulties

  • A lot of screen work
  • Negotiating and calculating demand accuracy
  • Documents and business German are demanding
  • Two-part final exam, with a heavy load
Day to day

A typical day and the key skills

Order follow-upCheck the status of expected deliveries and the deadlines promised to customers.
Comparing offersCompare the prices and terms of several suppliers before placing an order.
Call with a customerAdvise a customer on the range and prepare a suitable quote.
Shipping documentsPrepare transport documents and track the shipment of goods.
Handling a complaintAnalyse a complaint and arrange a return or a replacement of the goods.
Team figuresGather a few cost and sales indicators for the end-of-week review.

Technical skills

Purchasing and sourcingAdvice and sellingLogistics and transportStock monitoringCost calculationBusiness softwareCustoms formalities

Personal qualities

NegotiationAccuracyOrganisationCustomer focusAnalytical mind
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

Trade basics

≈ €1,198gross / month
  • Company organisation
  • Range and purchasing
  • Contact with customers
Year 2

Sales and logistics

≈ €1,271gross / month
  • Marketing and sales
  • Distribution of goods
  • Part 1 of the final exam
Year 3

Specialisation

≈ €1,347gross / month
  • Wholesale or foreign trade
  • Cost and figures monitoring
  • Part 2 of the final exam

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 is in two parts. Part 1, a written paper of 90 minutes, takes place during the fourth half-year of training. Part 2, at the end of training, has two written papers (60 and 120 minutes), a 30-minute discussion of a workplace task and a 60-minute economics and social studies paper. Qualification: IHK certificate (Chamber of Commerce and Industry).
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 work is mostly office-based at a screen. Depending on the post, it can also take place in the warehouse, at customers' premises or from home.
Documents to prepare
  • CV and cover letter in German
  • Translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts
  • German B2 level certificate

Where it can lead

Straight awayQualified commercial clerkJobs in wholesale, import-export or any purchasing and sales department.
With experiencePurchasing or sales leadRun purchasing or sales projects and look after key customers.
Longer termHandelsfachwirt or degreeTake the Handelsfachwirt (retail business specialist) or study business administration.
Already B2? Take action

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

Employers in the “Trade and sales” sector are currently looking for candidates in Africa on AZUFA.

Create your candidate profile, state your German level and the “Wholesale and foreign trade clerk (Kaufmann/-frau für Groß- und Außenhandelsmanagement)” 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.

Take the test
Talk to an advisor

Talk to our team

Call us, an advisor will answer.

Germany+49 (0) 7033 694 18 80Cameroon+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.

Go to AZUFA

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. 1

    Check my eligibility

    Campus GermanyCampus Germany
  2. 2

    Talk to an advisor

    Campus GermanyCampus Germany
  3. 3

    Learn German, from A1 to B2

    DZKDZK
    Douala: DZK centre. Elsewhere: partners
  4. 4

    Prepare the application file

    Campus GermanyCampus Germany
  5. 5

    Find the company and sign the training contract

    AZUFAAZUFA
    It is always us
  6. 6

    Prepare the visa and paperwork

    Campus GermanyCampus Germany
  7. 7

    Prepare your departure and settling in

    KAGEDEV e.V.KAGEDEV e.V.
  8. 8

    First day of training in Germany

    AZUFAAZUFA
    It is always us
See the detail of the 8 steps
  1. 1. Check my eligibility (Campus Germany)
    The test is done online on our website or at our Douala office.
  2. 2. Talk to an advisor (Campus Germany)
    Review your profile, your wishes and the chosen occupation.
  3. 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. 4. Prepare the application file (Campus Germany)
    CV and cover letter in German, translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts, B2 level certificate.
  5. 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. 6. Prepare the visa and paperwork (Campus Germany)
    Support to gather the documents and complete the administrative steps.
  7. 7. Prepare your departure and settling in (KAGEDEV e.V.)
    Travel, housing and first steps in Germany: we prepare you before you leave.
  8. 8. First day of training in Germany (AZUFA)
    You arrive prepared and supported, with a team that has known you since day one.
  1. 1

    Check my eligibility

    The test is done online on our website or at our Douala office.

    Campus GermanyRun by Campus Germany
  2. 2

    Talk to an advisor

    Review your profile, your wishes and the chosen occupation.

    Campus GermanyRun by Campus Germany
  3. 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.

    DZKRun by DZK · Douala: DZK centre. Elsewhere: partners
  4. 4

    Prepare the application file

    CV and cover letter in German, translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts, B2 level certificate.

    Campus GermanyRun by Campus Germany
  5. 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.

    AZUFARun by AZUFA · It is always us
  6. 6

    Prepare the visa and paperwork

    Support to gather the documents and complete the administrative steps.

    Campus GermanyRun by Campus Germany
  7. 7

    Prepare your departure and settling in

    Travel, housing and first steps in Germany: we prepare you before you leave.

    KAGEDEV e.V.Run by KAGEDEV e.V.
  8. 8

    First day of training in Germany

    You arrive prepared and supported, with a team that has known you since day one.

    AZUFARun by AZUFA · It is always us

Stay informed

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Our structures for this occupation

AZUFA
AZUFAOur platform for recruiting apprentices and skilled staff from Africa: matching with German companies through to the training contract.
See AZUFA
DZK
Deutschzentrum KAGEDEV (DZK)Our own German language centre, in Douala. Outside Douala: partner centres.
See the offer
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?
36 months, i.e. 3 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.
What is the difference between wholesale and foreign trade?
Foreign trade adds dealings with other countries: foreign markets, customs formalities, import duties and taxes, intercultural skills.
Can I work for myself afterwards?
Yes, for example with a wholesale business or as an independent sales agent.
In the same category

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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 assistanceWrite 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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