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Vocational training in Germany (Ausbildung)

Retail clerk (Kaufmann/-frau im Einzelhandel)

Kaufmann im Einzelhandel / Kauffrau 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.

Check my eligibility →I already have B2
LevelBaccalaureaterequired
Duration3 years36 months
GermanB2required level
Pay during training€1,087 to €1,328gross / month, during the training
The occupation in 30 seconds

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

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
Day to day

A typical day and the key skills

Setting up the departmentCheck the layout, fill the shelves and verify the price labels.
Sales conversationFind out a customer's needs, show suitable items and help them decide.
Receiving a deliveryCheck quantities and quality, then put the items into stock.
Taking paymentsRing up purchases, give change and prepare the cash-up.
Handling a complaintListen to an unhappy customer and find a simple solution with them.
Price calculationWork out a selling price and prepare the labels for a promotion.

Technical skills

Advice and sellingTill and cash handlingStock controlPrice calculationProduct presentationComplaint handlingOnline retail

Personal qualities

People skillsAccuracyPatienceOrganisationTeamwork
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

Learning the shop

≈ €1,087gross / month
  • Range and presentation
  • Receiving, stock, labelling
  • First sales conversations
Year 2

Selling and tills

≈ €1,195gross / month
  • Selling, till and prices
  • Stock control
  • Part 1 of the final exam
Year 3

Specialisation

≈ €1,328gross / month
  • 3 options chosen in the contract
  • Retail business processes
  • 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 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).
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 means standing for long periods, handling goods and coping with constant artificial lighting. Work is in shifts, including Saturdays, and sometimes outdoors or in cold stores.
Documents to prepare
  • CV and cover letter in German
  • Translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts
  • German B2 level certificate

Where it can lead

Straight awayQualified retail clerkJobs in fashion stores, supermarkets, department stores, DIY chains or mail order.
With experienceDepartment managerLead a team, run a department or take part in purchasing.
Longer termHandelsfachwirt or degreeTake the Handelsfachwirt (retail business specialist), study business administration or open a shop.
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 “Retail clerk (Kaufmann/-frau im Einzelhandel)” 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.
How is it different from the Verkäufer?
The Verkäufer training lasts 24 months. The retail clerk training lasts 36 months and adds options, including purchasing, stock management or online retail.
Can I move from Verkäufer to retail clerk?
Yes, under certain conditions: after the Verkäufer exam you can continue for 1 more year and sit the retail clerk exam.
In the same category

Other trainings: Trade and sales

All trainings →
Verkäufer/VerkäuferinVendeur / Vendeuse24 monthsKaufmann im E-Commerce/Kauffrau im E-CommerceEmployé(e) de commerce en e-commerce36 monthsImmobilienkaufmann/ImmobilienkauffrauAgent / Agente commercial(e) en immobilier36 monthsDrogist/DrogistinDroguiste (parapharmacie/droguerie)36 monthsKaufmann für Marketingkommunikation/Kauffrau für MarketingkommunikationEmployé(e) de commerce en communication marketing36 monthsKaufmann für Groß- und Außenhandelsmanagement/Kauffrau für Groß- und AußenhandelsmanagementEmployé(e) de commerce en gestion du commerce de gros et international36 months

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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