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Vocational training in Germany (Ausbildung)

Joiner / cabinetmaker (Tischler/in)

Tischler / Tischlerin

You make and install wooden furniture, doors, windows and stairs, often as one-off pieces: a paid 3-year training in a joinery workshop and at vocational school.

Check my eligibility →I already have B2
LevelBaccalaureaterequired
Duration3 years36 months
GermanB2required level
Pay during training€827 to €1,085gross / month, during the training
The occupation in 30 seconds

What a joiner does

They advise the customer on their interior, draw up a design, then saw, plane, sand and join wood and boards before installing on site and repairing damaged furniture.

Design

Advise the customer on their interior, draw up designs and prepare sample pieces.

Make

Saw, plane, sand, veneer and treat wood, then join the parts with screws or glue.

Install

Fit windows, stairs and doors, lay parquet floors, install built-in furniture and wall panelling.

This occupation is for you if…

  • you enjoy working with wood and making useful objects
  • you are careful and respect measurements to the millimetre
  • you have a sense of beauty and like to suggest ideas
  • you enjoy contact with customers and building sites

Less suitable if…

  • you struggle with noise and wood dust
  • you dislike working near dangerous machines
  • you refuse assembly trips to building sites

Advantages

  • Paid from the first year
  • A hands-on job with visible results
  • Qualification recognised throughout Germany
  • Possibility of becoming a master craftsman or self-employed

Difficulties

  • Noise and wood dust in the workshop
  • Apprentice pay lower than in industry
  • Assembly trips and shift work possible
  • Dangerous machines: constant vigilance
Day to day

A typical day and the key skills

Start of shift and instructionsThe trainer assigns the day's orders and reminds you of the safety rules.
Cutting the timberSaw the rough timber to the right size, following the drawing's measurements and safety instructions.
Joining the componentsDrill, cut tenons and mortises, then glue and screw the parts of the piece together.
Sanding and finishingSand the surfaces then apply the chosen finish to the piece of furniture.
Fitting the hardwareAdjust the hinges and handles then check that the doors close properly.
Installing at the customer'sDeliver and install a piece of furniture or a fitting on site, then explain its care to the customer.

Technical skills

Working wood and boardsDrawing and designManual and machine workSurface finishingFitting and installationFurniture repair

Personal qualities

Manual skillPrecisionCreativityCautionCustomer contact
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

The basics

≈ €827gross / month
  • Safety, tools and machines
  • Sawing, planing, joining wood
  • Simple drawings and plans
Year 2

Making

≈ €964gross / month
  • Making parts and furniture
  • Surface treatment
  • Intermediate exam
Year 3

Independence

≈ €1,085gross / month
  • Complete customer orders
  • Installation and after-sales service
  • Journeyman's exam

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

Exams and qualification
An intermediate exam (Zwischenprüfung) takes place before the end of the second year. The journeyman's exam (Gesellenprüfung) comprises two practical tasks of equal weight (the second of up to 100 hours, with a technical discussion) and written papers. You obtain the Gesellenbrief from the Chamber of Crafts (HWK).
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 takes place in noisy workshops and on building sites in all weathers, with protective equipment (shoes, goggles, gloves, ear and respiratory protection).
Documents to prepare
  • CV and cover letter in German
  • Translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts
  • German B2 level certificate

Where it can lead

Straight awayJourneyman joinerWork for a furniture or wood-product manufacturer, or in a building joinery.
With experienceMaster joiner (Tischlermeister)Take the master craftsman exam to lead a team, train apprentices or take over a workshop.
Longer termStudies or own workshopWith university entrance qualification: a bachelor's in wood technology; or set up your own joinery.
Already B2? Take action

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

Employers in the “Crafts, design and creative trades” sector are currently looking for candidates in Africa on AZUFA.

Create your candidate profile, state your German level and the “Joiner” 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

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

DZK, our language centre

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

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AZUFA is always us

Our platform connects you with German companies recruiting apprentices.

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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

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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.
Does a joiner only work in a workshop?
No: they also work at customers' premises and on building sites to fit windows, stairs, doors, parquet and built-in furniture, sometimes in shifts or on assembly jobs.
How does the final exam work?
It has two practical tasks, one of which is a customer order of up to 100 hours with a 30-minute discussion, then written papers on design, manufacturing and installation.
In the same category

Other trainings: Crafts, design and creative trades

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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.

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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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