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Vocational training in Germany (Ausbildung)

Railway operator, train driver (Eisenbahner/in im Betriebsdienst)

Eisenbahner im Betriebsdienst Lokführer und Transport / Eisenbahnerin im Betriebsdienst Lokführerin und Transport

You drive trains and shunt wagons to carry passengers and freight: a 3-year training, paid from the first year, in railway companies.

Check my eligibility →I already have B2
LevelBaccalaureaterequired
Duration3 years36 months
GermanB2required level
Pay during training€1,256 to €1,392gross / month, during the training
The occupation in 30 seconds

What a railway operator (train driver) does

They shunt wagons and vehicles, then drive traction units on regional, long-distance or freight lines, after checking the equipment and brakes.

Check equipment

Check traction units before and after the trip, including a brake test.

Shunt

Assemble and move wagons and vehicles in stations and marshalling yards.

Drive

Drive a passenger or freight train while following signals, the route and instructions.

This occupation is for you if…

  • you stay alert for a long time and react quickly to signals
  • you have a sense of responsibility for other people's safety
  • you accept shift work, night work and weekends
  • you are interested in how trains work technically

Less suitable if…

  • you cannot cope with night or weekend working hours
  • you dislike following very strict safety rules
  • you find it hard to stay focused for long hours

Advantages

  • Paid from the 1st year
  • Technical job with a lot of responsibility
  • IHK certificate, several Fortbildungen available
  • Varied work: freight, passengers, shunting

Difficulties

  • Shift work, nights and weekends
  • Medical fitness to pass and to keep
  • Constant alertness required
  • Very strict safety regulations
Day to day

A typical day and the key skills

Start of shift and briefingReading the day's orders, speed restrictions and the traffic plan.
Checking the locomotiveChecking the equipment and testing the brakes before leaving the depot.
Shunting wagonsAssembling a train in the marshalling yard, with signals and radio exchanges.
Driving on the lineDriving the train while watching the track, the signals and the on-board instruments.
Handling a disruptionReacting to an unexpected signal or delay by following operating procedures.
End-of-shift reportRecording observations on the equipment and talking to the control centre.

Technical skills

Driving traction unitsBrake testingShunting wagonsRailway signallingHandling disruptionsRadio communication

Personal qualities

AlertnessQuick reactionsComposureSense of responsibilityRigour
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 railway system

≈ €1,256gross / month
  • Safety and railway rules
  • Vehicles and infrastructure
  • Signalling basics
Year 2

Operations

≈ €1,322gross / month
  • Brake checks and testing
  • Shunting and driving trains
  • Exam in the 4th semester
Year 3

Disrupted operations

≈ €1,392gross / month
  • Operating in disrupted conditions
  • Freight and passenger transport
  • 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
There is no intermediate exam: the final exam is spread over two parts. Part 1 takes place in the 4th semester (written test and a practical task followed by a technical discussion); part 2 takes place at the end of training. You obtain the Abschlusszeugnis 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 fitnessMedical and psychological fitness is assessed by approved doctors and psychologists: eyesight, hearing, stress tolerance and motor skills. The work is done in shifts, including nights.
Documents to prepare
  • CV and cover letter in German
  • Translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts
  • German B2 level certificate

Where it can lead

Straight awayShunting or train driverJobs in rail passenger or freight transport, in shunting or in driving.
With experienceFachwirt für den BahnbetriebFortbildung as a railway operations specialist for organisational tasks.
Longer termMeister für BahnverkehrFortbildung as a rail transport master to lead teams.
Already B2? Take action

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

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

Create your candidate profile, state your German level and the “Railway operator, train driver (Eisenbahner/in im Betriebsdienst)” 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.

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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.
Is there a medical examination to become a driver?
Yes: future drivers take a medical and psychological examination with doctors and psychologists approved by the Federal Railway Authority (Eisenbahn-Bundesamt).
In the same category

Other trainings: Transport and logistics

All trainings →
Berufskraftfahrer/BerufskraftfahrerinConducteur / Conductrice professionnel(le) routier(ère)36 monthsFachkraft für LagerlogistikAgent / Agente qualifié(e) en logistique d'entreposage36 monthsKaufmann für Spedition und Logistikdienstleistung/Kauffrau für Spedition und LogistikdienstleistungEmployé(e) de commerce en transport et logistique36 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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