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Vocational training in Germany (Ausbildung)

Freight forwarding and logistics clerk (Kaufmann/-frau für Spedition und Logistik)

Kaufmann für Spedition und Logistikdienstleistung / Kauffrau für Spedition und Logistikdienstleistung

You organise the transport and storage of goods for customers: a 3-year business training, paid from the first year, at the heart of the supply chain.

Check my eligibility →I already have B2

LevelBaccalaureaterequired

Duration3 years36 months

GermanB2required level

Pay during training€1,119 to €1,287gross / month, during the training

The occupation in 30 seconds

What a freight forwarding and logistics clerk does

They coordinate everyone in a logistics chain, from shippers to end customers: they advise, calculate prices, choose carriers and prepare shipping and customs documents.

Advise

Advise customers on transport methods and packaging, calculate prices and draw up quotes.

Organise

Commission carriers, prepare shipping and customs documents and monitor orders.

Follow up

Handle complaints, record damage claims, organise settlements and deal with invoicing.

Is this occupation for you?Advantages and difficulties

This occupation is for you if…

you like organising, planning and following up files
you are comfortable talking to customers, in English too
you are careful with figures and documents
you stay calm when a shipment is delayed

Less suitable if…

you dislike working on a screen and on the phone
you cannot cope with deadline pressure
you dislike administrative tasks and contracts

Advantages

Paid from the 1st year
Commercial role at the heart of transport
English used in everyday work
IHK certificate, Fachwirt Fortbildung possible

Difficulties

Work on a screen and on the phone
Pressure from delivery deadlines
Many rules, contracts and calculations
Complaints and disputes to handle

Day to day

A typical day and the key skills

A typical daySkills and qualities

08:00

Start of day and ordersReview of current shipments and of new customer requests.

09:00

Quote for a customerCalculating the price of a transport and choosing a suitable mode of transport.

10:30

Booking a carrierA carrier is chosen and the shipping documents are prepared.

13:00

Customs filePreparing the papers for a shipment abroad, with a partner, in English.

14:30

Following a delayed shipmentContacting the carrier and updating the customer on the situation.

16:00

Invoicing and checksIssuing the invoice and checking the day's costs.

Technical skills

Calculating transport pricesShipping documentsCustoms formalitiesContracts and insuranceBusiness EnglishAccounting and cost control

Personal qualities

OrganisationRigourService mindsetCommunicationResponsiveness

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

Core skills

≈ €1,119gross / month

Company and workplace safety
Shipping and transport processes
Dangerous goods

Year 2

Transport and management

≈ €1,206gross / month

Shipping and warehousing
Accounting and cost calculation
Intermediate exam

Year 3

Specialisation

≈ €1,287gross / month

International shipping
Contracts, liability, insurance
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

An intermediate exam (Zwischenprüfung) in the middle of the 2nd year. The final exam has three written papers (logistics services, commercial control, business and social studies) and a 30-minute professional discussion. 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 fitnessThis is a commercial occupation, mostly carried out in an office, on a screen and on the phone, with exchanges in English with foreign partners.

Documents to prepare

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

Where it can lead

Straight awayTransport business clerkJobs in transport, logistics or freight forwarding companies, in a commercial department.

With experienceSpecialist in one areaSpecialise in one field: shipping, warehousing, groupage transport, international or logistics services.

Longer termFachwirt für GüterverkehrBachelor Professional Fortbildung in freight transport and logistics, for management roles.

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 “Freight forwarding and logistics clerk (Kaufmann/-frau für Spedition und Logistik)” occupation: companies recruiting apprentices can find you, and we follow your application step by step.

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Free registration on AZUFA.

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?

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 English used in this occupation?

Yes: the training covers the use of English in correspondence and in exchanges with foreign partners. A good level of English is useful.

In the same category

Other trainings: Transport and logistics

All trainings →

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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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