Internship in Germany

2025-07-02

To satisfy the students' demand for practical experience during the course of their studies internships are a compulsory part of most curriculums.

In order to meet students’ demand for “practical experience” during their studies, internships are recommended - or even mandatory components – as part of the study regulations in almost all degree programs.

The term ?internship? generally refers to a temporary or fixed-term practical activity that students carry out in companies or institutions to gain experience in the labor market.

Since the introduction of tiered degree programs, this term has come to refer not only to general practical experience but also to the performance of activities in the intended academic career fields directly related to the degree program.

A key goal of a bachelor's degree is ?employability?. This goal encompasses much more than the literal translation of the term into "ability to work" or "professional competence" suggests. It is no  just about being trained for an academic career. The bachelor's program includes subject-specific and methodological components that promote and demand the development of competencies in the intended career field.

To support these goals, the faculties and the Career Center University of Bremen offer a wide range of programs to develop interdisciplinary competencies such as communication techniques, business skills, application and (self-)presentation techniques, and intercultural competencies.

The internship is another essential building block for a successful career start. This means that both the selection and approval of an internship must follow certain quality standards to ensure a win-win situation not only for students but also for employers.

The “Guide to Internships in Germany” offers important information for both students and employers. It provides legal guidance on topics such as contract design, insurance coverage, payment arrangements, and quality standards for internship content. It also answers questions such as:

• How do I find a suitable internship or suitable interns?
• What can and should I expect from an internship or from an intern?
• Which procedures ensure the greatest possible mutual satisfaction?