Study-linked placements
Often tied to a university module. Learning goals and duration usually sit closer to academic rules — still ask how overtime and absence are handled on site.
Thematic guide
Internship rights and obligations in Germany
A field guide for people preparing employment consultations — not a statute book, and not a promise about your specific case.
Why the label matters
German workplaces use several internship labels. The same word on a LinkedIn post can hide very different expectations about pay, learning plans, and who supervises day-to-day work.
Orientational / voluntary stays
Shorter introductions to a field. Document what you will learn; vague “help wherever needed” language is a common friction point.
When work starts to look like a job
If tasks, hours, and integration mirror regular staff without a clear training plan, pause and seek licensed advice. Our briefings teach recognition, not adjudication.
Obligations that cut both ways
Interns often need to
- Follow workplace safety and confidentiality rules
- Raise absence early
- Keep a simple task log if the learning plan requires it
Hosts often need to
- Name a supervisor
- Provide a realistic learning frame
- Clarify tools, hours, and feedback cadence in writing