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Vocational training in Germany (Ausbildung)

Roofer (Dachdecker/in)

Dachdecker / Dachdeckerin

You cover, insulate and waterproof roofs and façades: a 3-year training, paid from the first year, for a trade that means working at height and in a team.

Check my eligibility →I already have B2
LevelBaccalaureaterequired
Duration3 years36 months
GermanB2required level
Pay during training€1,002 to €1,403gross / month, during the training
The occupation in 30 seconds

What a roofer does

They cover roofs and clad façades with tiles, slates or panels, make them watertight, fit insulation and install solar panels.

Cover

Lay tiles, slates, shingles or sheets on roofs and clad exterior walls.

Waterproof

Fit vapour barriers, insulation and waterproofing layers on roofs, balconies and terraces.

Equip

Install gutters, roof windows, lightning protection and solar panels on roofs.

This occupation is for you if…

  • you like working at height, outdoors and in a team
  • you have good balance and no fear of heights
  • you are handy and precise with roofing materials
  • you are interested in insulation and solar energy

Less suitable if…

  • you are afraid of heights or avoid ladders and scaffolding
  • you cope badly with cold, heat or rain
  • you find it hard to carry heavy loads

Advantages

  • Paid from the first year
  • Qualification recognised throughout Germany
  • Outdoor work, far from the office
  • Career openings linked to insulation and solar

Difficulties

  • Physical work at height, exposed to the weather
  • Cold, heat and rain are part of daily life
  • Noise and dust on building sites
  • Strict safety rules against falls
Day to day

A typical day and the key skills

Departure and safety briefingThe team loads the materials and checks the scaffolding and the fall protection.
Lifting the materialsBring tiles, insulation and tools up to the roof with the hoist and with the help of colleagues.
Laying the roof coveringLay tiles or slates row by row on the roof, respecting the overlaps.
Waterproofing and flashingsLay the waterproofing and make the flashings around a chimney or a roof window.
Insulation and fittingsFit the insulation, fix a gutter or install a support for a solar panel.
Checking and tidying upCheck the watertightness, clean the roof and stow the equipment before coming down.

Technical skills

Roof coveringRoof waterproofingFaçade claddingInsulation and vapour barriersSolar panel fittingSafety at height

Personal qualities

PrecisionBalanceTeamworkSafety awarenessStamina
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

≈ €1,002gross / month
  • Site, scaffolding and safety
  • Roofing materials
  • First jobs on the roof
Year 2

Practice

≈ €1,155gross / month
  • Covering and waterproofing
  • Cladding and insulation
  • Intermediate exam
Year 3

Specialisation

≈ €1,403gross / month
  • Flashings, gutters and solar
  • Sites run independently
  • Journeyman's 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) takes place at the latest at the end of the second year. The training ends with the journeyman's exam (Gesellenprüfung), whose main paper, roof, wall and waterproofing technology, counts for 60 per cent. You obtain the Gesellenbrief, issued by 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 job calls for good physical fitness to carry materials, as well as balance, sure-footedness and a head for heights on ladders and scaffolding.
Documents to prepare
  • CV and cover letter in German
  • Translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts
  • German B2 level certificate

Where it can lead

Straight awaySkilled rooferJobs in roofing or waterproofing firms, or in a roofing company.
With experienceFurther trainingDeepen your skills in roofing or solar thermal through short training courses.
Longer termMaster or degreeTake the Dachdeckermeister (master roofer), start your own firm or study civil engineering with university entry.
Already B2? Take action

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

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

Create your candidate profile, state your German level and the “Roofer (Dachdecker/in)” occupation: companies recruiting apprentices can find you, and we follow your application step by step.

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No offer for now?

Get an alert as soon as a partner company recruits for this occupation.

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

Stay informed

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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.
Can you choose a specialisation during the training?
Yes: the regulation provides for five specialisations, namely roofing, waterproofing, façade cladding, energy on roof and wall, or thatching.
How do company and school alternate?
The training is dual: you work in a company, attend the Berufsschule (vocational school) one or two days a week, or in blocks, and spend periods in an inter-company training centre.
In the same category

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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 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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