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Vocational training in Germany (Ausbildung)

Chimney sweep (Schornsteinfeger/in)

Schornsteinfeger / Schornsteinfegerin

You inspect and clean heating systems, flues and ventilation for safety and energy: a 3-year training, paid from the first year, in a craft business.

Check my eligibility →I already have B2
LevelBaccalaureaterequired
Duration3 years36 months
GermanB2required level
Pay during training€902 to €1,102gross / month, during the training
The occupation in 30 seconds

What a chimney sweep does

They check the operational and fire safety of heating, flue gas and ventilation systems. They clean, measure emissions, keep records and advise customers.

Inspect

Check heating systems, flues and ventilation for operational safety and fire safety.

Clean

Sweep fireplaces and flues, and remove deposits from ventilation systems.

Advise

Record measurements and defects, then advise on energy efficiency and climate protection.

This occupation is for you if…

  • you are careful and cautious in your work
  • you like technology and precise measurements
  • you are comfortable working at height, on roofs
  • you like dealing with customers

Less suitable if…

  • you are afraid of heights or avoid roofs
  • you dislike dirty and physical work
  • you refuse to follow strict safety rules

Advantages

  • Paid from the 1st year
  • A trade tied to safety and energy
  • Gesellenbrief recognised across Germany
  • Varied work at customers' premises, on roofs

Difficulties

  • Work at height and in all weathers
  • Dirty and physical work
  • Fire and climate rules keep changing
  • Heavy responsibility for customers' safety
Day to day

A typical day and the key skills

Preparing the roundRead the day's appointments, prepare the tools and the protective equipment.
Sweeping a flueClean a chimney flue and check that it carries the gases away properly.
Checking a boilerCheck the heating system and measure emissions with the appropriate instruments.
Ventilation and extractorInspect and clean a ventilation system or a cooker extractor hood.
Inspection reportWrite down the measurements, the defects found and the steps needed to fix them.
Advising the customerExplain the results and give advice on safety and energy.

Technical skills

Flue inspectionSweeping and cleaningEmission measurementVentilation and extractorsFire safetyReport writing

Personal qualities

Safety awarenessAttention to detailComfort at heightPeople skillsWillingness to learn
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

≈ €902gross / month
  • Trade rules and safety
  • Sweeping and cleaning
  • Checking flue gas systems
Year 2

Inspecting

≈ €1,003gross / month
  • Heating and flue gas systems
  • Ventilation and extractors
  • Exam part 1 (4th half-year)
Year 3

Assessing and advising

≈ €1,102gross / month
  • Fire safety and energy
  • Measurements, defects, records
  • Customer advice, 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
The journeyman's exam (Gesellenprüfung) has 2 parts. Part 1 takes place in the 4th half-year: sweeping and inspection work, with a 4-hour practical task, a 10-minute discussion and a 60-minute written paper. Part 2, at the end, covers 4 areas: operational and fire safety, climate and energy, ventilation, economics and social studies. You obtain the Gesellenbrief from the 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 fitnessBERUFENET cites manual skill, caution and body control, for example for sweeping flues and working at height, on roofs.
Documents to prepare
  • CV and cover letter in German
  • Translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts
  • German B2 level certificate

Where it can lead

Straight awayQualified chimney sweepJobs in a chimney sweep business or with an energy consultancy.
With experienceInspection specialistTake on more complex inspections, measurements and energy advice.
Longer termMaster chimney sweep (Meister)Take the Schornsteinfegermeister, the master craftsman qualification for the trade.
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 “Chimney sweep (Schornsteinfeger/in)” 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.

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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.

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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.
Has the chimney sweep trade changed recently?
Yes. The training regulation was renewed on 18.02.2025 and puts the emphasis on fire safety, energy efficiency and climate protection.
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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