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Vocational training in Germany (Ausbildung)

Building cleaner (Gebäudereiniger/Gebäudereinigerin)

Gebäudereiniger / Gebäudereinigerin

You clean, disinfect and maintain surfaces in offices, hospitals, factories or facades: a paid 3-year craft training with a qualification recognised across Germany.

Check my eligibility →I already have B2
LevelBaccalaureaterequired
Duration3 years36 months
GermanB2required level
Pay during training€1,004 to €1,302gross / month, during the training
The occupation in 30 seconds

What a building cleaner does

They pick the right method for each surface and place: windows, floors, textiles, facades, sanitary areas. They use machines, dose products, follow hygiene rules and work safely.

Clean

Clean windows, floors, textiles and facades, in routine, interim or deep cleaning.

Care for surfaces

Protect, preserve and restore surfaces using the right products and machines.

Ensure hygiene

Disinfect in healthcare, kitchens or sanitary areas, and dispose of hazardous waste.

This occupation is for you if…

  • you are careful and like to see the result of your work
  • you are dexterous and can handle machines
  • you have a head for heights and work comfortably at height
  • you accept working early in the morning or late in the evening

Less suitable if…

  • you are afraid of heights or refuse to climb a ladder
  • you cope badly with chemicals and their fumes
  • you refuse to work very early, late in the evening or at night

Advantages

  • Paid training from the first year
  • Craft qualification recognised throughout Germany
  • Varied workplaces: offices, hospitals, factories
  • Route to the Meister and the chance to set up on your own

Difficulties

  • Physical work, often on your feet and moving
  • Hours early in the morning, late in the evening or at night
  • Chemicals: protection needed
  • Work at height: you must not be afraid of heights
Day to day

A typical day and the key skills

Preparing the jobLoad machines and products, read the job sheet and travel to the site.
Cleaning officesVacuum carpets, polish hard floors and clean the sanitary areas.
Cleaning windowsClean a glass facade using a ladder or platform and the safety equipment.
DisinfectionDisinfect healthcare rooms following the hygiene rules, with suitable protection.
Deep cleaning a floorStrip and restore a floor covering with a special machine.
Inspection and handoverCheck the result, advise the client on upkeep and put the equipment away.

Technical skills

Cleaning techniquesCleaning machines and equipmentDosing productsHygiene and disinfectionWorking safely at heightSurface care

Personal qualities

CareManual dexteritySafety awarenessPunctualityTeamwork
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

Cleaning basics

≈ €1,004gross / month
  • Safety, products, machines
  • Setting up a workplace
  • Maintenance cleaning
Year 2

Interim cleaning

≈ €1,152gross / month
  • Windows, textiles, floors
  • Working safely at height
  • First part of the exam
Year 3

Hygiene and restoration

≈ €1,302gross / month
  • Deep and outdoor cleaning
  • Hygiene and disinfection
  • Preserving surfaces

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) is split into two parts. The first takes place in the 4th half-year: cleaning glass, textile and non-textile surfaces, with practical work and a written test. The second ends the training: deep and outdoor cleaning, hygiene, surface care, economics and society. Qualification: Gesellenbrief, under the authority of 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 fitnessAccording to BERUFENET, you need good body control and a head for heights to work on ladders, scaffolding or work platforms. Work is often early in the morning, late in the evening or at night.
Documents to prepare
  • CV and cover letter in German
  • Translated baccalaureate diplomas and transcripts
  • German B2 level certificate

Where it can lead

Straight awaySkilled cleaning workerWork in a cleaning, disinfection or pest-control company.
With experienceTeam leader or site managerCoordinate teams, check quality and train apprentices.
Longer termMeister or own businessTake the Gebäudereinigermeister, study or start your own cleaning company.
Already B2? Take action

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

Employers in the “Security, cleaning and services” sector are currently looking for candidates in Africa on AZUFA.

Create your candidate profile, state your German level and the “Building cleaner (Gebäudereiniger/Gebäudereinigerin)” 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.

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.

Go to AZUFA

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.
What is a “Gesellenbrief”?
It is the qualification obtained at the end of a crafts training. It certifies that you are a skilled worker, under the authority of the Chamber of Crafts.
Does the training include courses outside the company?
Yes: besides vocational school, the regulation provides 6 weeks of training in a facility outside the company, to complete and deepen the practical skills.
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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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