The need for nurses is increasing, but only a few trainees are joining the workforce: Last year, 4,000 fewer new training contracts were signed than in 2021.
According to preliminary figures, the number of new trainees in nursing fell to 52,300 last year. This is a decrease of 4,000 trainees or seven percent, the Federal Statistical Office reported. In 2021, 56,300 new training contracts had been concluded in nursing.
A total of 146,500 people were in training to become nurses last year. The proportion of female trainees was 76 percent, according to the data.
However, there are still gaps in the data, and the complete figures are expected to be available in the summer, the statistics office said. While Bremen, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saxony, among others, assumed that there would be no major discrepancies between preliminary and final results, there were currently still considerable uncertainties in the results in some other German states.
The need for nursing staff will increase significantly in the coming years: At the end of March, the Federal Statistical Office had assumed in a calculation that the number of people in need of care in Germany will grow by 37 percent by 2055 because people are getting older and older.
Source: Zeit Online
https://www.zeit.de/gesundheit/2023-04/pflege-auszubildende-statistisches-bundesamt
What i have to do

How is the job situation for nurses in Germany
Germany is currently experiencing a shortage of nurses, which has been exacerbated by an aging population and a decrease in the number of young people entering the profession. The shortage of nurses has led to a high demand for qualified professionals in this field, and there are many opportunities for foreign workers to work as nurses in Germany.
To work as a nurse in Germany, foreign workers must meet certain qualifications and requirements. They must have completed a recognized nursing program and possess the necessary language skills required to work in a German-speaking environment. They must also have their qualifications recognized by the German authorities, which involves a process of validation and verification of their credentials.
Foreign workers who meet these requirements may apply for a job in Germany as a nurse. They may also be eligible for a ChancenKarte, which is a temporary residence permit that allows them to live and work in Germany for up to four years. If they continue to meet the eligibility criteria, they may be able to extend their ChancenKarte or apply for permanent residency in Germany.
There are many opportunities for foreign nurses in Germany, particularly in areas where there is a high demand for healthcare services. However, it is important for foreign workers to research the requirements and qualifications needed to work in Germany as a nurse, and to obtain the necessary documentation and credentials before applying for jobs or residency permits.
What kind of nurses there are and what they earn, what is the wage, salary.
In Germany, there are several different types of nurses who work in various healthcare settings. Some of the most common types of nurses include:
- Registered nurses (RNs): Registered nurses are responsible for providing direct patient care, administering medications, and assisting with medical procedures. They typically work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings.
- Licensed practical nurses (LPNs): Licensed practical nurses work under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. They provide basic patient care, such as taking vital signs and administering medication, and may also assist with medical procedures.
- Nurse practitioners (NPs): Nurse practitioners are advanced practice registered nurses who have received additional training and certification. They are able to diagnose and treat certain medical conditions and may work in a variety of healthcare settings.
- Certified nursing assistants (CNAs): Certified nursing assistants provide basic patient care, such as bathing and feeding patients, and may also assist with medical procedures.
In terms of earnings, nurses in Germany are generally well-compensated. According to data from the German Federal Employment Agency, the average annual gross salary for registered nurses in Germany is around €48,000, while licensed practical nurses earn an average of €30,000 per year. Nurse practitioners typically earn more than registered nurses, with an average salary of around €58,000 per year.
It is important to note that salaries for nurses in Germany can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and type of healthcare setting. In addition to base salaries, nurses in Germany may also receive benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and vacation time.
What are the tasks of a german nurse
Registered nurses in Germany are responsible for a variety of tasks related to patient care, including:
- Assessing patients’ health conditions and monitoring their vital signs.
- Administering medications and treatments as prescribed by physicians.
- Preparing patients for medical procedures and assisting with those procedures as needed.
- Collaborating with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians and therapists, to develop and implement care plans for patients.
- Educating patients and their families about their health conditions and how to manage them.
Licensed practical nurses typically work under the supervision of registered nurses and physicians. They may be responsible for tasks such as:
- Monitoring patients’ health conditions and reporting any changes to registered nurses or physicians.
- Administering medications and treatments as directed by registered nurses or physicians.
- Assisting with medical procedures, such as wound care and catheterization.
- Providing basic patient care, such as bathing and feeding patients.
What i have to do to apply
To apply for a nursing job in Germany as a foreigner, you will need to meet certain qualifications and requirements. These may include:
- Completion of a recognized nursing program in your home country.
- Proficiency in German, as nursing jobs in Germany typically require fluency in the German language.
- Validation and verification of your nursing credentials by the German authorities.
- Health insurance coverage that meets the requirements for living and working in Germany.
- Proof of financial means to support yourself while living and working in Germany.
It is important to note that the specific requirements for nursing jobs in Germany may vary depending on the type of nursing position and the employer. It is recommended to research the specific requirements and qualifications needed for the nursing job you are interested in before applying.