Nurse in Germany (Pflegefachkraft)
Nursing is one of the most sought-after professions in Germany. Whether you are already qualified or want to train on site through an Ausbildung, Karriere Fähre supports you from German all the way to your role and your arrival.
The nursing profession in Germany
A nurse (Pflegefachkraft) provides generalist care: monitoring patients, administering treatments, coordinating with doctors and supporting people in hospitals, clinics or care facilities. It is a recognised, stable and central role in the German healthcare system.
Nurse salary in Germany
A nurse's salary ranges from around €2,800 gross per month at the start of their career to €4,500 and more with experience, averaging about €3,800. In the public sector (TVöD-P agreement) the scale starts near €3,300 (group P7) and rises to roughly €4,200. Night, weekend and public-holiday premiums apply, plus a 13th month at many employers.
Training duration
Via the Ausbildung, the generalist nursing training lasts 3 years and is paid from the first year: about €1,490 in year 1, €1,552 in year 2 and €1,653 in year 3 (TVAöD-Pflege agreement). If you are already qualified there is no new training: the timeline depends on your diploma recognition and reaching B2.
Employers hiring
Public hospitals and university clinics, large private groups (Helios, Asklepios, Sana, Vivantes), faith-based providers (Caritas, Diakonie), care homes and home-care services. The shortage is nationwide, with especially strong demand in major cities and the southern and western states. Nursing is one of the Federal Employment Agency's official shortage occupations (Engpassberufe).
Where you can work
Hospital wards (internal medicine, surgery, emergency, paediatrics, geriatrics), specialist clinics, care homes, home care and rehabilitation centres. Strong demand means stable employment and fast hiring.
Career progression
After a few years you can specialise (intensive care, anaesthesia, operating theatre, oncology, geriatrics) through advanced training (Fachweiterbildung), move into leadership roles (ward manager, Stationsleitung) or pursue studies in nursing management or science.
German level required
B2 is the standard to work and obtain professional authorisation in most federal states. Karriere Fähre trains you from beginner level up to B2 in Douala, before departure.
Diploma recognition
To work as a Pflegefachkraft, your diploma must be recognised by the competent authority of the federal state. Depending on the case, an adaptation course (Anpassungslehrgang) or a knowledge exam (Kenntnisprüfung) may be required. We prepare the file and support you through to recognition.
Visa and residence permit
Once your diploma is recognised, you receive a visa and then a residence permit for skilled workers (§ 18a/18b of the German Residence Act). It is also possible to come and complete recognition on site (recognition partnership, § 16d); for the Ausbildung a training visa applies (§ 16a). We handle these steps with you.
The process with Karriere Fähre
Selection and assessment of your profile, language preparation up to B2, building the recognition file, matching with an employer and interview preparation, visa and paperwork, then support with settling in and integration once on site.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does a nurse earn in Germany?
- Between around €2,800 at the start and €4,500 gross per month with experience, plus night and weekend premiums. The average is about €3,800.
- I don't have a nursing diploma, can I still go?
- Yes, through the Ausbildung: you train directly in Germany for 3 years, paid from the first year.
- Do I need to speak German already?
- No. We train you from beginner level up to the required B2 in Douala, before departure.
- Will my diploma be recognised?
- Recognition is assessed case by case by the competent German authority. We build the file with you and guide you at every step.
Salaries: TVöD-P and TVAöD-Pflege scales and the Entgeltatlas (Federal Employment Agency), 2024-2025. Public reference figures, not guaranteed, varying by employer, region and experience. Diploma recognition and visa issuance are decided by the competent German authorities.