In Germany, a student typically earns between 800 to 1000 euros per month through a part-time job. Interestingly, students have the option to engage in two types of employment: a part-time job and a mini job. For those unfamiliar with the distinction between these roles, don’t worry—this will be clarified below. By working two jobs, students can generally earn between 1400 and 1500 euros monthly, figures which are stated after deductions for taxes.
Currently, the minimum hourly wage for a part-time job in Germany stands at 12 euros. Students can work full-time for up to 120 days or part-time for up to 240 days (where full-time means more than 6 hours per day and part-time means less than 6 hours). In this blog, I’ll discuss some jobs that students can easily undertake. I’ll refrain from discussing any complex tasks, focusing solely on roles that any student can manage effortlessly.
Things Needed Before Starting a Job
As a student in Germany, you cannot immediately begin working. Before starting employment, you must complete necessary paperwork. Here, I will detail the steps you need to take upon your arrival in Germany.
Firstly, you will need to register your address with the city, known as Anmeldung. To do this, you will require your passport and a rental contract obtained from your landlord when renting accommodation. Armed with these documents, you should visit the city registration office, where they will register you as a resident.
Next, you should head to the bank. I recommend visiting Commerzbank. At the bank, you will open an account in your name and receive an account number.
Following this, you must visit a health insurance company. You can choose either TK or AOK. Upon providing them with your bank account number, they will arrange your health insurance coverage.
Subsequently, you will need a tax identification number. You do not need to take any action for this; your tax ID will be sent to your home address within two weeks.
You will also require a social security number, which will be automatically sent to your registered address.
Finally, if you do not possess a work permit, you must obtain one from the immigration office.
Collecting these five documents will enable you to work without any hindrance in Germany, allowing you to pursue any type of employment.
Types of Different Jobs for Students
At this stage, I will elaborate on the varieties of employment opportunities accessible to students in Germany. To commence, I shall delineate part-time occupations. These engagements allow up to 20 hours of work per week. Part-time roles yielding less than 520 euros per month fall under the mini-job classification. For mini-jobs, there is no obligation to remit taxes. However, conventional part-time positions necessitate tax contributions.
Moreover, I will outline several other job categories: hiwi positions, odd jobs, and internships. Hiwi roles pertain to assisting university professors. Universities frequently require aid in diverse capacities, presenting opportunities for such roles. Odd jobs represent the simplest job types for students, encompassing tasks such as delivery services, restaurant service, or cashiering, which I will expound upon subsequently. Another genre of occupation includes internships, wherein students engage with firms aligned to their academic pursuits.
I trust this overview has equipped you with insights into the diverse job prospects accessible to students in Germany. I will now delve into jobs that German students can adeptly undertake. I trust this information proves beneficial to you.
Research Assistant
If a student desires, they can opt to work as a research assistant for professors at universities in Germany. Typically, if you have a strong rapport with a professor, you can approach them for such an opportunity. Many professors frequently need assistants and can readily accommodate your involvement. When employed as a research assistant, your working hours will not be logged. Therefore, you have the flexibility to engage in additional part-time work if desired.
Paid Internship
Paid internships are another viable job option for students. If you desire, starting from your third year at university, you can apply to various companies for paid internships aligned with your field of study. Participating in a paid internship not only helps you gain valuable experience but also offers insights into corporate culture.
Consultant
The consulting job sector in Germany is extensive, comprising numerous firms that actively recruit students. If you have expertise in a specific field, you can seek employment with relevant consulting firms. This opportunity allows you to assist individuals in diverse capacities while accumulating valuable professional experience. Moreover, these positions typically offer competitive salaries. Therefore, if you are proficient in German and possess specialized knowledge in a particular domain, exploring these job opportunities could be worthwhile.
Tutoring
Tutoring is another avenue to increase your earnings. If you excel in a language like English or in a specific subject, you can offer tutoring services in those areas. Typically, there are numerous advertisements for tutors in Germany, and you can also discover tutoring opportunities through various Facebook groups. If you find joy in teaching children, this might be a suitable option for you.
Field Interviewer
There are many companies in Germany that require various types of data. You can assist these companies by conducting interviews to collect such data. If you are interested in aiding companies with data collection or wish to work as a researcher’s assistant, you can apply for these roles. Such positions are commonly sought after by university students in Germany, offering a lucrative income opportunity.
Amazon Warehouse Jobs
If your German language skills are not strong or if you lack specific expertise, I will now highlight some jobs that you can easily undertake. One such opportunity is working at an Amazon Warehouse. Fluency in German is not required for this position, making it accessible to you. If desired, you can opt for full-time employment at Amazon Warehouse, offering a decent income.
Home Assistant
In Germany, there is typically a demand for assistants for various senior individuals. These roles can encompass tasks like fetching items, cleaning, assisting in gardens, and pet care. University students are often preferred for these positions. You can explore such opportunities near your university accommodation. Generally, residents are accommodating in offering these roles, facilitating a straightforward income source.
Shop Assistant
Furthermore, Germany hosts several large retail outlets that regularly seek personnel. You can secure a role as an assistant in prominent stores close to your university, such as Zara. No prior experience is necessary for these positions, making them accessible to applicants without specific qualifications. This avenue also promises a respectable income opportunity.
Babysitting
Babysitting is widely available in Germany, as many working mothers seek caregivers for their children. If you secure a position with a well-off mother, it can yield a substantial income. You can negotiate your hourly rate and determine your daily availability beforehand. Babysitting is commonly pursued as a part-time job in Germany.
Restaurant Waiter
Next, I’ll discuss the role of a restaurant waiter. With basic German proficiency and without specialized skills, this job is manageable. Numerous university students in Germany work part-time as waiters in diverse restaurants, finding it financially rewarding.
Cashier
Another viable part-time option is managing accounts with basic German skills. Many German university students opt for this role due to its decent pay. If you come across such job openings, I recommend considering this opportunity.
Delivery Man
Among university students in Germany, a popular job is that of a delivery person. Fluent English suffices for this role, and prior experience is not required. Hence, if you’re seeking a quick and straightforward job search, this is a promising option to explore first.
Hotel Cleaner
In Germany, another unusual job opportunity for university students involves working as a hotel cleaner. This role doesn’t require proficiency in German or any specific skills, making it a viable option for part-time work. Tasks typically include light duties such as cleaning glassware or tables, and the pay usually starts at 12 euros per hour or more. Hence, this job could be worth considering.
The blog highlights various job opportunities that are relatively straightforward. Some may demand certain skills, while others can be pursued without prior expertise. Proficiency in the German language can significantly facilitate job hunting, potentially leading to higher earnings. Therefore, acquiring German language skills is recommended as it can enhance your employment prospects.
It’s essential to remember that no job in Germany should be considered insignificant. Dedicate yourself to any job you undertake, as unemployment can affect your quality of life negatively. Therefore, approach all opportunities with seriousness, without diminishing the importance of any job.
