Ausbildung Duration & Shortening Calculator
Calculate your exact apprenticeship completion date and check how much time you can shorten (*Ausbildungsverkürzung*) under BBiG §7, §8 & §45.
Shortened Graduation Date (Abschlussprüfung)
31.08.2027
Standard Graduation: 31.08.2028
BBiG Shortening Breakdown Applied:
Official Shortening Allowances under BBiG (§7, §8 & §45)
| Shortening Ground | BBiG Paragraph | Typical Reduction | Approval Body |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abitur / Fachabitur / Degree | §8 Abs. 1 BBiG | -12 Months | Joint Employer & Azubi application to IHK / HWK |
| Realschulabschluss (Mittlere Reife) | §8 Abs. 1 BBiG | -6 Months | Joint Employer & Azubi application to IHK / HWK |
| Vocational Preparation (BGJ / BFS) | §7 Abs. 1 BBiG | -6 to -12 Months | State recognition credit |
| Relevant Work Experience (>1 yr) | §8 Abs. 1 BBiG | -6 to -12 Months | Proof of employment / internships |
| Good Intermediate Grades (≤ 2.49) | §45 Abs. 2 BBiG | -6 Months (Early Exam) | Early admission request to IHK / HWK exam board |
How to Shorten Your Ausbildung in Germany
Under the German Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz - BBiG), apprentices are legally entitled to apply for a shortened training period (Ausbildungsverkürzung) if they possess relevant prior qualifications, work experience, or demonstrate above-average performance at vocational school.
1. Shortening Before Training Starts (BBiG §7 & §8)
If you have an Abitur, Fachabitur, university degree, or Realschulabschluss, you can request a reduction in your training contract before signing. The employer and apprentice submit a joint application to the competent chamber (IHK or HWK).
2. Early Final Exam (Vorzeitige Zulassung §45 Abs. 2)
During your apprenticeship, if your grade average at the Berufsschule and intermediate exam (Zwischenprüfung / Teil 1) is **2.49 or better**, you can apply for early admission to the final exam 6 months ahead of schedule.
3. Minimum Legal Duration Rules
Under IHK & HWK regulations, an Ausbildung cannot be shortened arbitrarily. The remaining duration **cannot be less than 50% of the standard training length** (e.g., a 3-year apprenticeship cannot be shortened below 1.5 years).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much can I shorten my Ausbildung?
Most apprentices shorten by **6 to 12 months**. For a 3-year apprenticeship, the maximum combined legal shortening is usually **12 to 18 months** (the total training duration cannot be reduced below 50% of the standard length under BBiG rules).
Does shortening my Ausbildung reduce my salary?
No! In fact, shortening means you enter the 2nd or 3rd year salary band faster, and start earning a full professional salary (*Fachkraft-Gehalt*) up to a year earlier!
Does my employer have to agree to shorten my Ausbildung?
For shortening based on prior qualifications (§8 BBiG), both the apprentice and employer submit a joint application to the IHK/HWK. For early exam admission (§45 BBiG based on top grades), the apprentice can apply directly to the chamber with Berufsschule reports.
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