Auktionator/Auktionatorin

Media and publications relevant to this profession include art - Das Kunstmagazin, kunstmarkt.com - Kunst-Magazin, Galerien, Kunst-Auktionshäuser, Kunsthändler, Kunst und Auktionen, Kunstzeitung, KUR - Kunst und Recht, and Weltkunst.

Auctioneers usually work in offices and auction rooms. They may also work from a home office or remotely if necessary.

Core competencies fundamentally required for this profession are customer consulting and support, appraising, evaluating, and estimating, and auctioning. Other competencies that may be significant for this profession include accounting, antique dealing, order acceptance and processing, expert/appraiser activities, cataloging, inventory development (archive, library, museum), art dealing, goods receipt, incoming goods inspection, and merchandise transactions. The competence group 'Art, Culture, Antiquarian Objects' is also relevant.

Auctioneers effectively present auction items, such as paintings and books, at auctions. In the office, they research current events in the art and antiques market or other relevant markets on the computer, or record details about an auction order. Specialist literature, such as industry magazines, also serves as an indispensable tool for them. As auctions and previews also take place in the evenings and on weekends, irregular working hours are common. Auctioneers pique the interest of potential buyers, always appearing professional and customer-oriented. They must be able to speak very well, confidently, and quickly in front of many people. In addition to their extensive commercial and market-specific knowledge, they primarily need sound knowledge of legal regulations. Art expertise is also important for their work.

Auctioneers can become self-employed, for example, by founding or taking over an auction house or pawn shop, or by working as a freelancer.

Information regarding earning potential in this professional activity cannot be provided. Please check BERUFENET for current salary information.

Auctioneers operate in the retail sector, specifically in areas like antiques and art, or in general retail. They can also work in wholesale and trade brokerage, such as wholesale auctions and industrial auctions.

There is no specific educational path required for this profession. However, a commercial Ausbildung (vocational training) or Weiterbildung (further training) and specialized knowledge in a particular field can be beneficial.

Auctioneers find employment in auction houses and pawn shops, as well as with antique and art dealers.

The common professional title is Auktionator/Auktionatorin. It is also commonly referred to as Versteigerer/Versteigerin. The English professional title is Auctioneer (m/f), and the French professional title is Commissaire-priseur (m/f).

Anyone wishing to commercially auction movable property, real estate, or rights belonging to others requires permission from the competent authority. This requires reliability and sound financial circumstances. Furthermore, a police clearance certificate is necessary. Upon application, an auctioneer with special expertise can also be publicly appointed and sworn in.

Auctioneers auction off items, real estate, or rights on behalf of private individuals, businesses, and insolvency administrators.

Job and applicant exchanges such as BVDGRetailChoice.

Associations and organizations like Bundesverband deutscher Auktionatoren e.V. (Federal Association of German Auctioneers) and ver.di - Vereinte Dienstleistungsgewerkschaft (United Services Trade Union).

Auctioneers work under the eyes of customers and guests. They have customer contact, for example, advising clients and informing them about legal regulations. They perform screen work (e.g., creating merchandise lists with starting bids) and work in offices (e.g., coordinating auction dates). They also work in salesrooms and may have irregular working hours (e.g., auctions in the evenings or on weekends).

Auctioneers use documents such as merchandise lists, object descriptions, written bids, accounting records, price lists, object catalogs, auction order records, auction and sales documents and receipts, and legal regulations. The goods they work with include paintings, sculptures, design items, jewelry, books, and machines. They use office equipment such as PCs, internet access, and telephones.

Auctioneers conduct auctions. To do this, they examine the origin and condition of objects and estimate their value to set minimum prices. Before auction dates, they publicly announce auctions, create lists of objects, and offer viewing appointments. During auctions, they present the auction items and provide identifying marks and serial numbers. They accept bids and award the sale to the highest bidder. Afterwards, they ensure that the purchased objects reach the bidders, monitor incoming payments, and document auction orders.

Access to professions such as Geprüfter Handelsfachwirt/Geprüfte Handelsfachwirtin (dual-qualified Ausbildung - vocational training) or Geprüfter Handelsfachwirt/Geprüfte Handelsfachwirtin (Weiterbildung - advanced training).

Adaptation training (Anpassungsweiterbildung) helps keep professional knowledge current and adapt it to new developments (e.g., in areas such as goods, product, sales, distribution, commercial law, cultural history).

Further professional and career opportunities open up – depending on prior professional education – through advanced training (Aufstiegsweiterbildung) (e.g., as a certified commercial specialist) or a bachelor's degree (grundständiges Studium) (e.g., in business administration). Under certain conditions, it is also possible to study without a general higher education entrance qualification. For more information: Access to higher education in the individual Bundesländer (federal states) in Germany.

Organizes auctions. Examines objects regarding their origin, condition, and value, such as art objects, antiques, jewelry, lost property, machinery, land, and real estate. Reviews and communicates the framework conditions for the auctioning of rights, such as broadcasting rights and mobile frequencies. Advises clients and sets minimum prices. Publicly announces auctions in a timely manner. Creates inventories with starting bids. Arranges for catalogs to be produced for high-value objects. Offers pre-viewings and assists interested parties. Conducts auctions. Announces markings and serial numbers of auction items. Describes objects; informs about their condition, potential damages, and origin. Shows or arranges for objects to be shown. Calls for bids, considers bids from attendees, as well as those submitted by phone, electronically, or in writing. Awards the bid to the highest bidder. Arranges for handover or transfer of ownership.

Trade Regulation Act (Gewerbeordnung - GewO) of 22.02.1999 (BGBl. I S. 202), last amended by Article 34 of the Act of 04.02.2026 (BGBl. 2026 I Nr. 33).