Automobilkaufmann/Automobilkauffrau

Automotive salespersons receive Ausbildung (vocational training) in a dual system. Learning locations are the training company (usually businesses in the automotive sector): sales, office, and storage rooms, customer service counter; and the Berufsschule (vocational school): classrooms. If companies cannot provide all required training content, there is an option to transfer parts of the training to inter-company training centers.

Occupation type: Recognized Ausbildung (vocational training) occupation. Training type: Dual training in industry and trade, as well as in crafts (regulated by training ordinance). Training duration: 3 years. Learning locations: Training company and Berufsschule (vocational school) (dual training). What does one do in this profession? Automotive salespersons handle commercial tasks at the interface between trade and workshop, primarily in the procurement, distribution, or sale of motor vehicles, parts, and accessories. They undertake accounting, cost accounting, and calculation, as well as administrative-organizational tasks, e.g., in human resources. Furthermore, they observe market developments and consider the information gained in planning and implementing marketing activities. Automotive salespersons organize customer service and accept maintenance and repair orders. In sales, they advise private and business customers on financial service products, prepare offers, and conclude financing, purchase, leasing, or insurance contracts.

Job title: Automotive Salesperson (Automobilkaufmann/-frau). Occupation type: Recognized Ausbildung (vocational training) occupation. Training duration: 3 years. What does one do in this profession? Automotive salespersons handle commercial tasks at the interface between trade and workshop, primarily in the procurement, distribution, or sale of motor vehicles, parts, and accessories. They undertake accounting, cost accounting, and calculation, as well as administrative-organizational tasks, e.g., in human resources. Furthermore, they observe market developments and consider the information gained in planning and implementing marketing activities. Automotive salespersons organize customer service and accept maintenance and repair orders. In sales, they advise private and business customers on financial service products, prepare offers, and conclude financing, purchase, leasing, or insurance contracts. Where does one work? Automotive salespersons find employment in the motor vehicle sector.

3 years

The Ausbildung (vocational training) is conducted in parallel at the training company and in the Berufsschule (vocational school). Vocational school classes take place on specific weekdays or in block form. Excerpt from the training framework plan and the curriculum: 1st - 15th month of training: Training in the company and, if necessary, in inter-company courses: Organizing and selling parts and accessories. Participating in workshop processes and acting as an interface between trade and workshop. Organizing customer service and supporting the service area. Planning and implementing operational marketing activities. 1st year of training: Training in the Berufsschule (vocational school) in the learning fields: Presenting the company and co-designing operational cooperation. Recording inventories and success processes and carrying out the annual financial statements. Procuring and storing parts and accessories. Selling parts and accessories. Part 1 of the final examination in the middle of the 2nd year of training. 16th - 36th month of training: Training in the company and, if necessary, in inter-company courses.

No costs are charged for the Ausbildung (vocational training). The training company provides the training materials needed for the operational part of the training and pays the examination fees. Unless otherwise regulated, Auszubildende (vocational trainees) must bear the costs of learning materials for classes in the Berufsschule (vocational school) and for work clothing themselves. Additionally, costs may arise if training locations are far from the place of residence. Funding opportunities: In certain life situations, Auszubildende (vocational trainees) can receive Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (BAB - vocational training allowance). For more information: Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (BAB).

During their vocational training (Ausbildung), trainees learn, for example, how to purchase, store, and sell parts and accessories. They learn how to participate in diagnostic, maintenance, service, and repair tasks, how to use information systems, and what to consider regarding data protection. They learn what to consider when creating workshop orders and how to plan appointments, how to advise customers, and how to process warranty or goodwill claims. They learn how to implement sales promotion measures and use advertising materials, how to purchase vehicles, and what legal requirements, such as sales and contract law, must be observed. They learn to distinguish sales systems for vehicle trade and to use sales channels like online commerce. They learn how to compare financing and leasing models as well as insurance products and present offers to customers, how to prepare and document contracts. Furthermore, they learn how to support commercial management and control and how to process booking transactions.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: Practical work in the company (under guidance): advising customers, creating sales statistics for new or used cars, determining financing and leasing conditions, calculating sales and workshop prices. Environment: changing workplaces (sales, office, and storage rooms, customer service counter). Working hours: Saturday work. Requirements: Customer orientation and communication skills (e.g., when responding to customer questions and advising customers), commercial thinking and diligence (e.g., when pricing, calculating financing offers), flexibility and organizational skills (e.g., when switching from office work to customer consulting, when planning and executing marketing and sales campaigns), negotiation skills and assertiveness (e.g., in negotiations with suppliers). At the vocational school (Berufsschule), classes are held one or two days a week or as block instruction.

Trainees can complete parts of their vocational training (Ausbildung) abroad. For example, in Great Britain and Ireland, they can attend the intensive course 'Professional Development Programme (PDP)', possibly acquiring the additional qualification 'Kaufmann/-frau International Certificate'. Location: European College of Business and Management (ECBM), London and Dublin. Duration: 3 weeks. An internship abroad can be completed in various European countries as part of the additional qualification 'Europaassistent/in'. Duration: at least 3 weeks. Entry requirement: secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss).

The vocational training allowance (Ausbildungsvergütung) for a dual vocational training (duale Ausbildung) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. If the training takes place in a school setting (e.g., at a vocational school or in the 1st year of training as a vocational basic training year (BGJ)), no vocational training allowance is paid. Example for retail (monthly gross - depending on the federal state (Bundesland)): 1st year of training: 940 € to 1,120 €, 2nd year of training: 1,000 € to 1,250 €, 3rd year of training: 1,150 € to 1,390 €. Example for the motor vehicle industry (monthly gross - depending on the federal state (Bundesland)): 1st year of training: 944 € to 1,179 €, 2nd year of training: 984 € to 1,241 €, 3rd year of training: 1,033 € to 1,344 €. This information is for orientation only. No claims can be derived from it. Please check BERUFENET for more information.

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects are good prerequisites for successful vocational training (Ausbildung): Mathematics: e.g., to create financing models and calculation schemes. German: e.g., to negotiate with customers and draw up contracts. Economics/Law: e.g., to take on tasks in accounting.

The additional qualification 'Europaassistent/in' is aimed at trainees with at least a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss). It expands the initial vocational training (Erstausbildung) with intercultural competencies and offers trainees the opportunity to improve their foreign language skills. For this, trainees attend additional vocational school (Berufsschule) classes, e.g., in European Commercial and Economic Law, and complete a several-week internship abroad. The responsible chamber (IHK) provides further information. The additional qualification 'Fremdsprache für kaufmännische Auszubildende' enables prospective merchants to conduct telephone calls and correspondence in a foreign language such as English. Trainees complete a written and oral examination. The responsible Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) provides further information.

The following Ausbildung (vocational training) alternatives are available for the profession of Automobilkaufmann/-frau: Sales and Distribution Sector: Industriekaufmann/Industriekauffrau (Industrial Clerk), Kaufmann/Kauffrau im Einzelhandel (Retail Salesperson), Kaufmann/Kauffrau für Groß- und Außenhandelsmanagement Fachrichtung Großhandel (Wholesale and Foreign Trade Management Specialist - Wholesale), Kaufmann/Kauffrau für Groß- und Außenhandelsmanagement Fachrichtung Außenhandel (Wholesale and Foreign Trade Management Specialist - Foreign Trade). Commonality: Advising customers and taking on tasks in sales and purchasing, marketing, distribution, and warehousing. Transport, Storage, and Logistics Sector: Kaufmann/Kauffrau für Spedition und Logistikdienstleistung (Freight Forwarding and Logistics Services Clerk). Commonality: Advising customers, selling services, and taking on tasks in accounting and human resources.

1998: The Ausbildung (vocational training) regulation under the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) came into force. 2017: Modernization of the Ausbildung (vocational training) regulation. New examination structure (final examination in two parts at different times); increased consideration of digitalization, networking, and electromobility in the Ausbildung (vocational training) content. 2020: Amendment of the Berufsbildungsgesetz (BBiG) (Vocational Training Act) and the Handwerksordnung (HWO) (Crafts Code): among other things, introduction of a minimum Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration; expansion of the possibility to complete Ausbildung (vocational training) in part-time. 2024: Entry into force of the Berufsbildungsvalidierungs- und -digitalisierungsgesetz (Vocational Training Validation and Digitalization Act) with adjustments to the Berufsbildungsgesetz (BBiG) (Vocational Training Act) and the Handwerksordnung (HWO) (Crafts Code): among other things, legal anchoring of the possibility of digital mobile Ausbildung (vocational training); introduction of an assessment and certification procedure (vocational validation) of individual professional competence against the standard of a recognized Ausbildung (vocational training) profession, regardless of a formal vocational training qualification.

Automobilkaufmann/-frau is a 3-year recognized Ausbildung (vocational training) profession in industry and trade. The Ausbildung (vocational training) also takes place in the crafts sector.

Qualification Title: Automobilkaufmann/Automobilkauffrau.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for Ausbildung (vocational training) starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum remuneration. Example retail sector (monthly gross): 1st Ausbildung (vocational training) year: €1,100, 2nd Ausbildung (vocational training) year: €1,220, 3rd Ausbildung (vocational training) year: €1,360. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), as of September 2025. Example motor vehicle industry (monthly gross): 1st Ausbildung (vocational training) year: €1,119 to €1,169, 2nd Ausbildung (vocational training) year: €1,147 to €1,197, 3rd Ausbildung (vocational training) year: €1,204 to €1,254. Source: WSI Tarifarchiv, as of July 2025. Note: These figures are for orientation only. No claims can be derived from them.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for Ausbildung (vocational training) starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum remuneration. Example retail sector (monthly gross): 1st Ausbildung (vocational training) year: €1,050, 2nd Ausbildung (vocational training) year: €1,160, 3rd Ausbildung (vocational training) year: €1,290. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), as of September 2025. Example motor vehicle industry (monthly gross): 1st Ausbildung (vocational training) year: €1,040, 2nd Ausbildung (vocational training) year: €1,060, 3rd Ausbildung (vocational training) year: €1,110. Source: Gemeinsame Tarifregister Berlin und Brandenburg, as of October 2025. Note: These figures are for orientation only. No claims can be derived from them.

The remuneration for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on those agreements. Trainees are to be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of training remuneration for Ausbildungen starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) on minimum remuneration. For example, in retail (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,060 €, 2nd year: 1,160 €, 3rd year: 1,300 € (Source: BMAS, September 2025). In the automotive industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,045 €, 2nd year: 1,140 €, 3rd year: 1,201 € (Source: WSI Tarifarchiv, December 2025). This information is for orientation only and no claims can be derived from it.

The remuneration for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on those agreements. The appropriateness of training remuneration for Ausbildungen starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) on minimum remuneration. For example, in retail (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,100 €, 2nd year: 1,220 €, 3rd year: 1,360 € (Source: BMAS, April 2025). In the automotive industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,115 €, 2nd year: 1,171 €, 3rd year: 1,281 € (Source: HWK Kassel, July 2025). This information is for orientation only and no claims can be derived from it.

The remuneration for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on those agreements. The appropriateness of training remuneration for Ausbildungen starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) on minimum remuneration. For example, in retail (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,100 €, 2nd year: 1,220 €, 3rd year: 1,390 € (Source: BMAS, September 2025). In the automotive industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,090 €, 2nd year: 1,190 €, 3rd year: 1,250 € (Source: BMAS, July 2025). This information is for orientation only and no claims can be derived from it.

The remuneration for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on those agreements. The appropriateness of training remuneration for Ausbildungen starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) on minimum remuneration. For example, in retail (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,050 €, 2nd year: 1,160 €, 3rd year: 1,290 € (Source: BMAS, September 2025). In the automotive industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,040 €, 2nd year: 1,070 €, 3rd year: 1,120 € (Source: BMAS, July 2025). This information is for orientation only and no claims can be derived from it.

The remuneration for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on those agreements. The appropriateness of training remuneration for Ausbildungen starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) on minimum remuneration. For example, in retail (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,120 €, 2nd year: 1,250 €, 3rd year: 1,350 € (Source: BMAS, August 2025). In the automotive industry (monthly gross): 1st year: 1,050 €, 2nd year: 1,090 €, 3rd year: 1,110 € (Source: BMAS, July 2025). This information is for orientation only and no claims can be derived from it.

Improve your chances with additional qualifications. Future automotive salespeople can gain a good starting position by acquiring additional qualifications during their Ausbildung (vocational training), for example, in foreign languages for commercial trainees. Find the right employment. After their Ausbildung, automotive salespeople work in the motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts trade, as well as for automobile manufacturers. Secure employability. Through adaptive training, you can keep your specialist knowledge current, up-to-date, and expand it. The range of topics extends from wholesale and retail to accounting. Advance professionally. Further training for advancement helps to progress professionally and achieve leadership positions. It is advisable to complete further training as a business administrator (Betriebswirt/in) in the automotive industry. With a higher education entrance qualification, you can also pursue a Studium (university degree), for example, a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study.

The remuneration for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company. In companies bound by collective agreements, the remuneration is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. For training programs starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the training remuneration is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) regarding the minimum remuneration. Example for retail (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,050 €, 2nd year of training: 1,160 €, 3rd year of training: 1,290 €. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), as of September 2025. Example for the motor vehicle trade (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,040 €, 2nd year of training: 1,070 €, 3rd year of training: 1,140 €. Source: WSI Tarifarchiv, as of July 2025. Please note: This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

The remuneration for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company. In companies bound by collective agreements, the remuneration is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. For training programs starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the training remuneration is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) regarding the minimum remuneration. Example for retail (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,050 €, 2nd year of training: 1,160 €, 3rd year of training: 1,290 €. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), as of September 2025. Example for the motor vehicle trade (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,040 €, 2nd year of training: 1,060 €, 3rd year of training: 1,080 €. Source: Joint Collective Bargaining Registers Berlin and Brandenburg, as of October 2025. Please note: This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

In 2024, there were 4,200 new trainees in the Industry and Commerce Ausbildung (vocational training) sector. 47 percent had a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss), and 46 percent had the Hochschulreife (university entrance qualification). 6 percent had a Hauptschulabschluss (basic secondary school leaving certificate), and 1 percent could not demonstrate a Hauptschulabschluss. New trainees in 2024 (in %): without Hauptschulabschluss* [1.0%], Hauptschulabschluss* [6.0%], secondary school leaving certificate [47.0%], Hochschulreife [46.0%]. *Depending on the Bundesland (federal state), also referred to as (Einfache)Berufsbildungsreife, Berufsreife, Erfolgreicher Abschluss der Mittelschule, Erster (allgemeinbildender) Schulabschluss. In the craft sector, there were 1,266 new trainees. 59 percent had a secondary school leaving certificate, and 25 percent had the Hochschulreife. 15 percent had a Hauptschulabschluss, and 1 percent could not demonstrate a Hauptschulabschluss.

The remuneration for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company. In companies bound by collective agreements, the remuneration is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. For training programs starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the training remuneration is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) regarding the minimum remuneration. Example for retail (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,060 €, 2nd year of training: 1,160 €, 3rd year of training: 1,300 €. Source: WSI Tarifarchiv, as of September 2025. Example for the motor vehicle trade (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,070 €, 2nd year of training: 1,140 €, 3rd year of training: 1,260 €. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), as of July 2025. Please note: This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

The remuneration for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company. In companies bound by collective agreements, the remuneration is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. For training programs starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the training remuneration is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) regarding the minimum remuneration. Example for retail (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,050 €, 2nd year of training: 1,160 €, 3rd year of training: 1,290 €. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), as of September 2025. Example for the motor vehicle trade (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,050 €, 2nd year of training: 1,090 €, 3rd year of training: 1,130 €. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), as of July 2025. Please note: This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

The remuneration for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company. In companies bound by collective agreements, the remuneration is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate remuneration. For training programs starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the training remuneration is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) regarding the minimum remuneration. Example for retail (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,100 €, 2nd year of training: 1,210 €, 3rd year of training: 1,340 €. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), as of August 2025. Example for the motor vehicle trade (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 944 € to 966 €, 2nd year of training: 984 € to 1,005 €, 3rd year of training: 1,033 € to 1,095 €. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), as of July 2025. Please note: This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.

Legal regulations and recommendations exist for the vocational training (Ausbildung) of an Automobilkaufmann/Automobilkauffrau (automotive sales clerk). These include the Vocational Training Ordinance (Automobilkaufleuteausbildungsverordnung - AutoKflAusbV) from February 28, 2017, and the framework curriculum plan decided by the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (Kultusministerkonferenz) on September 16, 2016.

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (duale Ausbildung) is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the allowance is determined by these agreements. Trainees (Auszubildende) must be granted an appropriate remuneration. For training programs starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the training allowance is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding the minimum remuneration. For example, in retail (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,090 €, 2nd year of training: 1,210 €, 3rd year of training: 1,350 € (Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), August 2025). In the motor vehicle industry (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,179 €, 2nd year of training: 1,241 €, 3rd year of training: 1,344 € (Source: WSI Tarifarchiv, July 2025). Please note: This information is for orientation only and no claims can be derived from it.

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (duale Ausbildung) is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the allowance is determined by these agreements. Trainees (Auszubildende) must be granted an appropriate remuneration. For training programs starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the training allowance is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding the minimum remuneration. For example, in retail (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,070 €, 2nd year of training: 1,180 €, 3rd year of training: 1,330 € (Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), September 2025). In the motor vehicle industry (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,140 €, 2nd year of training: 1,160 €, 3rd year of training: 1,190 € (Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), July 2025). Please note: This information is for orientation only and no claims can be derived from it.

Legally, no specific prior education is required for this vocational training (Ausbildung).

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (duale Ausbildung) is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the allowance is determined by these agreements. Trainees (Auszubildende) must be granted an appropriate remuneration. For training programs starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the training allowance is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding the minimum remuneration. For example, in retail (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,100 €, 2nd year of training: 1,220 €, 3rd year of training: 1,360 € (Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), September 2025). In the motor vehicle industry (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,040 €, 2nd year of training: 1,080 €, 3rd year of training: 1,180 € (Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), August 2025). Please note: This information is for orientation only and no claims can be derived from it.

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (duale Ausbildung) is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the allowance is determined by these agreements. Trainees (Auszubildende) must be granted an appropriate remuneration. For training programs starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the training allowance is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding the minimum remuneration. For example, in retail (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 940 €, 2nd year of training: 1,000 €, 3rd year of training: 1,150 € (Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), September 2025). In the motor vehicle industry (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,053 €, 2nd year of training: 1,090 €, 3rd year of training: 1,130 € (Source: WSI Tarifarchiv, July 2025). Please note: This information is for orientation only and no claims can be derived from it.