Beamter/Beamtin im Auswärtigen Dienst (höherer Dienst)

Learning locations include: Academy of the Foreign Service: seminar rooms, lecture halls, practice and group rooms, libraries, rooms with computer workstations. International organizations (study trips).

Occupation type: Civil service training. Type of training: Preparatory service, regulated by federal ordinances. Duration of preparatory service: Usually 14 months. Minimum prerequisite for admission to preparatory service: Usually a completed master's degree (Masterstudium). Learning locations: Primarily the Academy of the Foreign Service. Tasks and activities: Civil servants in the higher Foreign Service maintain relations with foreign states and international organizations. They always safeguard the interests of the Federal Republic of Germany. They observe and analyze important developments in foreign policy, European policy, economic policy, cultural policy, and science policy, as well as economic developments in the respective host country. They thus provide the Federal Government with information for foreign policy decisions. Civil servants also deal with issues of international environmental and climate policy and advocate for human rights worldwide.

At least 12, usually 14 months.

The selection process is two-stage. It consists of a written and an oral part. Both parts each consist of one or more selection elements. Written part, e.g.: Knowledge of international law, European law, and constitutional law, economics, history, politics, and general knowledge. Essay on a foreign policy, European policy, or foreign economic policy topic. Language test in English and usually French. Psychological aptitude test with numerical and verbal tasks. Oral part, e.g.: Interview. Individual discussion with a psychologist. Short presentation. Simulation task. Group task. After successfully completing the selection process and before the start of the preparatory service, a security clearance is conducted according to the Security Clearance Act (SÜG).

No course fees are charged. Travel costs or costs for learning materials may arise. Costs for accommodation at the training location may also arise.

The training is divided into theoretical courses, language training, legal training, and practical units, for example, in the following areas: English, French, possibly another foreign language. History, international politics. Crisis management. Media training. Personnel management. Legal and consular affairs. Rhetoric, negotiation techniques. International law and European law. Economics.

During the Ausbildung (vocational training) at the Academy of the Foreign Service, you should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: Attend lectures and seminars, participate in training units where colleagues from the headquarters or a foreign representation share practical experiences. Engage in practical exercises, for example, in rhetoric, media seminars, and simulations for negotiation techniques or personnel management. Work independently, such as preparing and reviewing lectures, researching in libraries, and preparing performance assessments. Participate in study trips to international organizations. Expand key qualifications such as problem-solving, organizational, and leadership competencies.

The monthly gross basic salary for candidates is 2,624 Euros. This information is sourced from the Bundesbesoldungsgesetz (BBesG). Please note that in addition to the basic salary, the candidate's remuneration may include capital-forming benefits, and potentially family allowances and other supplements, remunerations, and bonuses.

In-depth knowledge in the following areas are good prerequisites for a successful preparatory service: Foreign languages, such as prior knowledge in English, French, and especially other official languages of the United Nations like Arabic, Chinese, Russian, or Spanish. History/Politics, for example, to understand international political circumstances and historical contexts. Economics/Law, for example, to understand national economics as well as international and European law. Employee leadership and guidance, for example, to acquire and later apply leadership tools such as target agreements and feedback.

The following Ausbildung (vocational training) alternative is available for the profession of civil servant in the higher Foreign Service: Civil servant in General Internal Administration (higher non-technical service) in the field of Law and Administration. Commonality: Planning and organizing administrative processes.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) in the higher Foreign Service is conducted as a preparatory service and usually lasts 14 months. It is regulated by federal ordinances and concludes with the career examination. Typically, at least a Master's Studium (university degree) is a prerequisite.

Career title: Civil Servant - Foreign Service (higher service). Note: The responsible authority determines whether the career path is offered as an Ausbildung (vocational training).

After their Ausbildung (vocational training), civil servants in the higher foreign service work at the headquarters of the Federal Foreign Office in Germany and in diplomatic missions worldwide. They keep their expertise up-to-date through adaptive training, covering topics from politics to intercultural competence and foreign languages. With suitable qualifications, they have the opportunity to advance their careers by participating in internal administrative further training courses.

Regulation on the preparatory service for the higher foreign service (HADVDV), promulgated as Article 4 of the Regulation of 18.03.2025 (BGBl. 2025 I Nr. 92). Regulation on the career paths of the foreign service (ADLV), promulgated as Article 1 of the Regulation of 18.03.2025 (BGBl. 2025 I Nr. 92).

A successfully completed Master's Studium (university degree) or an equivalent recognized university degree is a prerequisite. Additionally, German citizenship, medical fitness (unrestricted for worldwide deployment, 'tropical suitability'), very good language skills in English and generally French (if a second foreign language other than French, at least basic knowledge must be proven), and an unrestricted willingness to be deployed worldwide are required.