Beamter/Beamtin im Justizdienst (mittlerer nichttechnischer Dienst)

Learning locations include public administration educational institutions, such as justice schools, where classes are held, and court buildings, such as district and regional courts and public prosecutor's offices, where work is done in offices.

The job type is a civil servant training (Beamtenausbildung); different career titles may exist in individual federal states (Bundesland). The training type is a preparatory service (Vorbereitungsdienst), regulated by state ordinances. The duration of the preparatory service is typically 1.5-2.5 years. Learning locations are justice schools or other public administration educational institutions, courts, and public prosecutor's offices. In this profession, individuals primarily work as case officers for legal matters and in file administration. They manage documents and directories, such as files, registers, business, appointment, and deadline calendars in criminal and civil proceedings, and handle administrative tasks in civil and criminal cases, as well as in land registry, commercial register, inheritance, and insolvency matters. As office managers, they perform general office work and prepare drafts for orders and decisions in the preparation of judicial actions. In criminal cases, they keep minutes and take statements outside of court hearings.

The job title is Civil Servant in the Justice Service (middle non-technical service). The job type is civil servant training/preparatory service (Beamtenausbildung/Vorbereitungsdienst). The training duration is typically 1.5-2.5 years. The entry requirement is usually a secondary school leaving certificate or a lower secondary school leaving certificate with a relevant completed vocational training. In this profession, individuals primarily work as case officers for legal matters and in file administration. They manage documents and directories, such as files, registers, business, appointment, and deadline calendars in criminal and civil proceedings, and handle administrative tasks in civil and criminal cases, as well as in land registry, commercial register, inheritance, and insolvency matters. As office managers, they perform general office work and prepare drafts for orders and decisions in the preparation of judicial actions. In criminal cases, they keep minutes and take statements outside of court hearings.

Typically 1.5-2.5 years.

The selection process usually consists of a written and an oral part. The written part tests skills in areas such as conscientiousness, spelling, mathematics, vocabulary, and logical thinking. The oral part of the selection process may include an individual interview and a role-play.

The structure of a preparatory service (Vorbereitungsdienst) in the middle justice service is as follows: Practice I (4 months), Course I (4 months), Mid-term examination, Practice II (10 months), Course II (4 months), Practice III (8 months), Career examination. The total training duration is 30 months.

No tuition fees or course fees are charged for the Ausbildung (vocational training). Travel costs or costs for learning materials may arise. Costs for accommodation at the training location may also be incurred.

During the theoretical training, knowledge is acquired in areas such as civil and criminal law, land registry and register affairs, enforcement and insolvency matters, probate matters and declarations of death, family matters, guardianship and placement matters. Furthermore, topics like cost law, budget and accounting, determination of lawyers' fees from the state treasury, court management, judicial remuneration and compensation law, constitutional law and court organization law, organizational and procedural regulations, and civil service law are covered. During the practical training, one learns to independently handle administrative tasks and manage the court payment office.

During the theoretical training phases, classroom instruction, possibly project work, and reviewing content at home are expected. During the practical training phases, active participation in practical tasks (under guidance) such as sending summons, maintaining files, filling out forms, and answering phone calls is involved. Important requirements for this profession include diligence (e.g., when keeping registers and calculating court costs), a sense of responsibility (e.g., ensuring timely and proper summons and deliveries to guarantee smooth court proceedings), discretion (e.g., when handling personal data), and communication skills (e.g., when providing information).

The monthly gross basic salary for trainee civil servants in state (Bundesland) authorities ranges from 1,409 € to 1,528 €, depending on the Bundesland. This information is sourced from dbb beamtenbund und tarifunion. In addition to the basic salary, trainee civil servant remuneration includes capital-forming benefits, and potentially family allowances and other bonuses, remunerations, and surcharges.

In-depth knowledge of German and mathematics is a good prerequisite for successful Ausbildung (vocational training). As civil servant trainees learn to handle correspondence and keep minutes during court hearings, good German language skills are essential. Mathematical knowledge is required, for example, to determine costs in legal disputes and compensation for witnesses and experts.

The following Ausbildung (vocational training) alternatives are available for the profession of civil servant in the intermediate judicial service: Law and Administration Sector: Civil Servant in General Internal Administration (intermediate non-technical service), Civil Servant in the Foreign Service (intermediate service), Police Officer in the Intermediate Non-Technical Service, Police Officer in the Federal Police (intermediate non-technical service), Judicial Clerk, Legal Assistant, Legal and Notary Assistant, Notary Assistant. The commonality among these professions is processing administrative procedures.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) in Bavaria lasts at least 1.5 years.

The Ausbildung in Berlin lasts at least 2 years.

The Ausbildung in Hesse lasts 2 years.

The Ausbildung in Hamburg lasts 2 years.

The Ausbildung in Saxony lasts 2 years.

The Ausbildung in Saarland lasts 2 years.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) in the middle judicial service takes place as a 1.5 to 2.5-year preparatory service. It is regulated by the ordinances of the Bundesländer (federal states) and leads to a career examination.

2 years

Shortening of the Ausbildung period: A completed vocational training or professional activity beneficial to the Ausbildung may be credited towards the preparatory service. Depending on the Bundesland (federal state), for example, applicants who have successfully completed an Ausbildung as a Justizfachangestellte may complete a shortened preparatory service of six months.

The Ausbildung is legally regulated in the mentioned Bundesländer (federal states) and leads to the following qualification/job title: Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Hesse, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein: Justizfachwirt/Justizfachwirtin. The career path is also established in the following Bundesländer (federal states) where no qualification/job titles are available: Hamburg, Thuringia. Career titles: Civil servant - Judicial Service (middle service), Civil servant - Judicial Service (career group 1, second entry level), Civil servant - Judicial Service (career group 1, second entry level), Civil servant - Judicial Service (second qualification level), Civil servant - Judicial Service (second entry level). The career titles are exemplary and may vary depending on the Bundesland (federal state). Note: The competent authorities in the individual Bundesländer (federal states) determine whether the career path is designated as an Ausbildung.

2 years

Monthly basic trainee salary at state authorities (gross): €1,510. Source: dbb beamtenbund und tarifunion, as of February 2025. Note: In addition to the basic trainee salary, trainee allowances include capital-forming benefits, possibly also family allowances and other allowances, remunerations, and surcharges.

The monthly gross basic salary for civil servant candidates in state authorities in Berlin is 1,468 Euros (as of January 2026). In addition to this basic salary, the candidate's remuneration includes asset-building benefits, and potentially family allowances and other supplements.

The monthly gross basic salary for civil servant candidates in state authorities in Hessen is 1,515 Euros (as of December 2025). In addition to this basic salary, the candidate's remuneration includes asset-building benefits, and potentially family allowances and other supplements.

The monthly gross basic salary for civil servant candidates in state authorities in Hamburg is 1,496 Euros (as of February 2025). In addition to this basic salary, the candidate's remuneration includes asset-building benefits, and potentially family allowances and other supplements.

The monthly gross basic salary for civil servant candidates in state authorities in Sachsen (Saxony) is 1,528 Euros (as of February 2025). In addition to this basic salary, the candidate's remuneration includes asset-building benefits, and potentially family allowances and other supplements.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) duration in Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony) is 2.5 years.

The monthly gross basic salary for civil servant candidates in state authorities in Saarland is 1,424 Euros (as of February 2025). In addition to this basic salary, the candidate's remuneration includes asset-building benefits, and potentially family allowances and other supplements.

After their Ausbildung (vocational training), civil servants in the middle judicial service work in courts and public prosecutor's offices. They can keep their knowledge up to date or bring it to the latest standard through Anpassungsweiterbildung (adaptive training), covering topics from public administration to accounting. With suitable qualifications, civil servants in the middle judicial service have the opportunity to move into the next higher career path after a successful Aufstiegsverfahren (promotion procedure). With a university entrance qualification, one can also pursue a Studium (university degree) and, for example, obtain a Bachelorabschluss (bachelor's degree) in law.

2 years

26 months

The monthly gross Anwärtergrundbetrag (basic trainee salary) for Bundesland (state) authorities is 1,492 Euros (Source: dbb beamtenbund und tarifunion, February 2025). In addition to the basic trainee salary, the Anwärterbezüge (trainee allowances) include capital-forming benefits, possibly family allowances, and other allowances, remunerations, and surcharges.

The monthly gross Anwärtergrundbetrag (basic trainee salary) for Bundesland (state) authorities is 1,518 Euros (Source: dbb beamtenbund und tarifunion, July 2024). In addition to the basic trainee salary, the Anwärterbezüge (trainee allowances) include capital-forming benefits, possibly family allowances, and other allowances, remunerations, and surcharges.

6 months (career-qualifying additional training)

The duration of the Ausbildung (vocational training) in Schleswig-Holstein is 2 years.

The monthly gross basic salary for civil servant candidates in state authorities in Niedersachsen is 1,409 Euros (Source: dbb beamtenbund und tarifunion, February 2025). In addition to the basic salary, candidate allowances may include capital-forming benefits, potentially a family supplement, and other allowances, remunerations, and surcharges.

The duration of the Ausbildung in Nordrhein-Westfalen is 2 years for school leavers, 1 year for applicants with relevant vocational training, and 6 months for employees of the judiciary.

The monthly gross basic salary for civil servant candidates in state authorities in Sachsen-Anhalt is 1,459 Euros (Source: dbb beamtenbund und tarifunion, February 2025). In addition to the basic salary, candidate allowances may include capital-forming benefits, potentially a family supplement, and other allowances, remunerations, and surcharges.

The monthly gross basic salary for civil servant candidates in state authorities in Rheinland-Pfalz is 1,512 Euros (Source: dbb beamtenbund und tarifunion, February 2025). In addition to the basic salary, candidate allowances may include capital-forming benefits, potentially a family supplement, and other allowances, remunerations, and surcharges.

The duration of the Ausbildung in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is 2 years.

The preparatory service for civil servant careers is regulated by each Bundesland (federal state) through its own ordinances, and these regulations may differ. For example, the ordinance on supplementary training and examination for the intermediate judicial service (Zusatzausbildungs- und Prüfungsordnung für den mittleren Justizdienst - ZaPrOmDJu) is dated 25.11.2014 (BW.GBl. S. 730) and was last amended by Article 2 of the ordinance dated 27.07.2020 (BW.GBl. S. 681). Furthermore, the admission, training, and examination ordinance for the judicial bailiff, judicial specialist, bailiff, and legal officer service (Ausbildungsordnung Justiz - ZAPO-J) is dated 16.06.2016 (Bay.GVBl. S. 123) and was last amended by the ordinance dated 02.08.2024 (Bay.GVBl. S. 403). The training and examination ordinance for the general judicial service (Ausbildungs- und Prüfungsordnung allgemeiner Justizdienst - APOaJD) was promulgated as Article 1 of the ordinance dated 08.08.2019 (Ber.GVBl. S. 509).

The monthly gross basic salary for trainees in public authorities in Baden-Württemberg is 1,493 €. This information is from dbb beamtenbund und tarifunion, as of February 2025. In addition to the basic trainee salary, trainee remuneration may include capital-forming benefits, and possibly family allowances and other surcharges, remunerations, and bonuses.

The monthly gross basic salary for trainees in public authorities in Schleswig-Holstein is 1,467 €. This information is from dbb beamtenbund und tarifunion, as of November 2024. In addition to the basic trainee salary, trainee remuneration may include capital-forming benefits, and possibly family allowances and other surcharges, remunerations, and bonuses.

Generally, a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss) or a Hauptschulabschluss (secondary school certificate) combined with a beneficial completed vocational Ausbildung (training), for example, as a judicial clerk, legal assistant, or notary assistant, is required. Each Bundesland (federal state) may require different or additional prerequisites.

The monthly gross basic salary for trainees in public authorities in North Rhine-Westphalia is 1,500 €. This information is from dbb beamtenbund und tarifunion, as of February 2025. In addition to the basic trainee salary, trainee remuneration may include capital-forming benefits, and possibly family allowances and other surcharges, remunerations, and bonuses.

The monthly gross basic salary for trainees in public authorities in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is 1,479 €. This information is from dbb beamtenbund und tarifunion, as of February 2025. In addition to the basic trainee salary, trainee remuneration may include capital-forming benefits, and possibly family allowances and other surcharges, remunerations, and bonuses.

For this Ausbildung (vocational training) in the Bundesland (federal state) of Bavaria, a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Schulabschluss) or a qualified secondary school leaving certificate (Quali) is required. Additionally, proof of typing skills at 180 strokes per minute must be provided; this proof can be submitted by the end of the first year of training. Candidates must be no older than 45 years.

For this Ausbildung in the Bundesland of Berlin, at least a secondary school leaving certificate or a vocational training qualification (Berufsbildungsreife) and a completed beneficial vocational training are required.

For this Ausbildung in the Bundesland of Hesse, a secondary school leaving certificate (Realschulabschluss) or a primary school leaving certificate (Hauptschulabschluss) and a completed vocational training are required. Additionally, candidates must be no older than 40 years (exceptions are possible).

For this Ausbildung in the Bundesland of Hamburg, at least a secondary school leaving certificate or a first general education leaving certificate and a completed beneficial vocational training are required. Additionally, candidates must be no older than 39 years (exceptions are possible).

For this Ausbildung in the Bundesland of Saxony, a Realschulabschluss (secondary school leaving certificate) is required. Furthermore, typing skills must be demonstrated, such as a ten-minute transcription of a longhand template at a speed of 180 strokes per minute.

For this Ausbildung in the Bundesland of Saarland, at least a secondary school leaving certificate or a primary school leaving certificate and a completed beneficial vocational training, particularly as a legal assistant (Rechtsanwaltsfachangestellte/r) or notary assistant (Notarfachangestellte/r), are required. Additionally, proof of typing skills with a minimum performance of 150 strokes per minute must be provided.

For vocational training (Ausbildung) in Thüringen, a secondary school leaving certificate (Realschulabschluss) or a lower secondary school leaving certificate (Hauptschulabschluss) combined with a completed beneficial vocational training is required. Additionally, typing skills with a minimum performance of 140 keystrokes per minute are necessary; proof of this can be provided within 10 months after the start of the preparatory service.

For vocational training (Ausbildung) in Brandenburg, at least a technical college entrance qualification (Fachoberschulreife/Realschulabschluss) or a lower secondary school leaving certificate (Hauptschulabschluss/Berufsbildungsreife) combined with a completed beneficial vocational training is required. Further access requirements include a maximum age of 40 years (exceptions possible) and proof of adequate typing skills.

For vocational training (Ausbildung) in Niedersachsen, a secondary school leaving certificate (Sekundarabschluss I - Realschulabschluss) or a lower secondary school leaving certificate (Sekundarabschluss I - Hauptschulabschluss) combined with a completed vocational training as a legal assistant (Justizfachangestellte/r), paralegal (Rechtsanwaltsfachangestellte/r), or notary assistant (Notarfachangestellte/r) is required. Another access requirement is a maximum age of 39 years (exceptions possible).

For vocational training (Ausbildung) in Sachsen-Anhalt, a secondary school leaving certificate (Realschulabschluss) or a lower secondary school leaving certificate (Hauptschulabschluss) combined with a completed beneficial vocational training is required. Further access requirements include a maximum age of 42 years (exceptions possible) and typing skills with a minimum performance of 140 keystrokes per minute; proof of this can be provided within one year after appointment to the probationary civil servant status.

For vocational training (Ausbildung) in Rheinland-Pfalz, a qualified secondary school leaving certificate (qualifizierter Sekundarabschluss I) or a vocational maturity certificate (Berufsreife) combined with a completed vocational training is required. Further access requirements include a maximum age of 39 years (exceptions possible), basic knowledge in electronic data and information processing, sufficient knowledge and skills in typing, and proof of successful participation in a sport-motor performance test.

For access to the career-qualifying additional training (Zusatzausbildung) in Baden-Württemberg, one must have passed the examination for a legal assistant (Justizfachangestellten) with an overall average result of at least 73 points and have at least one year of professional experience in the middle judicial service, or have passed the examination for a judicial employee (Justizangestellten) with at least a 'satisfactory' overall result and have at least three years of professional experience in the middle judicial service.

In the Bundesland (federal state) of Schleswig-Holstein, the requirements for this Ausbildung (vocational training) are a secondary school leaving certificate or a primary school leaving certificate and a relevant completed vocational training. Additionally, typing skills with a minimum performance of 180 keystrokes per minute are required; proof of this can be provided within 15 months after the start of the preparatory service.

In the Bundesland (federal state) of Nordrhein-Westfalen, access to the two-year preparatory service for school leavers requires at least a secondary school leaving certificate (Fachoberschulreife) or a Hauptschulabschluss (primary school leaving certificate) and a completed vocational training. For applicants with relevant vocational training, access to the one-year preparatory service requires at least a secondary school leaving certificate (Fachoberschulreife) and completed relevant professional experience, for example, as a legal assistant, notary assistant, or patent attorney assistant, and proof of at least two years of relevant professional experience. For justice employees, access to the six-month preparatory service requires at least a secondary school leaving certificate (Fachoberschulreife) and passing the Justizfachangestellte (justice clerk) examination. Typing skills are also a further access requirement.

In the Bundesland (federal state) of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the requirements for this Ausbildung (vocational training) are at least a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlere Reife or Realschulabschluss) or a Hauptschulabschluss (primary school leaving certificate) and a completed vocational training beneficial for the career path, or a Hauptschulabschluss and a completed training in a public-law training relationship, or an equivalently recognized educational level. An additional access requirement is a maximum age of 34 (exceptions are possible).