Applying for a School Internship in Germany: Guide with Example

Your first school internship is coming up — and with it, your very first application. That sounds like a lot, but it is manageable: nobody expects a polished professional text in a school internship application. In Germany, the Schülerpraktikum is part of the school curriculum in year 8 or 9, and companies know exactly who is writing to them. What counts: that you handle it yourself, write honestly and show that you genuinely want the placement. And along the way, you practise something you will need for apprenticeships and jobs anyway.

Why it is worth the effort, even though it is “only” an internship

The school internship (also called Betriebspraktikum) usually lasts one to three weeks and is organised through school. A good application is still worth it — for three reasons: popular placements go fast, and whoever asks early and properly gets them. You practise for the real thing — your next application might already be for an apprenticeship. And some interns are later offered a holiday job or apprenticeship at the same company.

Step by step to your placement

1. Think about what interests you. Not “where did my mate go?” but: what do you enjoy? Fixing things, talking to people, working at a computer, working with animals?
2. Look for companies nearby. Ask family, neighbours and teachers, and check businesses in your town. Many placements never appear online.
3. Call or drop in. Say who you are, which school, which dates — and ask whether they take interns. Remember the name of the person you speak to.
4. Send your application. A short cover letter plus CV, by email or printed — whichever the company prefers.
5. Follow up if you hear nothing. After one or two weeks, it is fine to call and ask politely.

The documents you need

Just two things: a short cover letter (half a page to one page) and a one-page student CV — with your school, favourite subjects, hobbies and whatever else you do. We explain the student CV in detail in a separate guide. School reports are only needed if the company asks for them.

Sample letter: what it can look like

Here, a 14-year-old applies to a car repair shop. Do not copy the text — copy the idea, and use your own examples:

Application for a school internship from [date] to [date]

Dear Mr [Name],

Thank you for the friendly phone call on [date]. As discussed, I am sending you my application for the school internship.

My name is [first name surname], I am 14 years old and in year 9 at [school] in [town]. From [date] to [date] our school runs a work experience placement, and I would really like to do mine in your workshop.

I have been interested in cars for a long time. I often help my uncle when he works on his old [car brand] — I can already change tyres and check the oil level. At school, my favourite subjects are technology and physics. During the internship I would like to see how work in a real workshop is done and find out whether car mechatronics might be the right career for me.

I am reliable and punctual — my coach at [club] and my form teacher can confirm that. I would be very happy to receive a placement.

Yours sincerely [First name Surname]

Why this letter goes down well

Because it is honest and simple. The student does not pretend to have work experience — he writes what is actually true: he helps his uncle with the car, likes technology, wants to find out about the job. That is exactly what a workshop wants to read. Inflated sentences like “I hereby apply with great enthusiasm for the position” do not sound professional from a 14-year-old — they sound memorised. Honest and simple beats business language here, every time.

What companies actually expect from you

Not professionals — promise. Only three things matter: punctuality (better ten minutes early), genuine interest (asking questions is welcome!) and reliability (let them know if you are ill). Show those three, and you will often leave with a really good internship reference.

Typical mistakes — and how to avoid them

1. Letting parents write it — every company notices immediately. Write it yourself; parents may only proofread.
2. Giant stock phrases — “With great enthusiasm I hereby apply…” does not sound like you. Write normally.
3. Starting too late — popular placements are gone months in advance. Start early.
4. Forgetting the dates — the company needs to know when your internship takes place.
5. Writing only one application — better to ask three or four companies at the same time.

Checklist: ready to send?

• Internship dates stated in the letter?
• Written by you, in your own words?
• One real reason why the job interests you?
• Contact person's name spelled correctly?
• One-page CV attached?
• Someone has proofread it (read, not written!)?

If you get stuck on the wording: our AI cover letter generator helps you with a first draft in simple, honest language — you then add your own examples and your own tone. That way, it stays your application.