In short: The key German terms on the way to working as a nurse in Germany, briefly explained.
Note: This page provides general information and is not legal advice. The law and the decisions of the competent authorities are decisive; rules can change. As of October 2026.
Terms
- Anerkennung (recognition / equivalence check)
Check by the competent state authority whether a foreign nursing qualification is equivalent to German training. Result: full, partial or no equivalence. According to Make it in Germany it usually takes three to four months.
- Defizitbescheid (deficit notice)
Colloquial term for a notice that lists substantial differences from German training and how they can be compensated.
- Kenntnisprüfung (knowledge test)
An examination to compensate the identified differences; it covers the content of the state final examination (§ 40 PflBG).
- Anpassungslehrgang (adaptation course)
A compensation measure with theory and practice of at most three years, ending with an examination on its content (§ 40 PflBG). Applicants have the right to choose between knowledge test and adaptation course.
- Fachsprachprüfung (specialist language exam)
Exam of job-related German for the licence. Which exam and level (often B2) is required is decided by each federal state.
- § 16d AufenthG
Residence for recognition measures. (1): up to 24 months, extension by up to 12 months to a maximum of three years, side job up to 20 hours a week. (3): recognition partnership with employment at the employer.
- § 18a AufenthG
Residence permit for skilled workers with (recognised) vocational training for qualified employment.
- § 81a AufenthG
Accelerated skilled worker procedure, applied for by the employer at the foreigners authority. Fee according to Make it in Germany EUR 411; no entitlement to a visa.
How Berlin Tehran helps
We help healthcare professionals prepare their documents in an orderly way and coordinate with employers, following a transparent 8-step process with up to 90 days of support after arrival. We are specialised in Iran and support healthcare professionals from all countries where private recruitment is permitted (see our ethical recruitment rules). We do not provide legal advice; authorities make all decisions.
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Frequently asked questions
What does Anerkennung mean?
Check by the competent state authority whether a foreign nursing qualification is equivalent to German training. Result: full, partial or no equivalence. According to Make it in Germany it usually takes three to four months.
What does Defizitbescheid mean?
Colloquial term for a notice that lists substantial differences from German training and how they can be compensated.
What does Kenntnisprüfung mean?
An examination to compensate the identified differences; it covers the content of the state final examination (§ 40 PflBG).
What does Anpassungslehrgang mean?
A compensation measure with theory and practice of at most three years, ending with an examination on its content (§ 40 PflBG). Applicants have the right to choose between knowledge test and adaptation course.