- Cooks are a shortage occupation in Germany.
- Routes: recognition, the experience route, or Ausbildung.
- The experience route needs €45,630 a year in 2026 or a collective agreement.
- Basic German makes a big difference in kitchens.
Cooks are one of the occupations Germany is short of, according to the Federal Employment Agency. Restaurants, hotels and canteens across the country look for staff. Here is how the routes work.
The job market in Germany
Hotels, restaurants, catering and canteens hire cooks across Germany, including in tourist regions.
How much German you need
Most kitchens work in German, so A2 to B1 German helps a lot. Some international hotels and restaurants hire with less German.
Work permit and recognition
With a recognised cook qualification you can get a skilled worker permit. The experience route also works for cooks: a qualification recognised in your country with at least two years of training, 2 years of experience in the last 5, and at least €45,630 a year in 2026, or pay under a collective agreement (Make it in Germany). Ausbildung as a cook is another route.
What to show on your CV
- Your training and the cuisines you know.
- Kitchen positions you held and team sizes.
- Hygiene and food safety training.
- Your German level.
Where these jobs are
Everywhere in Germany, especially cities and tourist regions.
For salary data by occupation and region, use the official Entgeltatlas of the Federal Employment Agency. For current English speaking jobs, see my live job board.
My plan for you
- Learn German to A2 or B1. Kitchens run in German.
- Check recognition of your training. Through Recognition in Germany.
- Consider Ausbildung. A paid training route if you are early in your career.
- Never pay for a job offer. Scam checklist.
Common questions
Are cooks in demand in Germany?
Yes. Cooks are on the Federal Employment Agency's list of shortage occupations.
Do cooks need German in Germany?
Usually yes, at least basic German, because kitchens work in German.
Sources
I moved to Germany for my master's, collected more than 1,000 rejections, and then got multiple job offers within six months. I work in digital marketing in Germany and help international professionals get hired in Europe. Read my story.