Exam Date: August 17, 2025
The Intermediate Service Exam (Gehobener Dienst Prüfung) is designed for candidates aiming for administrative, technical, and specialized positions in the German civil service at the mid-level, typically requiring a higher education degree or advanced vocational training.
Eligibility Criteria
• Educational Qualification:
o A Fachhochschulreife (advanced technical college entrance qualification) or equivalent.
o Often requires a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent vocational qualification) in a relevant field.
• Age Limit: Varies by state, commonly under 35 years.
• Citizenship: German or EU citizenship generally required.
• Language: Proficiency in German (usually native or near-native level).
• Additional Requirements: Good health, no criminal record.
Exam Pattern
• Written Exam:
o Typically consists of multiple papers covering various subjects.
o Question types: Multiple choice, essay questions, case studies, and practical tasks.
o Duration: Usually 3–5 hours per paper.
• Oral Exam:
o Interview and/or presentation based on written exam topics and situational judgment.
o Tests communication skills, problem-solving, and professional knowledge.
• Practical/Assessment Center (in some cases):
o Group exercises, role plays, and psychological tests to evaluate teamwork and leadership potential.
Syllabus
General Knowledge and Language
• Advanced German language skills: comprehension, writing, communication.
• German political system and constitutional law.
• Current affairs and social issues.
Public Administration and Law
• Administrative law and procedures.
• Social security and labor law basics.
• Public finance and budgeting.
Specialized Subjects (Depending on Sector)
• Economics and business administration.
• IT and digital administration basics.
• Environmental law or technical knowledge for relevant fields (e.g., police, customs).
Analytical and Logical Reasoning
• Data interpretation and analysis.
• Problem-solving scenarios.
1. Understand the Exam Structure:
Obtain official syllabi and exam regulations from the relevant civil service authority.
2. Strengthen Language Skills:
Focus on advanced German grammar, essay writing, and comprehension relevant to public administration.
3. Study Public Law and Administration:
Use textbooks on German administrative law, social law, and political science.
4. Keep Updated on Current Affairs:
Regularly read newspapers, official publications, and relevant websites.
5. Practice Past Papers:
Solve previous years’ question papers to get familiar with exam format and time management.
6. Prepare for Oral and Practical Tests:
Practice interviews, role-plays, and group discussions with peers or mentors.
7. Attend Preparation Courses:
Join civil service exam prep classes or online courses specialized for Gehobener Dienst exams.
8. Develop Soft Skills:
Communication, teamwork, and leadership skills are crucial for oral and assessment phases.
May 16 to May 24, 2025
To qualify for the Mittlerer Dienst, candidates generally need:
Educational Background: A secondary school leaving certificate (Realschulabschluss) or an equivalent qualification.
Vocational Training: Completion of a vocational training program relevant to the specific civil service role.
Language Proficiency: Proficiency in the German language, typically at a B2 level or higher, depending on the specific requirements of the position.
The recruitment process typically involves:
Application: Submit an application to the specific public authority offering the position.
Selection Tests: Written tests assessing general knowledge, logical reasoning, and job-specific skills.
Interviews: Personal interviews to evaluate suitability for the role.
Medical Examination: Assessment of physical and mental health to ensure fitness for duty.
Appointment: Successful candidates are appointed as civil servants in the preparatory service.
Generally, to become a civil servant (Beamter) in Germany, candidates must be nationals of Germany or another EU/EEA member state or Switzerland. However, there are exceptions, and some federal states may allow non-EU citizens to apply for certain positions in the Mittlerer Dienst, especially in technical or specialized roles. It's essential to check the specific requirements of the state or institution offering the position.