The Federal Voluntary Service (BFD)

Want to get a taste of a career in the social services? Need to fill a gap year? Looking to explore new options? If you haven’t yet found an apprenticeship or a spot in a college program, the Federal Volunteer Service (BFD) is a great way to make good use of your time until you start your training or studies, while gaining valuable insights and experiences. For certain apprenticeship programs and college majors, your time in the BFD can even count toward an internship requirement.

The Federal Volunteer Service is aimed at all people who want to make a contribution to society. Age, gender or type of school-leaving qualification are irrelevant. The only requirement is that you have completed compulsory full-time schooling. The assignment in a non-profit organization usually lasts one year, but at least six and at most eighteen months.

© BAFzA Astrid Piethan

Volunteers receive pocket money of up to 423 euros per month (as of 2022). During their period of voluntary service, they are members of the statutory health, pension, long-term care, accident and unemployment insurance schemes. All contributions, i.e. both the employer's and the employee's share, are paid by the assignment location. Parents of adult volunteers can receive child benefit until their children reach the age of 25.

You can find more information and a placement search tool on the website www.bundesfreiwilligendienst.de. You can also contact a placement agency directly or speak with one of the Federal Office’s advisors; their contact information is also listed on the website.

You can search for job openings at www.freiwillig-ja.de/stellensuche.