Hygiene FAQ (2026) — 30 Most Frequently Asked Questions and Answers About the Hygiene Course, Health Certificate (Gesundheitszeugnis), and Working with Food in Germany

Hygiene and food safety are regulated very strictly in Germany.

For this reason, employees in many professions involving the preparation, storage, processing, or sale of food must complete a special hygiene instruction before starting work.

Although many people still use the term Gesundheitszeugnis (Health Certificate), the official term today is §43 Belehrung (Instruction According to Section 43 of the German Infection Protection Act).

This certificate is one of the most frequently required qualifications in gastronomy, food production, catering, bakeries, cafeterias, and other food-related industries.

In this article, you'll find answers to the 30 most common questions about the hygiene course, hygiene certificate, legal requirements, and working with food in Germany.

1. What Is a Gesundheitszeugnis (Health Certificate)?

Gesundheitszeugnis is a term that many people in Germany still use when referring to the hygiene certificate required for working with food. Although the term is widely known, it is no longer officially used.

Today, the former medical examination has been replaced by an instruction according to Section 43 of the German Infection Protection Act (Infektionsschutzgesetz). Therefore, the officially correct term is §43 Belehrung.

However, in practice, the term Gesundheitszeugnis is still frequently used in job advertisements, employer conversations, and everyday language.

If an employer asks for a Gesundheitszeugnis, they usually mean the §43 certificate.

Many foreigners initially believe that a medical examination or special doctor's certificate is required. In reality, attending the hygiene instruction and receiving the certificate is sufficient in most cases.

2. What Is the §43 Belehrung?

The §43 Belehrung is a mandatory hygiene instruction for people who work professionally with food.

During the instruction, participants learn about:

• food safety fundamentals;
• infection risks;
• personal hygiene requirements;
• reporting obligations for certain illnesses;
• safe handling of food products.

The purpose of the instruction is to reduce the risk of spreading infections and protect consumers.

After completing the instruction, participants receive a certificate that can be presented to an employer.

This requirement applies to thousands of employees throughout Germany, and in many professions it is impossible to start work without this certificate.

3. Are Gesundheitszeugnis and §43 Belehrung the Same Thing?

Practically speaking — yes.

Officially — no.

In the past, Germany used a medical examination commonly known as the Gesundheitszeugnis.

Later, the system was changed, and the medical examination was replaced by a hygiene instruction according to Section 43 of the Infection Protection Act.

Today, the legally correct term is §43 Belehrung.

However, many people still use the old term Gesundheitszeugnis.

This is why both terms are commonly found on websites, in job advertisements, and on social media.

If you see either term, it usually refers to the same requirement for working with food in Germany.

4. Is the Hygiene Course Mandatory in Germany?

In many professions, yes.

If your job duties involve preparing, processing, storing, packaging, or distributing food, employers will usually require a §43 certificate.

This requirement applies to both full-time and many part-time employees.

Employers are legally obligated to ensure that employees have received the required instruction.

As a result, it is often impossible to start work without this certificate.

The purpose of the requirement is not to make job searching more difficult, but to protect consumer health and reduce food contamination risks.

5. Who Needs a Hygiene Course?

The hygiene instruction is required for people who work professionally with food.

This applies to people who:

• prepare food;
• process food products;
• package food;
• store food;
• sell certain food products.

The requirement exists to reduce the risk of infections and food contamination.

Even if job duties appear simple, employees may come into direct contact with food, so hygiene regulations still apply.

Many people first encounter this requirement when looking for work in restaurants, bakeries, cafeterias, or food production companies.

6. Which Professions Require a §43 Certificate?

The certificate is most commonly required for:

• chefs and cooks;
• kitchen assistants;
• kitchen staff;
• bakers;
• pastry chefs;
• butchers;
• food production workers;
• cafeteria employees;
• catering staff;
• food sales employees.

Specific requirements may vary depending on job duties.

If you are unsure, it is best to ask your employer or the responsible Health Department (Gesundheitsamt).

It is important to remember that requirements may differ even between positions within the same company.

7. Is a Hygiene Course Required for Working in a Restaurant?

Almost always, yes.

Restaurant employees come into direct contact with food every day, so employers generally require a §43 certificate.

This applies not only to chefs but often also to:

• kitchen assistants;
• kitchen staff;
• food preparation workers;
• in some cases, other restaurant employees.

If you plan to work in a restaurant in Germany, it is advisable to clarify the requirements before starting work.

Many employers view applicants positively if they already have the certificate before attending a job interview.

8. Is a Hygiene Course Required for Working in a Kitchen?

Yes.

The kitchen is one of the most typical workplaces where a §43 instruction is required.

Kitchen employees regularly work with:

• fresh products;
• meat;
• fish;
• dairy products;
• prepared meals.

For this reason, hygiene regulations are particularly important.

Improper food handling can create risks for both customers and the business itself.

Employers usually take compliance with hygiene regulations very seriously because violations can seriously damage a company's reputation.

9. Is a Hygiene Course Required for Working in a Bakery?

Very often, yes.

Bakery employees work daily with food products and finished baked goods.

Depending on the job duties, a §43 certificate may be required for:

• bakers;
• pastry chefs;
• production workers;
• sales staff.

Requirements can vary depending on the company and specific position.

Because bakery work often involves direct contact with food, employers frequently require the certificate before employment begins.

10. Is a Hygiene Course Required for Working in a Grocery Store?

It depends on the job duties.

If an employee only operates a cash register and does not handle unpackaged food, requirements may differ.

However, if the job involves:

• fresh meat departments;
• delicatessen departments;
• bakery departments;
• food preparation;
• food processing,

the employer will often require a §43 certificate.

For this reason, it is always advisable to clarify the requirements for the specific position.

Large supermarkets may have different requirements for different departments, so there is no universal answer.

11. Is a Hygiene Course Required for Working in a Warehouse?

It depends on the type of warehouse and the employee's job duties.

If a warehouse handles food products and employees come into direct contact with food, the employer may require a §43 certificate.

However, in many logistics warehouses where employees only handle packaged goods and do not come into direct contact with food, this requirement often does not apply.

For example:

• e-commerce warehouses: usually not required;
• electronics warehouses: usually not required;
• food warehouses: may be required;
• warehouses at food production facilities: often required.

If you are unsure, it is best to clarify the requirements with the employer before applying.

12. Is a Hygiene Course Required in Food Production?

Yes, very often.

Employees in food production companies regularly work with food products at various stages of processing.

This may include:

• product preparation;
• packaging;
• processing;
• quality control;
• storage.

Because food safety is especially important in this industry, employers typically require a §43 certificate before employment begins.

Many companies also provide regular internal hygiene training to ensure employees remain informed about current requirements.

13. Are Additional Certificates Required Besides the §43 Certificate?

In many cases, the §43 Belehrung is the only mandatory requirement for starting work.

However, depending on the profession and job responsibilities, employers may also require additional training or certifications.

The most common examples include:

• HACCP training;
• internal company hygiene training;
• forklift license (Staplerschein) in food logistics;
• First Aid training (Erste Hilfe) in certain companies;
• specialized food safety and quality management training.

The exact requirements depend on the employer and workplace.

In most cases, these additional trainings are provided by the employer after employment begins.

14. Where Can You Obtain a §43 Belehrung?

The instruction can be obtained from several different organizations.

Most commonly, it is offered by:

• Health Departments (Gesundheitsamt);
• municipal health services;
• authorized training providers;
• in some regions, online platforms.

Availability and registration procedures vary depending on the federal state and municipality.

In some cities, demand for appointments is high, and registration may be required several weeks in advance.

If you plan to start work soon, it is advisable to register as early as possible.

Many employers ask during the job interview whether the applicant already has the certificate.

15. How Much Does a Hygiene Course Cost in Germany?

The fee varies depending on the region.

Typically, the cost ranges from approximately €20 to €60.

In some municipalities the fee may be lower, while in others it may be slightly higher.

In certain situations, the cost may be covered by:

• the employer;
• recruitment agencies;
• training programs.

Before registering, it is always worth asking whether the cost can be reimbursed.

Some employers are willing to pay for the course, especially when they urgently need new staff.

16. How Long Does the Hygiene Instruction Take?

In most cases, the instruction is relatively short.

It usually takes between 30 and 90 minutes.

During the session, participants learn about:

• hygiene requirements;
• food safety regulations;
• infection risks;
• employee responsibilities.

The exact duration may vary depending on the provider and the course format.

Many people are surprised that the certificate can be obtained so quickly, sometimes even within a single day.

17. Is There an Exam After the Course?

Usually not.

The §43 Belehrung is not a traditional examination like the German Citizenship Test (Einbürgerungstest) or the Forklift License Test (Staplerschein).

The primary purpose of the instruction is to inform employees about their responsibilities and hygiene requirements.

In some cases, there may be a short knowledge check or confirmation that participants have understood the information provided.

However, in most situations there is no difficult exam or grading process.

18. Can You Fail the Hygiene Course?

Usually not.

Since the purpose of the instruction is to educate rather than examine, most participants receive the certificate after completing the course.

The most important requirements are:

• attend the instruction;
• listen to the information provided;
• follow the organizer's requirements;
• present the required documents.

If a person does not attend or does not complete the instruction, the certificate will not be issued.

19. What Documents Are Required?

In most cases, a valid identification document is required.

Depending on the provider, additional documents may include:

• registration information;
• address information;
• payment confirmation;
• other identification documents.

Requirements may vary slightly from region to region.

Before attending the instruction, it is recommended to check the organizer's requirements to avoid surprises on the day of the course.

20. Do You Need a Passport or ID Card?

Yes.

Identity verification is one of the standard requirements.

Usually, the following documents are accepted:

• passport;
• national ID card;
• in some cases, a residence permit.

Without proof of identity, the organizer may refuse to issue the certificate.

For this reason, it is advisable to prepare your documents in advance and ensure they are still valid.

21. Can the Course Be Completed Online?

In some regions, yes.

In recent years, more and more municipalities and training providers have started offering digital solutions for completing the hygiene instruction.

However, regulations may differ between Germany's federal states.

Therefore, you should always check:

• whether the online format is permitted in your region;
• whether identity verification is required;
• how the certificate is issued.

If online instruction is available, it can save time and eliminate the need for an in-person visit.

However, some regions still prefer face-to-face instruction. For this reason, it is important to review the requirements of the local authority or training provider.

22. Is the Hygiene Course Available in Other Languages?

In some regions, yes.

Although most instructions are conducted in German, some providers offer materials or instructions in other languages as well.

The most commonly available languages include:

• English;
• Russian;
• Turkish;
• Polish;
• other languages depending on the region.

Availability varies between federal states and municipalities.

If your German language skills are not yet sufficient, it is recommended to ask the training provider about available language options before registering.

Even if the instruction is available in another language, basic German skills are often still necessary in the workplace.

23. Are German Language Skills Required?

At a basic level, yes.

Even if the instruction is available in another language, employees working with food often need to understand:

• workplace safety instructions;
• hygiene procedures;
• instructions from colleagues;
• employer requirements.

Good German language skills help prevent mistakes and improve career opportunities.

For this reason, many employers value workers who continue learning German while working.

The higher your German proficiency, the more career opportunities are generally available in gastronomy and the food industry.

24. How Long Is the §43 Certificate Valid?

The certificate itself generally does not expire.

However, there is one important detail to understand.

After receiving the certificate, there is often a limited period within which the first employment in the food industry must begin. If a person does not start working in the food sector for an extended period, a new instruction may become necessary.

In addition, employers are legally required to organize regular follow-up hygiene training within the company.

For this reason, it is always advisable to clarify the requirements with the employer.

Many people mistakenly believe that the certificate must be renewed every few years. In most cases, this is not necessary.

However, employees are still required to follow hygiene regulations and participate in the employer's recurring training sessions.

25. Does the Certificate Need to Be Renewed?

Usually not.

Unlike some other certificates, the §43 certificate does not have a regular expiration date that requires reissuance.

However, employers must regularly conduct hygiene instruction sessions within their companies.

The purpose of these sessions is to remind employees of important hygiene rules and ensure that all requirements continue to be followed.

These refresher sessions are not the same as obtaining a new certificate. They serve to refresh knowledge and maintain compliance with current regulations.

26. What Should You Do If the Certificate Is Lost?

If the certificate is lost, you should contact the authority or organization that originally issued it.

In some cases, it may be possible to obtain:

• a duplicate certificate;
• a copy of the certificate;
• a confirmation of attendance.

Available options vary depending on the region and the date of issue.

For this reason, it is recommended to keep a digital copy of the certificate.

A digital copy can significantly simplify the replacement process in the future.

27. Is the Certificate Valid Throughout Germany?

Yes.

The §43 certificate is not tied to a specific federal state or city.

If the instruction was completed according to legal requirements, the certificate can be used anywhere in Germany.

This is especially important for people who:

• change their place of residence;
• move to another federal state;
• search for jobs in different regions.

This flexibility makes job searching and mobility within the German labor market much easier.

28. Can Foreigners Obtain a Hygiene Certificate?

Yes.

Foreign nationals are fully eligible to obtain a §43 certificate.

In most cases, the following are required:

• a valid identification document;
• proper identity verification;
• participation in the instruction.

Every year, many people from other countries receive this certificate and successfully work in Germany's gastronomy, food production, and related industries.

For this reason, it is one of the most commonly obtained documents among people who have recently moved to Germany.

29. What Are the Most Common Mistakes When Working With Food?

Most problems are caused not by a lack of knowledge but by carelessness.

The most common mistakes include:

• inadequate hand washing;
• working while sick;
• dirty work clothing;
• improper food storage;
• cross-contamination;
• poor temperature control.

These mistakes can create risks for both customers and businesses.

This is why employers place such strong emphasis on hygiene requirements.

For more information, see the article: The Most Common Mistakes When Working With Food in Germany (2026)

30. How Can You Prepare for Working With Food in Germany?

Preparation helps people find jobs more quickly and start their careers more successfully.

It is recommended to:

• learn about hygiene requirements;
• obtain the §43 certificate;
• learn important German industry terminology;
• prepare a professional CV;
• understand job responsibilities;
• read about workplace safety and food safety fundamentals.

People who arrive well prepared often adapt faster to a new work environment and gain employers' trust more quickly.

The better a candidate understands industry requirements, the easier it becomes to find work and build a successful career in Germany.

Other Names for the §43 Certificate

Many people search for information about the hygiene instruction using different terms. This often causes confusion because employers, training providers, and job seekers may use different names for the same requirement.

The most common terms include:

• Gesundheitszeugnis;
• §43 Belehrung;
• Instruction According to Section 43 of the Infection Protection Act;
• Hygiene Instruction;
• Hygiene Training;
• Hygiene Course;
• Hygiene Certificate;
• Certificate According to §43 IfSG.

Although the names differ, they usually refer to the same legal requirement for working with food in Germany.

What Happens During the Hygiene Instruction?

Many people feel nervous before attending the course because they do not know what to expect.

In reality, the instruction is relatively simple and is designed to help employees understand the most important principles of food safety.

The following topics are typically covered:

• personal hygiene;
• proper handwashing procedures;
• risks of food contamination;
• spread of infections;
• reporting obligations for illnesses;
• food safety regulations;
• employee responsibilities;
• employer responsibilities.

The goal is not to test participants but to ensure they understand the most important rules and can follow them in their daily work.

This is why most people find the instruction straightforward and easy to understand.

Which Diseases Must Be Reported to the Employer?

People who work with food are legally required to inform their employer about certain health conditions in specific situations.

This requirement exists to prevent the spread of infections and protect consumer health.

Examples include:

• salmonella infections;
• infectious diarrhea;
• hepatitis;
• certain intestinal infections;
• infectious skin diseases;
• other illnesses that may affect food safety.

If you are unsure whether a condition must be reported, it is always advisable to consult a doctor or your employer.

It is important to understand that the purpose of the reporting obligation is not to punish employees but to protect customers, colleagues, and the business itself.

Is a Hygiene Certificate Required for a Mini-Job?

Very often, yes.

Many people mistakenly believe that Mini-Jobs or part-time jobs are exempt from hygiene requirements.

In reality, the deciding factor is not the number of working hours but the actual job duties.

If a Mini-Job includes:

• working in a restaurant;
• working in a kitchen;
• working in a bakery;
• working in food production;
• working in a cafeteria;
• working in a catering company,

the employer will usually require a §43 certificate.

This also applies to seasonal jobs, student jobs, and summer jobs.

If a person comes into direct contact with food, the requirements are generally the same as for full-time employees.

Do Students and School Pupils Need a Hygiene Certificate?

In many cases, yes.

Students and school pupils often take seasonal jobs, Mini-Jobs, or part-time positions in gastronomy and the food industry.

If the work involves handling food, the requirements are usually the same as for all other employees.

This means that a student or school pupil may also need to:

• complete the §43 instruction;
• obtain the certificate;
• follow hygiene regulations.

Many students find their first job in Germany in the gastronomy sector.

As a result, the §43 certificate is often one of the first employment-related documents they obtain.

Most Common Professions Requiring a §43 Certificate

Professions Most Commonly Requiring a §43 Certificate

Most people first encounter hygiene instruction while searching for jobs in gastronomy or the food industry.

The §43 certificate is most commonly required for:

• chefs and cooks;
• kitchen assistants;
• kitchen staff;
• bakers;
• pastry chefs;
• butchers;
• food production workers;
• cafeteria employees;
• catering employees;
• delicatessen department employees.

Many of these professions are accessible even without previous experience.

For example:

• kitchen assistant;
• catering employee;
• food production worker;
• food packaging worker;
• cafeteria employee.

These jobs often become the first workplace for people who have recently moved to Germany.

However, professions such as chef, baker, pastry chef, or butcher usually require vocational qualifications or previous work experience.

The higher the qualification level and the better the German language skills, the greater the career opportunities and earning potential.

How Much Do Food Industry Employees Earn in Germany?

Many people who are interested in the §43 Belehrung or Gesundheitszeugnis are also looking for information about job opportunities and salaries.

Income depends on:

• profession;
• region;
• experience;
• employer;
• working hours;
• qualifications.

The information is based on publicly available labor market data, including data from the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit) and the German Entgeltatlas.

The 10 Most Important Hygiene Rules When Working With Food

1. Wash Your Hands Regularly. Handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses.
2. Do Not Work While Sick. Employees must immediately inform their employer about certain illnesses.
3. Keep Work Clothing Clean. Dirty work clothing can become a source of contamination.
4. Store Products Properly. Every food product must be stored at the correct temperature and under appropriate conditions.
5. Prevent Cross-Contamination. Raw meat must never come into contact with ready-to-eat food.
6. Clean the Workplace Regularly. A clean work environment is one of the key requirements for food safety.
7. Follow Temperature Requirements. Incorrect temperatures encourage bacterial growth.
8. Use Equipment Correctly. Work tools and equipment must be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
9. Follow Employer Instructions. Internal company rules often supplement general legal requirements.
10. Continuously Improve Your Knowledge. Food safety requirements are regularly updated and improved.

Most Common Mistakes When Working With Food

Typical mistakes include:

• inadequate handwashing;
• continuing to work while sick;
• dirty work clothing;
• storing products at incorrect temperatures;
• contact between ready-to-eat food and raw products;
• insufficient cleaning of work surfaces;
• ignoring workplace instructions.

For more information, see the article: The Most Common Mistakes When Working With Food in Germany (2026)

Sources Used in This Article

The information in this article is based on:

• the German Infection Protection Act (Infektionsschutzgesetz);
• §43 Belehrung requirements;
• materials provided by German Health Departments (Gesundheitsamt);
• publicly available food safety resources;
• information from the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit);
• salary data from the Entgeltatlas.

Hygiene World on the DMS Platform

• ✅ Hygiene Certificate in Germany (2026)
• ✅ The Most Common Mistakes When Working With Food in Germany (2026)
• ✅ Hygiene FAQ (2026)

Together, these articles form the foundation of the DMS Hygiene World and help people prepare for employment in Germany's food industry.

DMS Learning Path for Hygiene

1. Read the article Hygiene Certificate in Germany (2026).
2. Learn about the most common mistakes when working with food.
3. Use this FAQ as a reference guide.
4. Learn professional German vocabulary through DMS topics.
5. Practice with Word Search and other learning games.
6. Test your knowledge through quizzes and exams.
7. Improve your German language skills in everyday life.

Conclusion

Working with food in Germany involves a high level of responsibility and strict hygiene requirements. For this reason, many professions require the §43 Belehrung, which many people still refer to as the Gesundheitszeugnis.

Although the requirements may initially seem complicated, obtaining the certificate is usually simple and does not take much time. The most important thing is to understand the basic principles of hygiene and apply them consistently in everyday work.

The better employees understand food safety regulations, the easier it becomes to protect consumer health, maintain professional standards, and build a successful career in Germany.

Whether you plan to work in a restaurant, bakery, cafeteria, catering company, food production facility, delicatessen department, or food warehouse, the §43 Certificate is often one of the first and most important steps toward employment in Germany's food industry.