Order Picking in Germany (2026) – Duties, Salary, Work Process, Common Mistakes and Career Opportunities
Are you planning to work in a warehouse in Germany or have you already started a career in the logistics industry? Then you will almost certainly encounter one of the most important processes in almost every warehouse: order picking.
Order picking is the process of selecting and collecting products according to customer orders. Order pickers ensure that the right products reach the right customers at the right time.
In this article, you will learn:
- what order picking is;
- what an order picker does;
- how the work process looks;
- how much order pickers earn in Germany;
- what skills are required;
- what mistakes are most common;
- how to build a career in logistics.
Is an Order Picker Job Right for You?
This profession is often a good choice for people who:
- ✅ want to start working in Germany quickly
- ✅ want a job without a long educational path
- ✅ are comfortable with physical work
- ✅ want to develop a career in logistics
- ✅ plan to obtain a forklift licence (Staplerschein) in the future
It may be less suitable if you:
- ❌ dislike active, movement-based work
- ❌ have serious health limitations
- ❌ do not want to work shifts
What Is Order Picking?
Order picking (German: Kommissionierung) is the process of selecting and collecting products from a warehouse according to a customer order.
A simple example:
A customer orders from an online store:
- work gloves;
- safety shoes;
- a work jacket.
The order picker locates these items in the warehouse, checks the quantity, and prepares them for shipment.
Without order picking, many modern industries would not function:
- e-commerce;
- courier and parcel delivery services;
- retail store supply chains;
- manufacturing supply chains.
What Does an Order Picker Do?
Daily responsibilities may include:
- receiving orders through a warehouse system;
- locating products in the warehouse;
- scanning items;
- checking quantities;
- assembling customer orders;
- moving products;
- preparing pallets;
- labelling goods;
- completing documentation;
- cooperating with packing and shipping departments.
In modern warehouses, much of the work is performed using:
- handheld scanners;
- tablets;
- Pick-by-Voice systems;
- warehouse management software (WMS).
How Does the Order Picking Process Work?
1. Receiving the Order
The employee receives instructions through:
- a scanner;
- a computer;
- a mobile terminal;
- a headset (Pick-by-Voice).
2. Locating the Products
The system provides:
- warehouse zone;
- rack location;
- storage position;
- product code.
3. Picking the Items
The employee:
- finds the product;
- verifies the code;
- picks the required quantity.
4. Scanning
The product is scanned so the system can confirm the correct selection.
5. Building the Order
All required items are collected and assembled into a complete order.
6. Transfer to Packing or Shipping
The order is prepared for the next stage of the logistics process.
Types of Order Picking
Manual Order Picking
The employee moves through the warehouse and collects products manually.
This is the most common method.
Pick-by-Scan
The work is guided by a scanner.
The system precisely indicates:
- location;
- product;
- quantity.
Pick-by-Voice
The employee receives instructions through a headset.
Advantages include:
- hands-free operation;
- faster work;
- fewer mistakes.
Automated Order Picking
Part of the work is performed by:
- conveyor systems;
- robots;
- automated warehouse technologies.
This approach is common in large logistics centres.
Order Picking vs Packing – What Is the Difference?
Many beginners confuse order picking with packing.
| Role | Responsible for |
|---|---|
| Order Picker | locating products, selecting items, assembling orders |
| Packing Employee | packing products, labelling shipments, preparing orders for delivery |
In some warehouses, one employee performs both tasks.
Order Picking vs Goods Receiving
| Process | Product flow |
|---|---|
| Order Picking | Warehouse → Customer |
| Goods Receiving (Wareneingang) | Supplier → Warehouse |
Both departments work closely together.
What Does a Typical Workday Look Like?
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 06:00 | Shift begins |
| 06:15 | Receiving a scanner and work assignments |
| 06:30 | Picking the first orders |
| 09:00 | Break |
| 09:30 | Continuing work |
| 12:00 | Peak order volume |
| 14:00 | End of shift |
Working hours vary depending on the employer.
How Much Does an Order Picker Earn in Germany?
Salary depends on:
- federal state;
- employer;
- experience;
- shift work;
- industry.
| Experience | Gross Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Beginner | €2,300–€2,600 |
| Experienced | €2,600–€2,900 |
| Shift Worker | €2,800–€3,200 |
| Large Logistics Centres | Up to €3,400 |
Additional payments are often provided for night shifts, weekends, and public holidays.
How Can You Increase Your Salary in Logistics?
Higher salaries are often achieved through:
- obtaining a forklift licence (Staplerschein);
- earning a Fachlagerist qualification;
- gaining Pick-by-Voice experience;
- working shifts;
- team leadership experience;
- improving German language skills.
Career Growth in Logistics
| Career Level | Gross Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Order Picker | €2,300–€2,900 |
| Warehouse Worker | €2,600–€3,100 |
| Forklift Driver | €2,800–€3,500 |
| Fachlagerist | €3,000–€3,600 |
| Team Leader | €3,500–€4,500 |
What Skills Are Required?
A successful order picker should have:
- attention to detail;
- accuracy;
- responsibility;
- physical endurance;
- teamwork skills;
- basic German language knowledge.
Additional advantages include:
- a forklift licence (Staplerschein);
- warehouse experience;
- Pick-by-Voice experience.
Common Mistakes in Order Picking
Picking the Wrong Product
This can result in customer complaints and product returns.
Incorrect Quantity
Too many or too few products create delivery problems.
Not Checking Product Codes
Always verify the product code, not just the packaging.
Skipping Scanning Procedures
This often leads to inventory discrepancies and system errors.
Ignoring Safety Rules
Especially dangerous in areas where forklifts and warehouse machinery operate.
Order Picker, Warehouse Worker or Fachlagerist?
| Profession | Main Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Order Picker | Preparing customer orders |
| Warehouse Worker | General warehouse tasks |
| Fachlagerist | Qualified warehouse specialist |
| Forklift Driver | Operating forklifts |
Top 10 Job Interview Questions for Order Pickers
- Do you have warehouse experience?
- Can you work with scanners?
- Do you have a forklift licence (Staplerschein)?
- Are you willing to work shifts?
- Can you lift heavier items?
- Do you have Pick-by-Voice experience?
- What would you do if you found the wrong product?
- Can you work in a team?
- What is your level of German?
- Why do you want to work in logistics?
German Language for Order Pickers
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Wo befindet sich der Lagerplatz? | Where is the storage location? |
| Der Artikel fehlt. | The item is missing. |
| Bitte scannen Sie die Ware. | Please scan the goods. |
| Die Bestellung ist fertig. | The order is complete. |
| Die Menge stimmt nicht. | The quantity is incorrect. |
| Der Scanner funktioniert nicht. | The scanner is not working. |
| Die Ware muss kontrolliert werden. | The goods must be checked. |
Do You Know These Warehouse Terms?
Test yourself:
- Wareneingang
- Warenausgang
- Kommissionierung
- Inventur
- Lagerplatz
If you do not know at least three of these terms, it is recommended to start learning warehouse German vocabulary.
Typical Warehouse Career Path
Order Picker
↓
Warehouse Worker
↓
Forklift Driver
↓
Fachlagerist
↓
Team Leader
DMS Learning Path for Order Pickers
If you plan to work in a warehouse in Germany, it is recommended to learn:
- Basic warehouse vocabulary
- Order picking terminology
- Goods receiving and shipping processes
- Inventory management principles
- Warehouse safety procedures
- Forklift theory (Staplerschein)
- Professional German for logistics
FAQ About Order Picking in Germany
What is order picking?
The process of selecting and assembling products according to customer orders.
Is vocational education required?
In many warehouses, formal vocational education is not mandatory.
Is a forklift licence required?
Not always, but it significantly improves employment opportunities.
Is the job physically demanding?
It depends on the warehouse and the type of products handled.
Can I work without good German language skills?
In many warehouses, yes. However, basic German is strongly recommended.
Are there career opportunities?
Yes. Many employees start as order pickers and later become warehouse specialists, forklift drivers, or team leaders.
Want to Work in a Warehouse in Germany?
Successful warehouse work requires more than just order-picking skills. You also need German language knowledge, safety awareness, and an understanding of logistics terminology.
On the Deutsch mit Spaß platform, you can learn:
- warehouse German;
- logistics terminology;
- forklift theory (Staplerschein);
- real workplace situations;
- interactive tests and games.
This can help you prepare more effectively for a career in Germany’s logistics sector.
Conclusion
Order picking is one of the most important processes in modern logistics. Working as an order picker is an excellent way to enter the warehouse industry, gain valuable experience, and progress into more qualified positions such as Fachlagerist, Forklift Driver, or Team Leader.
If you want to work in logistics in Germany, knowledge of order-picking processes, German language skills, and warehouse safety regulations can significantly increase your chances of finding a good job and building a successful career.
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