Requirements for Civil Servant Status
To become a civil servant, one usually needs to possess German citizenship or that of an EU member state. Exceptions are possible in cases of special official interest. Additionally, a corresponding vocational training (Ausbildung) or degree, medical fitness, and personal suitability are required. Medical fitness is determined through an official medical examination.
Career Groups
The civil servant status in Germany is divided into four career groups: lower, middle, higher, and senior service. These differ in terms of pre-qualification requirements and fields of activity. The lower service generally requires a secondary school diploma, the middle service requires a secondary education certificate, the higher service necessitates a university of applied sciences degree, and the senior service requires a university degree.
Salary and Pension
The remuneration of civil servants is based on the Federal Salary Act (BBesG). The level of salary is determined by the respective salary group and years of service. Besides the salary, civil servants are entitled to retirement benefits in the form of pensions, which are also based on the salary group and years of service.
Permanent Appointment
After a probationary period, a permanent appointment can be granted. This offers extensive job security, as termination is only possible in exceptional cases. Civil servants are not allowed to strike and are subject to specific disciplinary regulations.
Rights and Duties
Civil servants have a duty of political neutrality and full devotion to their official responsibilities. They must comply with the law and uphold the reputation of public service. In return, they enjoy special job protection and are entitled to a state pension.
Differences from Public Sector Employees
Civil servants differ from public sector employees due to their special status governed by civil service law. While employees are compensated according to the Collective Agreement for the Public Service (TVöD), civil servants are subject to the Salary Act. Furthermore, unlike civil servants, employees have the right to strike.