der  Ausbildungsplatz

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈʔaʊsˌbɪldʊŋsˌplat͡s/

🎓 What exactly is an 'Ausbildungsplatz'?

An Ausbildungsplatz (noun, masculine) refers to a position within a company or organization specifically designed to teach a person (the Auszubildende or Azubi - apprentice/trainee) the practical and theoretical knowledge and skills of a recognized apprenticeship trade (Ausbildungsberuf). So, it's a place where you complete vocational training.

It can also be called a Lehrstelle (apprenticeship position). The training usually takes place within the 'dual system' (duales System), meaning practical work in the company and theoretical lessons at a vocational school (Berufsschule).

Since the base word 'Platz' (place, spot, position) is masculine (der Platz), 'Ausbildungsplatz' is also always masculine: der Ausbildungsplatz.

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar Deep Dive: Der Ausbildungsplatz

The word 'Ausbildungsplatz' is a masculine noun. The article is always der.

📝 Example Sentences:

1. Er hat endlich einen Ausbildungsplatz als Mechatroniker gefunden.
   He finally found an apprenticeship position as a mechatronics technician.
2. Die Firma bietet jedes Jahr mehrere Ausbildungsplätze an.
   The company offers several apprenticeship positions every year.
3. Die Suche nach dem richtigen Ausbildungsplatz kann schwierig sein.
   The search for the right apprenticeship position can be difficult.
4. Mit einem guten Ausbildungsplatz legt man den Grundstein für die Karriere.
   With a good apprenticeship position, you lay the foundation for your career.

💡 How to Use 'Ausbildungsplatz'?

The term Ausbildungsplatz is mainly used in the context of vocational training and career planning.

• Job search: Teenagers and young adults search for freie Ausbildungsplätze (available apprenticeship positions). Websites like the one from the Agentur für Arbeit (Federal Employment Agency) list thousands of Ausbildungsplätze.
• Companies: Companies advertise Ausbildungsplätze to attract and train junior staff. They talk about the Vergabe von Ausbildungsplätzen (allocation of apprenticeship positions).
• Contracts: The Ausbildungsvertrag (apprenticeship contract) regulates the rights and obligations associated with the Ausbildungsplatz.
• Education system: The term is central to the German dual vocational training system. The Anzahl der angebotenen Ausbildungsplätze (number of offered apprenticeship positions) is an important indicator for the job market.

Distinction: An Ausbildungsplatz is more specific than a general Arbeitsplatz (workplace) or Job, as it focuses on learning a profession. It also differs from a Praktikumsplatz (internship position), which is often shorter and primarily serves to gain initial experience, not necessarily a complete vocational training.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of 'der Platz' (the place/spot). An Ausbildungsplatz is a specific Platz for learning. Many common 'place' words in German are masculine (der Marktplatz, der Parkplatz, der Arbeitsplatz). So: der Ausbildungsplatz.

Meaning Mnemonic: 'Ausbildung (training) comes first, at this Platz (place) the career starts.' Combining learning (Ausbildung) and location (Platz) gives the meaning.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Caution with similar words:

• Praktikumsplatz: (Internship position) Usually for orientation or gaining initial experience, not a full apprenticeship according to the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz).
• Weiterbildungsplatz: (Further training position) Refers to courses for people who already have training or professional experience.

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef den neuen Azubi: "Na, wie gefällt Ihnen Ihr neuer Ausbildungsplatz?"
Azubi: "Super! Nur das frühe Aufstehen jeden Mittag stört mich etwas."

Translation: The boss asks the new apprentice: "So, how do you like your new apprenticeship position?"
Apprentice: "Great! Only waking up early every noon bothers me a bit."

📜 A Poem about the Ausbildungsplatz

Gesucht, gefunden, mit viel Mut,
Der Ausbildungsplatz, der tut mir gut.
Lernen, schaffen, Tag für Tag,
Bis ich den Beruf im Griff dann hab.
Vom Azubi zum Gesell', die Zeit vergeht,
Ein guter Start, der Früchte trägt.

Translation:
Sought, found, with lots of courage,
The apprenticeship position, it does me good.
Learning, working, day by day,
Until I've mastered the profession.
From apprentice to journeyman, time flies,
A good start that bears fruit.

❓ Little Riddle

Ich bin ein Ort, doch kein Zuhaus,
Hier lernt man viel, Tag ein, Tag aus.
Man braucht Vertrag und etwas Fleiß,
Für einen Beruf, das ist der Preis.
Mit "der" fängt's an, bist du bereit? Was bin ich wohl in dieser Zeit?

Translation:
I am a place, but not a home,
Here you learn a lot, day in, day out.
You need a contract and some diligence,
For a profession, that's the price.
It starts with "der", are you ready?
What might I be in this era?

Solution: Der Ausbildungsplatz

ℹ️ More Interesting Facts

Word Composition:

The word "Ausbildungsplatz" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Die Ausbildung: The process of learning a profession (training, apprenticeship).
• Der Platz: Here in the sense of position, spot, place.

Cultural Context: The Dual System (Duales System)

The term is closely linked to the German duales Ausbildungssystem (dual vocational training system). This system combines practical work and learning within a company with theoretical education at a vocational school (Berufsschule). It's a cornerstone of the German economy and the training of skilled workers (Fachkräfte).