Document background
The Internship Employment Agreement is a legally binding document used in Germany to formalize the relationship between an employer and an intern. It is essential for compliance with German employment law, including the Berufsbildungsgesetz (BBiG), Nachweisgesetz, and various other regulations governing internships. This document is required whether the internship is mandatory (as part of educational requirements) or voluntary, paid or unpaid (subject to minimum wage exceptions). It protects both the employer's and intern's interests by clearly defining the terms of engagement, learning objectives, supervision arrangements, and other critical aspects of the internship relationship. The agreement must be signed before the internship begins and should be tailored to comply with specific requirements if the intern is a student, under 18, or if the internship is part of a formal education program.
