Preparatory service (Vorbereitungsdienst)
For all teaching careers, the Vorbereitungsdienst (preparatory service) is the second stage of teacher training, following higher education. Depending on the Land and the type of teaching career, it varies in length from 18 to 24 months and places emphasis on different areas. It involves setting lessons, guided and independent teaching in training schools and studies in educational theory and subject-related didactics at seminars, which reappraise and consolidate experience gained through practical training.