Details
Full member of WFOT since 1958
Working in Germany
General Information
Number of occupational therapists in Germany
65
In Germany , the term "occupational therapist" is also referred to as
Ergotherapeutin / Ergotherapeut
Main language(s) spoken in Germany
German
Registration
Occupational therapists are required to register with a federal/national organisation to practice
Not Required
Occupational therapists are required to register with a state/regional organisation to practice
Required
Please find the right authority for the state (Bundesland) you want to work in: https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/en/index.php (External) ↗
It is compulsory to join the German Association of Occupational Therapy e.V. in order to practice as an occupational therapist
No
Practicing Requirements
Graduation from a WFOT approved programme is required to register to practice
No
Language(s) that are required for occupational therapists to practice
German
Proficency in German at least on level B2 (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages)
Additional requirements for occupational therapists to practice
in some areas of practice a certificate of good conduct/ criminal record check is required
Employment Opportunities
Occupational therapy is recognised as a shortage occupation
Yes
According to German statistics agency Occupational Therapy is regarded under shortage
(score 2.7 in 2023)
https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/en/press/2024-25-qualified-specialists-urgently-required-shortages-in-183-occupations (External) ↗
(score 2.7 in 2023)
https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/en/press/2024-25-qualified-specialists-urgently-required-shortages-in-183-occupations (External) ↗
Sources of information for occupational therapist employment opportunities
OT-publications: • Journal of the German Association of Occupational Therapists, DVE “Ergotherapie & Rehabilitation” • Journal “ergoscience” OT-websites: • https://www.dve.info/component/search/service/stellenboerse (External) ↗ • https://www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/en/index.php (External) ↗ • http://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en (External) ↗ • https://www3.arbeitsagentur.de/web/content/DE/service/Ueberuns/WeitereDienststellen/ZentraleAuslandsundFachvermittlung/Arbeit/ArbeiteninDeutschland/index.htm (External) ↗
Immigration
Immigration regulations or visa requirements to practice
`Occupational Therapist (OT)’ is a regulated profession. To work as a certified and state-approved OT in Germany, you need an official allowance of the responsible German federal state (“Bundesland”). You will find relevant information on the following website: www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de/html/en/index.php. If you would like to have more information about working and living in Germany, please take a look at the following website: http://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/ (External) ↗.
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Occupational therapy assistants exist in Germany
No
Disclaimer: This information was provided by German Association of Occupational Therapy e.V. and was last updated on 30th August 2024. WFOT is not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or changes in the information provided. This information is intended as a guide and should be independently verified before making any decisions.
Definition of Occupational Therapy in Germany
German Association of Occupational Therapy e.V.'s definition of occupational therapy in own language
Ergotherapie unterstützt und begleitet Menschen jeden Alters, die in ihrer Handlungsfähigkeit eingeschränkt oder von Einschränkung bedroht sind. Ziel ist, sie bei der Durchführung für sie bedeutungsvoller Betätigungen in den Bereichen Selbstversorgung, Produktivität und Freizeit in ihrer persönlichen Umwelt zu stärken. Hierbei dienen spezifische Aktivitäten, Umweltanpassung und Beratung dazu, dem Menschen Handlungsfähigkeit im Alltag, gesellschaftliche Teilhabe und eine Verbesserung seiner Lebensqualität zu ermöglichen.
German Association of Occupational Therapy e.V.'s definition of occupational therapy in English
Occupational therapy supports and assists people of all ages whose participation is limited or at risk of being limited. The aim is to enable them to carry out meaningful occupations in the areas of self-care, productivity and leisure in their personal environment.
Specific activities, environmental adaptations and advice are used to enable people to act in everyday life, participate in society and improve their quality of life.
Specific activities, environmental adaptations and advice are used to enable people to act in everyday life, participate in society and improve their quality of life.
Definition date: August 2024
Publications
ergoscience
The scientific journal for occupational therapy is aimed at German-speaking occupational therapists and contains original research papers, second publications, reader-friendly study summaries, announcements from university degree and research groups, reports on events, a calendar of congresses.
Ergotherapie & Rehabilitation
It covers professional practice, research, therapeutic methods, and case studies. The journal is a key resource for practitioners, educators, and researchers, offering insights into trends and evidence-based practices.
Education Programmes
WFOT Approved Programmes in Germany
143