German Social Lab online academy – knowledge with integrity, learning with impact. Flat rate €199 for 12 months.
GSL International Academy

Self-study courses in English for social work, care and early childhood education in Germany

109 practice-oriented courses that explain the German system – law, child protection, care standards and everyday practice – in clear English. Learn at your own pace and receive a confirmation of participation for every course you complete.

Who this is for

The International Academy explains the German social, care and early-education sector in English – for three groups of learners.

Organisations working with Germany

Care providers, day-care operators, recruitment agencies and partner organisations abroad: prepare international staff for German standards – liability, confidentiality, hygiene, child protection and documentation – before and after they start.

Team access for institutions →

Understanding the German social sector

For students, professionals and researchers who want to know how care, early childhood education and youth welfare work in Germany: the legal framework, key institutions and everyday practice – explained in English, with the German terms.

Browse the courses →

Working or studying in Germany

Planning to train, study or work in care, early education or social work in Germany? Get to know what German practice teams expect and the words you will hear at work – before your first day.

Study & career courses →

Self-study courses on German standards. They do not replace the official recognition of foreign qualifications or a German language course.

Made for GermanyGerman law and terms (such as SGB VIII, Jugendamt or Kita) are kept and explained, so you can work confidently in German settings.
At your own paceOnline, any time, on any device. Each course is structured in modules with case examples, tables and exercises.
Sources you can checkContent is based on statutory texts, official guidance and recognised professional standards, with references in every course.
Confirmation of participationMark each module as done; once all modules are marked, your confirmation of participation is available for download.

Choose your field

New · Learning pathway
Working in a German Kita

19 self-study courses in 4 steps – from the German system to everyday Kita practice – plus a free German–English Kita glossary.

Recruitment agency, language school or employer? Team packages to prepare your candidates for work in Germany →

Prices · 12-month access to all self-study courses

Per person / year
Professionals / adults€199
Students€129
Pupils & trainees€89
Become a member →
Team package / year · whole team
Basic · up to 5 people€790Book →
Plus · up to 10 people€1,290Book →
Pro · up to 20 people€1,990Book →

Free 14-day trial for teams, invoice and more than 20 people → · Questions? Contact us →

12 months · one payment · no automatic renewal. Team packages apply to the whole team. More than 20 people · providers · networks: individual offer. Reduced individual rates for students, pupils & trainees: send your proof to info@germansociallab.com and you will receive a personal discount code for the payment. Switzerland: CHF 189. Prices exempt from VAT under section 19 of the German VAT Act (UStG, small business). Payment via Stripe. Legal texts are currently available in German; the German version is legally binding.
GSL Self-Study Library · English

The English self-study library

109 self-study courses on German standards in care, early childhood education and social work. Learn at your own pace, in any order – one flat rate opens the whole library, including the German library.

Care & Nursing12 modulesLiability & Duty of Care in NursingActing with Legal Certainty, Avoiding ErrorsAnyone who provides care bears responsibility – legally too. This course makes liability understandable without stirring up fear: in 12 modules it …Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing12 modulesEthics in Nursing CareActing with Dignity and ResponsibilityThis course conveys the ethical foundations and the ethical competence of nursing care: what ethics is and why it is central to nursing care, the …Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing12 modulesMedication Management in NursingHandling Medicines SafelyMedicines help – and can cause serious harm when errors occur.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing12 modulesHygiene & infection protection in carePreventing infections safelyHygiene saves lives – nowhere more so than in care, where many vulnerable people live closely together.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing12 modulesBasic care & personal hygieneDignified, activating and professionalPersonal care is far more than cleanliness – it is relationship, perception, health promotion and a sensitive intrusion into privacy.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing12 modulesLegal Custodianship & Advance DirectivesRespecting Self-Determination with ConfidenceEvery day, care moves within the tension between protective care and self-determination.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing12 modulesData Protection & Confidentiality in CareProtecting Health Data SecurelyCare thrives on trust – and trust thrives on discretion. This course shows in 12 modules how to protect health data in compliance with the law: from …Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing12 modulesLegally Sound, Low-Bureaucracy Care DocumentationApplying the Structural Model (SIS) Confidently‘Not documented – not done’: hardly any phrase shapes everyday care as much as this one.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing12 modulesMobilisation & KinaestheticsPromoting Movement, Protecting Your BackMovement is life – and losing it has serious consequences. In 12 modules, this course shows how to maintain and promote mobility while protecting …Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing12 modulesWound Care & Pressure Ulcer PreventionProtecting Skin, Healing WoundsThe skin is a protective barrier and a mirror of health – when it is injured, it becomes a portal of entry for suffering and infection.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing12 modulesCommunication & Conversation Skills in Nursing CareThis course conveys the communicative competence that is indispensable for good nursing care: the fundamentals and models of communication, verbal …Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing12 modulesPalliative Care & End-of-Life CareDignity at the End of LifeThis course conveys the attitude and knowledge of palliative care: quality of life and dignity instead of cure, symptom control (pain, breathlessness …Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing12 modulesUnderstanding & Supporting People with DementiaPerson-Centred and DignifiedSupporting people with dementia means understanding their world and preserving their dignity.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing12 modulesPain management in nursing careRecognising and relieving painPain is one of the most common and most underestimated problems in care – especially in people who can no longer express it.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing12 modulesFall prevention & maintaining mobilitySafely on the moveThis course teaches evidence-based fall prevention on the basis of the national expert standard: assessing the risk of falling, addressing intrinsic …Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing12 modulesVital Signs & Patient ObservationRecognising Changes EarlyNursing staff are closest to the person – they often notice changes first.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing12 modulesQuality Management & National Expert Standards (DNQP)Shaping Nursing Quality SafelyQuality is not a matter of chance but the result of stance and systems.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing8 modulesCare assistants under sections 43b, 53b SGB XIActivation & EngagementCare assistants under section 53b SGB XI: self-study course on activation, biography work, dementia, music and movement – with the legal framework and clear limits.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing12 modulesNutrition & Fluids in CarePreventing Malnutrition and DehydrationEating and drinking are basic needs, pleasure and health all at once – and in care a highly sensitive field.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing12 modulesDiabetes mellitus in careSupporting safely, preventing emergenciesDiabetes is one of the most common conditions in older age – and can be supported well if you know the fundamentals.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing12 modulesInjections, infusions & cathetersSupporting invasive procedures safelyInjections, infusions and catheters breach the body’s protective barrier – they help, but carry risks of infection and injury.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing12 modulesDysphagia & Aspiration ProphylaxisEating and Drinking SafelySwallowing disorders in care: recognising the risk of aspiration, adapting food, safe positioning, oral care and safe medication.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing12 modulesDe-escalation & Dealing with Challenging BehaviourUnderstanding challenging behaviour as an expression of needs – and responding in a de-escalating, safe and dignified way.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing12 modulesViolence Prevention & Protection from Violence in CareProtection from violence in care – in both directions: violence against people in need of care and violence against care staff.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing12 modulesTeamwork & Conflict Resolution in NursingWhat makes a good team: communication, multiprofessional collaboration, constructive conflict resolution and learning from errors.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing8 modulesDelirium management in nursing careRecognising and preventing deliriumRecognising delirium, assessing it with the 4AT and CAM, preventing it and accompanying people safely – in line with the current S3 guideline.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing8 modulesNight duty in long-term careDementia, challenging behaviour and conflicts between residentsDementia, restlessness at night, challenging behaviour, conflicts and self-protection – with law for Germany and Austria.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing8 modulesAvoiding Freedom-Restricting MeasuresLaw, Procedure and Alternatives in CareFreedom-restricting measures in care: section 1831 BGB, court approval, procedural guardianship and alternatives to bed rails and belts.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing12 modulesBasic Sensory Stimulation in CareFoundationsCalm touch, gentle movement and vibration: reaching people with severe impairments through perception, dialogue and careful support planning.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing8 modulesExtended Nursing Competences 2026What Registered Nurses in Germany May DoThe 2026 reform of nursing competences: what registered nurses in Germany may now decide and do on their own responsibility – and where limits remain.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing9 modulesInterprofessional Collaboration in German HealthcareRoles, Interfaces and CommunicationRoles, interfaces and communication between medical assistants, nurses, doctors and therapists – working together safely in German healthcare.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing9 modulesIntercultural Competence in Patient CareCulture shapes but does not determine: communicating across languages, working with interpreters and preventing discrimination in patient care.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing12 modulesPractice Guidance in NursingSupporting Trainees and New ColleaguesGuiding trainees and new colleagues in nursing: the role of practice guidance, learning plans, constructive feedback and internationally recruited nurses.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing12 modulesWorking with Relatives and Family CaregiversRelatives are partners and people under strain: communicating, involving, relieving and resolving conflicts with family caregivers in nursing.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing12 modulesContinence PromotionDignity in Elimination CarePromoting continence with dignity: types and causes of incontinence, toilet routines, aids, catheter care, skin protection and constipation.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing8 modulesOral Health in Nursing CareApplying the Expert StandardOral health is part of good nursing care: checking the mouth, daily oral care, dentures, swallowing difficulties and cooperation with dentists.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing8 modulesProtecting Skin Integrity in Nursing CareApplying the Expert StandardKeeping skin healthy in nursing care: the national expert standard, risk factors, skin care, incontinence-associated dermatitis and skin tears.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing8 modulesCounselling Visits in Home Care (Section 37(3) SGB XI)Counselling visits under Section 37(3) SGB XI: purpose, legal framework, conversation skills, recognising strain and documenting the visit.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing8 modulesDischarge Management in Hospitals (Section 39(1a) SGB V)Discharge management under Section 39(1a) SGB V: identifying needs, the discharge plan, prescriptions, transition to follow-up care and communication.Confirmation of participationView course → Care & Nursing12 modulesDigitalisation and AI in NursingPerson-Centred Use of TechnologyDigital documentation, telecare, assistive technology and AI in nursing: using technology in a person-centred, safe and ethically reflected way.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education12 modulesNeurodiversityUnderstanding and Supporting Children with ADHD, Autism & FASDPeople are different – including in the way their brain processes perceptions and information.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education12 modulesDuty of Supervision & Liability in Everyday Kita PracticeActing with Legal CertaintyThe duty of supervision (Aufsichtspflicht) is one of the central responsibilities of every practitioner – and at the same time one of the greatest …Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education12 modulesChallenging Behaviour & De-escalationUnderstanding and Supporting ChildrenEvery practitioner knows situations involving ‘challenging behaviour’: a child hits, rages, refuses, withdraws, pushes boundaries.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education12 modulesChild Development 0–6Understanding, Observing and Supporting MilestonesIf you want to support children well, you need to understand how they develop.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education12 modulesChild protection & the child protection mandate under section 8a SGB VIIIRecognise, document, actNo topic is as important – or as sensitive – as protecting children.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education12 modulesTrauma-Sensitive PedagogySafely Supporting Children Under StrainSome children have had stressful or traumatic experiences – violence, neglect, loss, flight from their home country, severe hardship.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education12 modulesAttachment & RelationshipsThe Foundation of Successful Early Childhood PedagogyRelationships come before education – no sentence sums up modern pedagogy better.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education12 modulesSettling into the Day-Care Centre (Kita)Berlin, Munich & Tübingen ModelsStarting day-care is a big step for a child – the first longer separation from their parents, an unfamiliar environment, new people.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education8 modulesLaw on Child Day CareSGB VIII, State Day-Care Laws and the Entitlement to All-Day CareLaw of child day care: sections 22–26 SGB VIII, legal entitlement under section 24, entitlement to all-day care from 2026, operating permit and the …Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education12 modulesData Protection in the Day-Care Centre (Kita)GDPR, Photos, Social Data & Safe Everyday PracticeDay-care centres (Kitas) process highly sensitive data every day – from addresses and allergies to developmental reports and photos of the children.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education12 modulesChildren’s Rights in the Day-Care CentreUnderstanding and Living the UN Convention on the Rights of the ChildChildren as independent holders of rights: the UN Convention, protection, provision and participation – and how to live children’s rights in the Kita.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education12 modulesInfection Protection, Hygiene & First Aid in the Day-Care CentreMany children in close contact every day: hand hygiene, the hygiene plan, Section 34 IfSG and first aid for children – safe everyday life in the Kita.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education12 modulesObservation & Educational DocumentationUnderstanding and Supporting ChildrenObserving children appreciatively and systematically, separating observation from interpretation and documenting development with learning stories and portfolios.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education12 modulesEveryday-Integrated Language EducationSupporting Language in Day-Care Centre LifeSupporting language not in separate sessions but in everyday Kita life – during play, meals, getting dressed and in conversation.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education12 modulesMental Health DifficultiesPromoting Children's Mental WellbeingPromoting the mental health of all children, noticing difficulties with understanding and supporting children under strain – without diagnosing.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education12 modulesPromoting ResilienceHelping Children Grow Strong for LifeResilience is not innate – it can be fostered: secure relationships, self-efficacy, handling feelings and social competence in everyday Kita life.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education12 modulesSexuality Education & Protection ConceptsBody, Boundaries and ProtectionA body-positive, age-appropriate approach to sexuality education and a protection concept against transgressions – by adults and among children.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education12 modulesInclusion & ParticipationEvery Child BelongsSeeing diversity as normal and enriching: removing barriers and shaping everyday life so that every child can belong and take part.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education12 modulesParticipation & Complaints ProceduresInvolving Children and Taking Them SeriouslyChildren have a right to be heard and to have a say: forms of involvement, children’s meetings and complaints procedures as part of child protection.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education8 modulesCreating a Violence Protection Concept in the Day-Care CentreSection 45 SGB VIIIDeveloping a violence protection concept step by step: risk analysis, code of conduct, complaints, staffing and intervention plan under Section 45 SGB VIII.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education8 modulesEarly Years Education for Under-Threes: Children Under 3 in Day-Care Centres and Childminding (Kindertagespflege)Attachment, sensitivity and development from 0 to 3: relationship-based care, sleep and working with parents in nurseries and childminding.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education8 modulesConversations with Parents in the Day-Care CentreDevelopmental and Conflict ConversationsDevelopmental conversations, raising concerns, complaints and conflicts: conducting conversations with parents confidently and with a clear stance.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education12 modulesIntercultural Education and Multilingualism in the KitaCultural and linguistic diversity in the Kita: intercultural competence, multilingualism as a resource, working with families and an open culture.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education8 modulesPedagogical Approaches in the KitaMontessori, Open Work and the Situational ApproachFrom Froebel and Montessori to Reggio, the situational approach and open work: what each approach means and how to reflect it in your concept.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education12 modulesTeam Communication and Conflict Resolution in the Kita TeamGood teamwork in the Kita: clear communication, feedback, team meetings, roles, constructive conflict resolution and support within the team.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education8 modulesAll-Day Care for Primary School ChildrenPedagogy in Hort and OGSAll-day care for primary school children: the legal entitlement from 2026, play, study time, participation and cooperation with school.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education8 modulesPractice Guidance in the KitaSupporting Trainees and StudentsGuiding trainees and students in the Kita: training routes, legal framework, induction, guidance methods, feedback, appraisal and difficult situations.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education12 modulesFrom Kita to Primary SchoolShaping the TransitionThe step from Kita to primary school: school readiness, precursor skills, the final Kita year, cooperation with school and involving parents.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education12 modulesMovement and Psychomotor Development in the KitaMovement as the engine of development: motor skills, the hidden senses, psychomotor education, movement spaces, safety and healthy risk.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education12 modulesAnti-Bias EducationRespecting Diversity, Preventing ExclusionAnti-bias education in the Kita: the four goals, prejudice and discrimination, inclusive materials and language, and working with parents.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education12 modulesMedia Literacy Education in the KitaAccompanying children in a media world: media literacy, active media work, risks and child protection, data protection and the analogue balance.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education12 modulesEarly Mathematics in the KitaNumbers, Shapes and PatternsNumbers, shapes, patterns and measuring in everyday Kita life: how children develop mathematical thinking through play and dialogue.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education12 modulesScience and ExperimentsInquiry-Based Learning in the KitaInquiry-based learning in the Kita: water, air, light, nature and materials, the practitioner as co-researcher and safety when experimenting.Confirmation of participationView course → Early Childhood Education12 modulesMusic, Art and Creativity in the KitaMusic, art and creativity in the Kita: perceiving with all senses, art activities, singing, dance and role play, process over product.Confirmation of participationView course → Social Work & Youth Welfare6 modulesFundamentals of Child and Youth Welfare Services (SGB VIII)The compact introduction to the law, tasks and practice of child and youth welfare services (Social Code Book VIII, SGB VIII) — flexible self-study, …Confirmation of participationView course → Social Work & Youth Welfare8 modulesEveryday Pedagogy and Relationship-Building in Residential GroupsEveryday pedagogy and relationship-building in residential groups: online self-study course for professionals in residential groups/children’s homes …Confirmation of participationView course → Social Work & Youth Welfare8 modulesProfessional Duty of Confidentiality & Social Data Protection in Social WorkProfessional duty of confidentiality in social work: section 203 German Criminal Code (StGB), social data secrecy (Sozialgeheimnis), sections 61–65 …Confirmation of participationView course → Social Work & Youth Welfare12 modulesTrauma Pedagogy and Trauma-Sensitive PracticeTrauma pedagogy and trauma-sensitive practice: effects of trauma, the safe place, understanding behaviour, stabilisation, triggers and de-escalation, …Confirmation of participationView course → Social Work & Youth Welfare12 modulesKI-SAFEAI Literacy & Safe Use of AI in Social Care SettingsGuiding principle: AI supports – the human checks, takes responsibility and decides.Confirmation of participationView course → Social Work & Youth Welfare8 modulesCloseness and distanceShaping professional relationshipsRelationship is the most important working tool in pedagogy – and at the same time a field of tension.Confirmation of participationView course → Social Work & Youth Welfare8 modulesWriting Reports in Social WorkStatements & MoreWriting reports in social work: development report, care plan (Hilfeplan), statement – structure, language, data protection and AI in practice.Confirmation of participationView course → Social Work & Youth Welfare12 modulesCare Planning (Section 36 SGB VIII) & Support with Upbringing (Sections 27–35a)Support with upbringing under Sections 27–35a SGB VIII and the care planning procedure under Section 36: entitlement, participation, goals and updating.Confirmation of participationView course → Social Work & Youth Welfare8 modulesNew Authority in Child and Youth Welfare ServicesSelf-Study CoursePresence, de-escalation, a support network and reparation: New Authority for residential groups, work with parents and school social work.Confirmation of participationView course → Social Work & Youth Welfare8 modulesOnline Grooming (Cybergrooming), Sexting & PornographyChild Protection Self-Study CourseOnline grooming, sexting, sextortion and pornography: criminal law, protection of minors in the media and intervention when there is a suspicion.Confirmation of participationView course → Social Work & Youth Welfare8 modulesSolution-Focused CounsellingSystemic Conversation SkillsThe miracle question, scaling questions and well-formed goals: solution-focused conversation skills for youth welfare, schools and participation support.Confirmation of participationView course → Social Work & Youth Welfare8 modulesLanguage Mediation in CounsellingSessions with InterpretersConducting sessions with interpreters confidently: roles, process, confidentiality and cost questions in three-way counselling.Confirmation of participationView course → Social Work & Youth Welfare8 modulesCrisis Intervention in Social WorkPsychosocial Crises and SuicidalityUnderstanding psychosocial crises, raising suicidality directly, safety planning and the legal framework – crisis intervention in social work.Confirmation of participationView course → Practice Teams & Career5 modulesReady for educator & nursing trainingA practical online course for school students choosing a career: the two training routes, entry requirements and how to prepare.Confirmation of participationView course → Practice Teams & Career8 modulesFrom University to WorkStarting Your Career in Social Work and Education 2026Starting your career in social work, childhood education and special needs education 2026: provider organisations, applications, TVöD SuE and TV-L, …Confirmation of participationView course → Practice Teams & Career8 modulesThe Health and Social System in GermanyAn Overview for Study and PracticeThe health and social system in Germany: social insurance, care grades (Pflegegrade), Social Code Book IX (SGB IX), basic income support …Confirmation of participationView course → Practice Teams & Career9 modulesMotivational interviewing in the practice teamMotivational interviewing for practice teams: understanding ambivalence, applying OARS, strengthening change talk and supporting change.Confirmation of participationView course → Practice Teams & Career8 modulesSelf-care & burnout prevention in the practice teamSelf-care and burnout prevention for practice teams: understanding stress, recognising warning signs, setting boundaries and strengthening resources – online course.Confirmation of participationView course → Practice Teams & Career9 modulesDe-escalation & Safe Handling of Aggression in the Practice TeamDe-escalation in the medical practice: recognising escalation early, defusing it verbally and non-verbally, protecting yourself and providing …Confirmation of participationView course → Practice Teams & Career8 modulesPreparing for Work Placements and the Practice SemesterSocial Work, Early Childhood Education and Special Needs EducationPractice semester and work placements in social work, early childhood and special needs education: role, closeness and distance, confidentiality, reflection.Confirmation of participationView course → Practice Teams & Career8 modulesRecognising & Preventing Compassion FatigueWhen helping wears you down: warning signs of compassion fatigue, how it differs from burnout and how practice teams prevent it together.Confirmation of participationView course → Practice Teams & Career9 modulesPatient Safety in Everyday PracticeHow errors arise and how practice teams prevent them: the Swiss cheese model, safe identification, checklists, medication, hygiene and handovers.Confirmation of participationView course → Practice Teams & Career8 modulesThe Education System in GermanyInstitutions, Education Policy and Educational InequalityFederalism, Kita, school, all-day provision and educational inequality: an overview of the German education system for study and practice.Confirmation of participationView course → Practice Teams & Career8 modulesHuman Resources in Social OrganisationsRecruiting, Onboarding and Developing StaffPlanning, recruiting, selecting, onboarding and retaining staff in social organisations – with German law, official data and practical tools.Confirmation of participationView course → Practice Teams & Career5 modulesVoluntary Service Year in Germany (FSJ/BFD)Starting Well PreparedPreparing for a voluntary year in Germany (FSJ/BFD): finding a placement, applying – also from abroad – and making the most of your year.Confirmation of participationView course → Practice Teams & Career8 modulesTheories of Social Work and Professional EthicsWhy social work needs theory: lifeworld orientation, double and triple mandate, human rights, systems thinking and ethical case reflection.Confirmation of participationView course → Practice Teams & Career8 modulesDevelopmental Psychology across the LifespanDevelopment from early childhood to old age: cognitive and psychosocial development, attachment, ecology, ageing and resilience for social work.Confirmation of participationView course → Practice Teams & Career8 modulesEvidence-Based Practice in Social Work and NursingFrom practice question to evidence: PICO, literature searches, study designs, critical appraisal, guidelines and service users’ preferences.Confirmation of participationView course → Practice Teams & Career8 modulesResearch Methods and Statistics in Social WorkUnderstanding empirical research in social work: research questions, questionnaires, interviews, content analysis, statistics and research ethics.Confirmation of participationView course → Practice Teams & Career8 modulesCollegial Case ConsultationModerating Case Discussions in the TeamModerating collegial case consultation in the team: roles, phases, methods such as hypotheses and resonance rounds, and confidentiality.Confirmation of participationView course → Practice Teams & Career8 modulesStaff Appraisal and One-to-One ConversationsA Practical Guide for Managers in Social ServicesAnnual reviews, feedback, recognition, corrective and return-to-work conversations: a practical guide for managers in social services.Confirmation of participationView course → Practice Teams & Career10 modulesComplaint Management and Error Culture in Practice TeamsHandling complaints in the practice team: complaint conversations, de-escalation, online reviews, reporting errors and an open error culture.Confirmation of participationView course → Practice Teams & Career8 modulesAI-Assisted DocumentationWriting Reports in Line with Data ProtectionUsing AI tools for file notes and reports in social work: pseudonymising case data, protecting social data and checking AI-assisted texts.Confirmation of participationView course → Practice Teams & Career8 modulesSocial Group WorkUnderstanding and Leading GroupsSocial group work under Section 29 SGB VIII: group dynamics, phase models, leading groups, choosing methods and protecting participants.Confirmation of participationView course → Practice Teams & Career8 modulesSociology for Social WorkKey Concepts, Social Structure and InequalitySociological thinking for social work: key concepts, theories, population, social inequality and poverty measurement with official data.Confirmation of participationView course →
Consulting & coaching

Personal support beyond the courses

Consulting for organisations planning to work with Germany

For companies, care and social service providers and agencies abroad that are planning a cooperation with partners in Germany: we explain how the German social, care and early-education sector is organised, which standards and roles apply, and how to prepare and onboard international staff.

Write to info@germansociallab.com with a short description of your plans. Consulting covers professional and organisational questions; it is no legal or tax advice.

Team access for your staff →

Career coaching for working in Germany

For people who want to work in social work, care or early education in Germany: orientation on your path, your next steps and your application – based on many years of practice in the German social sector.

The coaching page is currently available in German.

Career coaching (German page) →

How it works

  1. Get access: buy the flat rate or join through your organisation’s team access.
  2. Learn: open any course and work through the modules at your own pace.
  3. Reflect: a voluntary self-reflection at the end of each module helps you check your own understanding – it is not graded.
  4. Finish: mark each module as done. Your confirmation of participation becomes available once all modules are marked.

Self-study without supervision, assignments or assessment of learning progress by instructors.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to speak German?

No. The English courses are fully in English. German legal terms are kept in brackets, because you will meet them in your daily work in Germany.

Does my access renew automatically?

No. You pay once and have access for 12 months. Access then ends automatically; nothing is renewed or charged again.

What does the confirmation of participation show?

It confirms that you worked through all modules of a course, with the course title, scope and date. Whether your employer takes it into account is decided by your employer.

How do institutions pay?

By card online or by invoice. Write to info@germansociallab.com with the name of your organisation.

Which language are the legal texts in?

Legal texts (legal notice, privacy policy, terms and cancellation policy) are currently available in German; English versions are being prepared. The German version is legally binding.

Prices include no VAT: small business under section 19 of the German VAT Act (UStG). · Deutsche Startseite →