Praxisstelle

Praxisstelle is a term used in German-speaking education and professional training to denote a placement location where candidates gain practical experience as part of their training or licensing process. A Praxisstelle is usually regulated by the training program and by professional bodies, and it serves to complement theoretical instruction with hands-on work in a real-world setting.

In higher education and professional training, Praxisstellen appear in fields such as medicine, nursing, psychology, social work, teaching, and therapy. The trainee works under qualified supervisors and gradually takes on tasks appropriate to their level of training, with ongoing evaluation and feedback as part of the program. Settings can include hospitals, clinics, schools, social services agencies, or private practices. The placement is often structured as part of a practicum or clinical training and may be time-limited; it may be unpaid or paid depending on the program and country.

Requirements and outcomes vary by discipline and country but commonly include supervision, documentation, and an assessment by the supervisor and the educational or licensing body. Successful completion of a Praxisstelle is frequently a prerequisite for advancing to the next stage of training or for obtaining professional licensure.

Praxisstelle is distinct from a general internship (Praktikum) or permanent employment, although some placements can lead to job opportunities. The term emphasizes the formal integration of practical work experience into a structured training path and the development of professional competencies in real-world settings.