FSJ & BFD: Your Questions Answered

First, you and the host organisation will work together to find a suitable placement that matches your interests. You will then sign an agreement for your voluntary service – this sets out all the terms and conditions. You can usually find further information on the application process on the website of the relevant organisation.
At your placement, you will usually work full-time, i.e. around 38.5 to 40 hours a week. Some placements also offer the option of part-time voluntary service (at least 20.1 hours a week).
You will be guided on site, introduced to your tasks and will be able to develop many new skills in your field of work and about yourself. If questions or problems arise, there is always a designated contact person at the placement.
Alongside your practical work, you will regularly take part in seminars with other volunteers. At the end of your service, you will receive an official certificate and a reference.
An FSJ / BFD is a period of social education and orientation, and the seminars are a key part of this. They are required by law and complement your practical work at your placement.
If you are under 27 and undertaking a twelve-month placement, you will take part in a total of 25 seminar days, usually in the form of seminar weeks. From the age of 27, at least one seminar day per month is scheduled.
During the seminars, you will meet other volunteers, exchange ideas and reflect on your experiences from your day-to-day work. You will explore topics relevant to your practical work, expand your professional and social skills, and have a lot of fun in the process.
You play an active role in shaping the seminars, can help decide on topics and bring your interests to the table. The seminar days count as working hours – therefore, taking leave during the seminars is not possible.
Yes, you will receive educational support: professionally trained staff from the organising body will be there to support you throughout the year. You will meet regularly at seminars and can contact them with any questions at any time.
At your placement, you will receive personal guidance from a qualified staff member. If you have any questions or problems at your placement, staff members will be there to listen.
An FSJ or BFD usually lasts one year. For your service to be recognised, you must complete at least six months of it. It is best to discuss directly with your local organising body whether other durations are possible for you.
Yes, if all parties involved – you, the organisation and the placement – agree, you can extend your service. A total duration of up to 18 months is possible.
You must have completed your compulsory full-time schooling – this is usually the case at the age of 16, and in some federal states as early as 15. For the FSJ, the maximum age is 26.
There is no upper age limit for the Federal Voluntary Service (BFD). This means that older people can also undertake a BFD.
Yes, you will receive such a card at the start of your voluntary service. This often entitles you to discounts on public transport, such as monthly travel passes. Many organisations and event organisers also offer discounts with this card.
Your FSJ or BFD can be recognised as a pre-placement or compulsory internship, or as a practical semester. If you already know what you want to do next, it is worth checking with your school, training centre or university early on to find out what conditions apply for an internship.
The time spent in voluntary service can also be recognised as a gap semester and, in some federal states, as the practical component of the Fachhochschulreife (university entrance qualification).
No, you don’t have to belong to a church or have any religious affiliation. What’s important is that you’re open to exploring questions relating to the Christian faith, as these may play a role in some placement organisations.
The FSJ and BFD are generally open to everyone – your nationality doesn’t matter. Even people who do not live in Germany can apply for an FSJ or BFD in Germany, for example through Protestant organisations that offer incoming programmes.
Apart from having completed compulsory full-time schooling, there are no further formal requirements. Your school-leaving qualifications or grades are not decisive. Above all, what is expected is a willingness to engage with other people and to take on tasks reliably.
Yes, you will receive a pocket money allowance – the exact amount varies between the different organisations. In many placement locations, you will also receive meals or a meal allowance.
Most volunteers continue to live at home during their FSJ or BFD. Some organsiations or placement sites may also be able to provide accommodation.
Yes, your FSJ or BFD is a service subject to social insurance contributions. This means you are covered by health, pension, unemployment, accident and liability insurance. The contributions are paid in full by the organisation or placement site – you do not have to pay any contributions yourself.
Yes, for a twelve-month placement, you are entitled to around 26 working days’ holiday.
Child benefit, child tax allowances and other child-related benefits will continue to be paid in accordance with the statutory regulations, even during your voluntary service.
Most placements start between August and October. Some organisations also offer additional start dates in the spring or throughout the year.
Yes, you can also undertake a Federal Voluntary Service (BFD) or a FSJ whilst receiving the citizen’s income. You do not have to take on any other work during your voluntary service.
However, the pocket money from the BFD is usually counted towards your citizen’s income. There are, however, allowances:
Up to age 25: up to 603 euros in pocket money per month is exempt from being counted.
From the age of 25: up to €250 per month is exempt from deduction.
Benefits such as accommodation, meals or grants, on the other hand, are counted as income. It is best to inform your Jobcentre early on about your planned voluntary service.
If there is a valid reason – for example, a place at university or an apprenticeship – you can terminate your voluntary service early. The exact procedure is governed by your agreement with the organisation.