A mandatory 9-hour first aid course for all third-country license applicants. Run by the Red Cross (DRK), Malteser, Johanniter, ADAC, and others — takes one day and costs around €30.
✓ Verified: 15/08/2026
WHAT TO DO
DOCUMENTS1
COSTS
€
Erste-Hilfe-Kurs (9 units) €25–40
ADAC: approx. €35; DRK and Johanniter often slightly cheaper
Why it’s required
German law (§ 323c StGB) obliges every road user to provide first aid at accident scenes. The Erste-Hilfe-Kurs ensures every new driver has the basic skills to do so. For third-country license exchange candidates, this certificate is a hard prerequisite — the Fahrerlaubnisbehörde won’t issue a Prüfauftrag (exam authorisation) without it.
What the course covers
The standard course runs for 9 teaching units — one day, typically 08:00–16:00. It’s hands-on:
Emergency call procedure (112 in Germany)
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) on training manikins
Automated defibrillator (AED) use
Recovery position for unconscious casualties
Wound care, shock treatment
Safe behaviour at accident scenes
No exam. Attend the full day and you receive your certificate.
Practical tips for non-German speakers
The course is mostly hands-on, which makes language less of a barrier than you might expect. Most exercises are demonstrated physically before participants attempt them. With basic German (A2 level), you’ll follow the day comfortably. Sitting next to a German speaker who can help with vocabulary is always an option.
Book the course in parallel with enrolling in a driving school — the two steps are independent and can happen simultaneously. Don't wait for one to finish before starting the other.
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Lea recommends:
I was anxious about the German, but it turned out to be almost entirely practical — you watch, copy, and practice. By the end of the day, I could confidently perform CPR. The instructors are patient and encouraging.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Which organisations offer recognised first aid courses?▾
Germany's major civil protection organisations all offer accredited courses: Deutsches Rotes Kreuz (DRK / German Red Cross), Malteser Hilfsdienst, Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund (ASB), Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe, and the ADAC. Some hospitals and private providers are also accredited — check with your Fahrerlaubnisbehörde if unsure.
Is the course taught in English?▾
Standard courses are in German. However, the course is heavily practical — CPR, bandaging, recovery position — and language requirements are minimal. A2/B1 level German is sufficient. Some private providers in larger cities offer courses in English. Search for 'Erste Hilfe Kurs auf Englisch [your city]'.
Is there a test at the end?▾
No. Attendance is all that's required. Every participant who completes the full day receives a certificate. There is no pass/fail assessment.
How long is the certificate valid?▾
There is no official expiry date. Some authorities informally prefer certificates less than 5 years old. Check with your Fahrerlaubnisbehörde to see if they have a local preference.
I'm a doctor / nurse / paramedic — can I skip the course?▾
Some authorities accept professional medical credentials as an equivalent. There is no national rule — ask your Fahrerlaubnisbehörde whether they accept a professional qualification in lieu of the course certificate.