The legal clerkship (Rechtsreferendariat) is the practical training for lawyers after the first state law exam. Unlike teacher training, many states pay the living costs during the clerkship as a maintenance allowance (Unterhaltsbeihilfe) rather than as trainee pay. Whether Saarland does so, and how much the allowance is, is set by state law. This guide shows the three points to clarify before you start.
In short: The length of the legal clerkship follows the German Judges Act (Deutsches Richtergesetz), which provides a federal framework of normally two years. In Saarland you receive a maintenance allowance under state law during the training. Amount, insurance and side-job rules are clarified with the Oberlandesgericht Saarbrücken (Higher Regional Court) and your health insurer. This guide gives no euro amounts, because no checked current source was available. Last updated: October 2026.
The essentials in brief
- The length of the clerkship is set in the German Judges Act as a federal framework and is normally two years.
- In Saarland, living costs during the training are paid as a maintenance allowance. Amount and conditions follow state law.
- Your health insurance depends on your status. Ask the training office and your insurer which rule applies to you.
- Side jobs are limited and usually need prior approval, which you should obtain in advance.
- For euro amounts, rely only on a current notice or a written statement from the responsible court.
How long is the legal clerkship in Saarland?
The training of lawyers is regulated across Germany in the German Judges Act (DRiG). Under this framework, the practical training normally lasts two years. The compulsory placements are civil law, criminal law and administration, plus an elective placement. In Saarland, the Oberlandesgericht organises the placements. The exact schedule is in the summons letter you receive at the start. The German version of this guide has more detail (in German).
How high is the maintenance allowance in Saarland?
The maintenance allowance is a monthly payment during the training. Its amount and conditions are set by state law, not federal law. Figures from pay portals or comparison calculators do not replace an official answer, because they are often outdated or refer to other states. Write to the responsible Oberlandesgericht or the justice administration and ask for the current rule in writing.
| Question | Responsible office | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Amount and payment of the allowance | Oberlandesgericht Saarbrücken | Basis for your monthly budget |
| Insurance status | Training office and health insurer | Determines contributions and benefits |
| Approval for a side job | Training office | Avoids problems during the training |
| Placement locations and moving | Oberlandesgericht | Affects housing costs and travel time |
How are you insured during the clerkship?
Whether you are compulsorily insured in statutory health insurance, voluntarily insured, or privately insured with a Beihilfe entitlement depends on your status. This differs from teacher training, and your status can change between the state exam and the start of the training. To avoid falling between systems, check two things: the status stated in your notice and the confirmation from your health insurer. The German guide Between state exam and clerkship: who is insured? (in German) explains the transition.
For the choice between a statutory and a private insurer, the core questions are similar to other training periods. Private insurance offers tariff variety but requires a health check and has long-term effects. Statutory insurance has no health check and depends on contributory income. An overview for lawyers is in Health Insurance for Referendare in Germany.
Can I work a side job during the clerkship?
Side activities are usually subject to approval during the clerkship. The rules set out the type and scope, often with an hourly limit. The student working privilege does not transfer automatically, because it is designed for students and not for clerks in a public-law training relationship. Get approval in writing before you start and check whether your earnings affect your insurance.
Frequently asked questions
How much maintenance allowance do I receive in Saarland?
The amount is set by Saarland state law and can change. Ask the Oberlandesgericht Saarbrücken for the current position and request a written answer. A figure from this guide would not be reliable without a checked source, which is why we do not give one.
Do I have to take out new insurance after the state exam?
Your insurance status often changes when you move from study or the exam into the clerkship. Check early whether you remain covered as a family member, whether a contribution is due, or whether you must insure yourself. Avoid any gap in cover.
Can I do the clerkship in Saarland if I live in another state?
The clerkship is tied to the state that admits you. A change is possible only under conditions set by that state. Clarify the question with the office that admitted you.
Is the maintenance allowance taxable?
That depends on the type of payment and your overall situation. A general answer would be uncertain here. Have the tax question checked before the training starts, for example with your tax office or a tax adviser.
What to do next
- Read your admission or summons letter and note the start, duration and training office.
- Ask the Oberlandesgericht Saarbrücken in writing about the amount and payment of the allowance.
- Clarify your insurance status with your health insurer or private insurer before the training starts.
- Get side activities approved in advance and record their scope in writing.
Related reading
- Health Insurance for Referendare in Germany
- Health insurance in the legal clerkship: guide for lawyers (in German)
- Health insurance after the clerkship (in German)
- Teacher training in Saarland
Sources: German Judges Act (DRiG), federal framework for legal training, as published on gesetze-im-internet.de; Saarland state portal (website, status as of October 2026).
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
