Teacher training in Schleswig-Holstein (Lehramtsreferendariat) is the practical traineeship that follows your university degree. How much you receive, how state health aid works and whether you stay in statutory or private insurance depends on your status and on state law. This guide shows the figures with their date and source.
Short answer: According to the dbb pay table, subject to promulgation, the basic trainee pay (Anwärtergrundbetrag) in Schleswig-Holstein applies from 1 April 2026 and ranges from 1,527.18 to 1,843.52 euros gross per month, depending on the entry pay grade (status October 2026). The state government lists 50 percent state health aid (Beihilfe) as the standard rate for civil servants. The remaining costs are usually covered by private insurance with a Beihilfe top-up or by voluntary statutory insurance.
The most important points at a glance
- Trainee pay: the basic amount depends on the entry pay grade. From 1 April 2026 the table ranges from 1,527.18 to 1,843.52 euros gross.
- State health aid: the standard rate for civil servants is 50 percent. Trainees keep their entitlement and are exempt from the deductible.
- Statutory insurance: as a civil servant you are exempt from compulsory statutory insurance (section 6 SGB V). If you want to stay in statutory insurance, you must join voluntarily.
- Calculation base: voluntary statutory insurance costs at least 222.80 euros per month, without any employer contribution (status 1 January 2026).
- Before you start: clarify state health aid and insurance before you cancel or sign any existing contract.
How high is trainee pay in Schleswig-Holstein?
Trainee pay consists of a basic amount that depends on the entry pay grade (Eingangsamt). State law sets which row applies to you, in the Schleswig-Holstein Civil Service Pay Act and in the training regulations for your teaching subject. Your appointment letter shows which row applies to you.
| Entry pay grade | Basic trainee pay from 1 April 2026 (gross per month) |
|---|---|
| A 6 to A 8 | 1,527.18 euros |
| A 9 to A 11 | 1,604.56 euros |
| A 12 | 1,772.84 euros |
| A 13 | 1,806.53 euros |
| A 13 with allowance or R 1 | 1,843.52 euros |
Source: Schleswig-Holstein pay table 2026 published by dbb (status January 2026). The table does not name the law. Check the figures against the Schleswig-Holstein Civil Service Pay Act before you rely on them.
Your net pay is noticeably lower, because tax and social security contributions are deducted. For an estimate, use the tax calculator of the Federal Ministry of Finance. We do not calculate income tax ourselves.
How does state health aid work for trainee teachers in Schleswig-Holstein?
State health aid covers a fixed share of your medical costs. The rest has to be insured privately or through statutory insurance. The state government lists the following rates, status 1 December 2025:
| Person | Standard rate | Higher rate |
|---|---|---|
| Civil servant | 50 percent | 70 percent with at least two eligible children |
| Spouse or registered partner | 70 percent | 90 percent for general costs with at least two children |
| Children | 80 percent | 90 percent for general costs with at least three children |
Trainees keep their entitlement and are exempt from the deductible, according to the state government. Dental treatment is subject to restrictions set out in the Beihilfe regulation. Example (assumption: a bill of 300 euros and a 50 percent rate): state health aid pays 150 euros, and your insurance or you pay the other 150 euros.
When does private insurance fit, and when does voluntary statutory insurance?
Civil servants are exempt from statutory health insurance (section 6 (1) no. 2 SGB V). You therefore have two routes. One is private comprehensive insurance with a Beihilfe top-up. The other is voluntary membership in statutory insurance, where you can also apply for an employer contribution. An overview of both routes is in our guide health insurance during the traineeship (in German).
- For private insurance: you are healthy and can afford the tariff for years. State aid then covers most costs, and the top-up covers the rest.
- Against private insurance: pre-existing conditions make admission harder, and premiums tend to rise with age, so you need to plan for that.
- For voluntary statutory insurance: there is no health check, and the contribution follows your income.
- Against voluntary statutory insurance: without an employer contribution you pay the full amount. With a contribution, the general state aid ends, while cover for care remains.
What does voluntary statutory insurance cost during training?
Voluntary members without a right to sick pay pay the reduced contribution rate of 14.0 percent, plus the additional contribution of their insurer. The national average additional contribution for 2026 is 2.9 percent. The minimum contribution base is 1,318.33 euros per month. This calculation is simplified, because it only uses the minimum base and your basic pay.
- Minimum health insurance contribution: 1,318.33 euros times (14.0 + 2.9) percent, which is 222.80 euros per month.
- Assumption: the contribution base is the basic pay of grade A 6 to A 8, 1,527.18 euros. Then 1,527.18 times 16.9 percent gives 258.09 euros per month.
- Long-term care insurance on the minimum base, without the childless surcharge: 3.6 percent of 1,318.33 euros, which is 47.46 euros per month.
- Employer contribution: a contribution from your employer lowers your own share. Whether and how much you receive is set by state law.
Source: GKV-Spitzenverband, fact sheet on calculation variables for contribution law (status 1 January 2026). Your own additional contribution may differ from 2.9 percent, because each insurer sets its own rate.
Can you take a part-time job during the traineeship?
Side jobs usually need approval from your employer. The rules are in the civil service and pay law of the state and in the training regulations. We do not name a number of hours here, because we have not checked a current source for 2026. Ask your training school before you start a side job. Our guide on part-time jobs and taxes for students explains the tax side in general terms.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be in statutory insurance during the traineeship?
No. As a civil servant you are exempt from statutory insurance. You can stay voluntarily in statutory insurance or insure yourself privately. Make the decision before you start, so that no gap appears.
Does state health aid also cover my family?
Yes, under the rates set by the state government. A spouse is only entitled if their total income in the year two years before the application is no more than 20,000 euros. Children are covered as long as family allowance is paid for them.
What happens if I do not choose insurance in time?
A gap in your health cover can arise. Your insurer and the state aid office will tell you which deadlines apply to you. Avoid a gap, because treatment costs could then fall entirely on you.
Where do I find the exact basic pay for my teaching subject?
The entry pay grade follows from state law and from your training. Ask your training school or the responsible pay office of the state. The table above shows the amounts, but not the assignment to your school type.
What to do next
- Check your appointment letter: confirm your entry pay grade, basic pay and civil servant status in writing.
- Clarify state health aid: ask the state aid office for your rate and the rates for family members.
- Compare insurance: calculate voluntary statutory insurance with an employer contribution against private insurance with a top-up, and collect your health information. A personal assessment is offered by Academycon, see how we work.
- Secure the switch: cancel or sign up for new cover only after the new insurance has confirmed your membership.
Related guides
- Civil Servant Health Aid During Training: Rates and Claims
- Trainee Teachers in Statutory Health Insurance: How Voluntary Cover Works
- Teacher training insurance: from studies to traineeship
- Civil Servant Health Aid: Rates and How It Works
- Health insurance during the traineeship: GKV, PKV and Beihilfe (in German)
Sources: State government of Schleswig-Holstein, entitlement to Beihilfe (status 1 December 2025); dbb, Schleswig-Holstein pay table 2026 (status January 2026); GKV-Spitzenverband, fact sheet on calculation variables (status 1 January 2026); section 6 SGB V, exemption for civil servants.
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
