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The 13 Lernfelder (Learning Fields) of the Berufsschule

🌐 Machine-translated page. The German version is authoritative.

The Berufsschule (part-time vocational school) does not teach classic subjects like “electrical engineering” or “mathematics”, but rather Lernfelder (learning fields). A Lernfeld is a typical Kundenauftrag (customer job) from the company, through which everything necessary is learned: technical calculations, standards, measuring, documentation, talking to customers. Example Lernfeld 2: Elektrische Systeme planen und installieren (plan and install electrical systems) – there you learn about wiring, protective devices, circuit diagrams and testing, using a residential installation as the example.

The Lernfelder are defined by the Kultusministerkonferenz (KMK) (Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education) in the Rahmenlehrplan (framework curriculum), resolution of 18.12.2020. It applies nationwide; the federal states implement it in their own curricula. The Rahmenlehrplan is coordinated with the ElekAusbV 2021: Lernfelder 1 to 8 are the same for both specialisations, Lernfelder 9 to 13 belong to the specialisation.

Time allocation values in teaching hours. EG = Fachrichtung Energie- und Gebäudetechnik (specialisation: energy and building technology).

No. Lernfeld Year Hrs.
1 Analyse electrotechnical systems, test functions and rectify faults 1 80
2 Plan and install electrical systems 1 80
3 Analyse and implement control and regulation systems 1 80
4 Provide information technology systems 1 80
5 Conceptualise power supply and safety of systems and equipment 2 80
6 Analyse and test electrotechnical systems 2 60
7 Program and implement control and regulation systems 2 80
8 Select and integrate energy conversion systems 2 60
9 EG Plan and implement communication of systems in residential and functional buildings 3 100
10 EG Plan, commission and hand over electrical appliances and systems of building services 3 100
11 EG Construct, commission and maintain energy technology systems 3 80
12 EG Plan and implement energy and building technology installations 4 80
13 EG Adapt and document energy and building technology systems 4 60
Ausbildungsjahr (apprenticeship year) 1 2 3 4 (half a year) Total
Hours 320 280 280 140 1 020

Lernfelder 1 to 8 (years 1 and 2) are the material for Teil 1 der Gesellenprüfung (part 1 of the journeyman examination) in the 4th half-year of the Ausbildung (apprenticeship).

What is in the Lernfelder – briefly explained

Section titled “What is in the Lernfelder – briefly explained”

Lernfeld 1 – Analyse systems, test functions, rectify faults. Getting started: the circuit, Ohm’s law, measuring with the multimeter, reading circuit diagrams, finding simple faults. The foundation for everything else.

Lernfeld 2 – Plan and install electrical systems. The residential installation: cables and cross-sections, switching off, Wechselschaltung (two-way switching circuit), Steckdose (socket outlet), Leitungsschutzschalter (miniature circuit breaker), DIN 18015, Erstprüfung (initial inspection). Our guide Wechselschaltung und Steckdose belongs here.

Lernfeld 3 – Controls and regulations. Contactor, relay, push-button, the ladder-style schematic diagram, first PLC basics (LOGO!, logic functions).

Lernfeld 4 – Information technology systems. PC, network, IP addresses, data cables (Cat. 7), documentation with software.

Lernfeld 5 – Power supply and safety. Three-phase current, network systems (TN, TT, IT), protective measures according to DIN VDE 0100-410, protection classes, distribution installations, testing of operating equipment. The guides Unterverteilung (sub-distribution board) and Zählerplatz (meter position) are material from this Lernfeld.

Lernfeld 6 – Analyse and test systems. Measuring and testing according to DIN VDE 0100-600 and DIN VDE 0105-100, test protocols, repeat tests.

Lernfeld 7 – Programming controls. PLC programming, sensorics, actuatorics, drives, frequency converters.

Lernfeld 8 – Energy conversion systems. Photovoltaics, battery storage, heat pump, charging infrastructure, grid feed-in – new in the Rahmenlehrplan 2020 and today core business in everyday work.

Lernfeld 9 EG – Communication in buildings. Building automation (KNX, radio), door intercom systems, network and antenna technology in residential and functional buildings.

Lernfeld 10 EG – Appliances and systems of building services. Cooker, instantaneous water heater, ventilation, lighting installations, commissioning and handover to the customer.

Lernfeld 11 EG – Energy technology systems. House connection, meter installations according to VDE-AR-N 4100, backup power, lightning and surge protection, maintenance.

Lernfeld 12 EG – Plan and implement installations. Larger projects from planning to acceptance; preparation for the customer job in part 2 of the examination.

Lernfeld 13 EG – Adapt and document systems. Conversion, extension, energy efficiency, documentation and handover – the final polish before the Gesellenprüfung.

Every guide on Elektrolehre is assigned to one or more Lernfelder in the page header (lernfeld). If you are currently on Lernfeld 5 at the Berufsschule, read the basics on Netz und Leiterfarben (mains systems and conductor colours) and Schutzorganen (protective devices) and afterwards the Unterverteilung guide.

🧠 Test yourself

1. How many Lernfelder does the Rahmenlehrplan for Elektroniker/-innen have?
2. Which Lernfelder are material for part 1 of the Gesellenprüfung?
3. In which Lernfeld are network systems, protective measures and distribution installations conceptualised?
4. What is a Lernfeld?
5. Who adopts the Rahmenlehrplan?

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