The German infection protection certificate — explained
Google Translate turns Infektionsschutzbelehrung into “infection protection instruction” — which is why many newcomers search for an “infection certificate” and find nothing that makes sense. Here is the plain-English version: it is the German health certificate for working with food, required by §43 of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG), and you can get it online in 10 minutes for 25 €.
One document, many names
Infektionsschutzbelehrung is the legal term. In job ads and everyday German you will see Gesundheitszeugnis (health certificate), Hygienepass,Hygienezeugnis, Gesundheitspass or rote Karte(“red card”, from the colour of the old paper form). Whatever your employer calls it — it is the same certificate.
What the law requires
§43 IfSG says: anyone who commercially handles open, perishable food — in a kitchen, at a counter, in catering, in a bakery, in food retail — must attend a first-time instruction before starting work. The instruction covers hygiene basics, the illnesses that temporarily ban you from food work (salmonella, hepatitis A, norovirus and others) and your duty to report symptoms. It ends with a certificate that your employer keeps on file.
How to get it
Either at your local Gesundheitsamt (appointment, in German, 13–60 € depending on the city) or online in about 10 minutes: video in English, a few questions, ID check, PDF by e-mail. Both routes produce the same legally valid document. See also the full English guide and the cost comparison.
Frequently asked questions
Is the infection protection certificate the same as the health certificate?
Yes. 'Infektionsschutzbelehrung' (infection protection instruction) is the official name; 'Gesundheitszeugnis' (health certificate), 'Hygienepass' and 'rote Karte' are the everyday names. All refer to the first-time instruction under §43 of the Infection Protection Act (IfSG).
Is it a medical examination?
No. Since 2001 there is no medical exam anymore. It is an instruction session about hygiene rules, notifiable diseases and activity bans — plus your written confirmation that you have no symptoms that would ban you from handling food.
Who issues it?
The public health office (Gesundheitsamt) or an authorised online provider working under medical supervision. Both issue the same legally valid certificate under §43 IfSG.
How long is it valid?
The first instruction is valid indefinitely. Your employer must give you a short internal refresher every two years, but you never need a new certificate from the health office.
Get your certificate in English — today
The official §43 IfSG instruction, under medical supervision, 25 € once. Valid everywhere in Germany, forever.
Start now