Volunteering (Ehrenamt) is voluntary, unpaid work for charitable purposes. About 30 million people in Germany volunteer – in sports clubs, social welfare bodies, fire brigades, churches, NGOs or political initiatives. Volunteering significantly shapes the country's social fabric.
Formal recognition takes many forms: tax-free volunteer allowances (up to 840 euros per year), instructor allowances (up to 3000 euros), insurance coverage through providers, expense reimbursements, training offers and honours. Engagement is also increasingly supported professionally – through engagement agencies, municipalities or the German Federal Network for Civic Engagement.
For candidates, volunteering is a valuable element in the CV because it evidences soft skills, social responsibility and initiative. In the social sector and public service, voluntary engagement is often rated positively.
Lunigi does not see volunteering as a substitute for employment but values profiles combining professional and voluntary engagement.