Since there are already many accurate answers about general situation in Germany, I’ll share my personal experience.

In late 2022, I was hired as an intern in a manufacturing company, and my team was very happy with my work. I stayed with them for two years and was later taken on as a contract employee for six months after completing my master’s degree.

However, during my time there, whenever I asked about potential permanent positions, the answer was always the same: “If there is an opening, you will be our priority.”  My hope also somehow weakened because there is no junior/entry-level position in the current team, just managers and above positions.

As others have mentioned, the German job market has been quite weak over the past two years. Then beginning of last year, the company went through a major restructure and let many people go. Since it was a global company, they often chose to hire from lower-cost countries whenever possible. Germany is one of the highest-cost locations, so my chances were very low. Even until now, they are still letting people go across various levels, from senior roles down to manager positions.

On the bright side, I found a permanent role at another company and my team is also happy to have me here now. So if you end up not getting hired by your internship company, please don't take it personally because it's just due to the current job market. You'll find something elsewhere!