The German dual system of VET, which still attracts more than half of all school leavers, combines a strong input and process orientation with outcomes, i.e. occupational standards determining the external exams. The European Qualifications Framework has attracted great attention from an early stage because its clear outcomes-orientation is first and foremost seen as an opportunity to classify German qualifications more adequately than in international classifications based on types and times of education. On the other hand, an outcomes orientation offers opportunities for easier access and progression between otherwise rather rigidly segmented individual qualifications and subsystems of qualifications. The leading concept of German VET is Handlungskompetenz in a broad occupational field (Beruf). VET courses are aiming at qualifications for occupational labour markets. Comprehensive/complete qualifications are acquired according to occupational standards of a sector; they have to be learned in integrated complex work processes. They include cross-occupational competences through general education.