What Verlag Europa-Lehrmittel does

Verlag Europa-Lehrmittel is a privately held German educational publishing house founded in 1948 and headquartered in Haan-Gruiten, Germany. The company specializes in vocational and continuing education materials, producing standards-aligned print and digital textbooks, reference handbooks, and online exam-preparation courses across more than 40 occupational fields — including metal, electrical, automotive, construction, IT, healthcare, hospitality, and agriculture — for the German dual-system Berufsschulen market, universities of applied sciences, corporate apprenticeship programs, and individual teachers and learners.

The core technology platform is EUROPATHEK, a virtual media shelf that delivers digital books, multimedia packages, simulations, animations, and e-learning units with cross-device note synchronization and up to 30 days of offline access via dedicated Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android apps. Digital access is sold as 1-year or 4-year licenses activated through freischaltcodes, with PRÜFUNGSDOC providing browser-based exam preparation and a "Digitales Buch + KI-Chat" format adding an AI chat layer. Print and digital products are supported by the knkVerlag publishing ERP system (implemented in 2020) and by a 75-year content catalog that includes the flagship Tabellenbuch Metall (50th edition, 2025) and the Edition Harri Deutsch and Fachbuchverlag Pfanneberg sub-brands.

The business model combines one-time print textbook sales (€6.70–€68.30 per title) with recurring digital subscription revenue (1-year/4-year licenses), teacher examination-copy discounts (25–50% off), and foreign-rights licensing royalties from partner publishers in 40+ countries publishing licensed editions in 25+ languages. Go-to-market spans direct e-commerce, a national field-sales network of 7 Bildungsmedien Berater covering all German states, the German book trade, and exclusive distribution partners in Austria and Switzerland, supplemented by attendance at the Frankfurter Buchmesse and free digital-teaching webinars.

Name

Verlag Europa-Lehrmittel

Legal name

Verlag Europa-Lehrmittel

Website

https://europa-lehrmittel.de

Company type

Private

Founded year

1948

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

Verlag Europa-Lehrmittel is a privately held German educational publisher founded in 1948 that produces print and digital textbooks, reference handbooks, and online exam-preparation courses across more than 40 vocational fields for Berufsschulen, universities, corporate apprenticeship programs, and teachers in the German-speaking market.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Education Publishing

NAICS

Book Publishers (513130), Book Publishers (51313)

SIC

Books: Publishing Or Publishing & Printing (2731)

akta.pro primary industry

Professional & Trade Education Publishing (Vocational/Certification) (MPAJABAE)

akta.pro secondary industry

Higher Education Textbook Publishing (MPAJABAB)

Keywords

• Vocational education publishing
• Technical training textbooks
• Digital learning platforms
• Continuing education materials
• Educational content licensing

Headquarters

HQ city

Haan

HQ country

Germany

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Printed Textbook Sales: Sale of physical textbooks and educational books for vocational training across 40+ occupational fields, sold via direct web shop, bookstores, and B2B channels. One-time purchase per title.
2. Digital Book Subscriptions / Licenses: Digital book access sold as 1-year (12-month) or 4-year (48-month) licenses via the EUROPATHEK platform, activated with freischaltcodes. Also available as permanent license variants.
3. PRÜFUNGSDOC Online Courses: Online examination preparation courses available as 1-year or 4-year license subscriptions, accessed via EUROPATHEK with freischaltcode redemption.
4. Foreign Rights Licensing: Licensing of existing titles to international publishers for translation and local publication in foreign languages, generating licensing royalties from 40+ countries.
5. Teacher Examination Copy Discounts: Special discounted pricing for teachers (25–50% off) and trainee teachers (Referendare) as examination copies with return rights within 8 weeks, generating recurring per-order revenue from the education sector.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Verlag Europa-Lehrmittel is a German educational publishing company that produces and supplies learning and teaching materials for vocational and continuing education. The portfolio covers printed textbooks and reference handbooks, digital books, online examination preparation courses, and multimedia learning content spanning more than 40 occupational training fields, distributed through a proprietary e-commerce platform, a national field sales network, and licensed international publishers.

Product overview

Verlag Europa-Lehrmittel is a German educational publisher specializing in vocational and professional training materials. The company offers a portfolio of print textbooks, reference handbooks, and digital educational content organized under several core brands. The primary digital platform is EUROPATHEK, a virtual media shelf providing digital books, media packages, simulations, and E-learning units with cross-device synchronization and offline access. This platform hosts the PRÜFUNGSDOC online examination preparation system. The print portfolio includes flagship titles such as Tabellenbuch Metall (Mechanical and Metal Trades Handbook), Fachkunde Kraftfahrzeugtechnik (Automotive Technology), Tabellenbuch Elektrotechnik (Electrical Engineering), and Fachkunde Metall (Metal Engineering). The company also publishes through the Edition Harri Deutsch sub-brand for university-level materials and the acquired Fachbuchverlag Pfanneberg for hospitality and culinary arts. Products are available in multiple formats including print books, digital books (with optional KI-Chat AI features), multimedia packages, and online courses. The company holds foreign rights agreements enabling translations into numerous languages including English, French, Chinese, Russian, and many others.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• EUROPATHEK: Virtual media shelf offering digital books, media packages, simulations and multimedia learning units with options for individual supplementation.
• PRÜFUNGSDOC
• Edition Harri Deutsch

Products and services

• EUROPATHEK Digital platform providing access to digital textbooks, media packages, simulations, and E-learning units with multimedia enrichment, personal notes, and cross-device synchronization. Accessible via web browser, desktop software, and mobile apps. For vocational schools, universities, teachers, students, and individual learners.
• PRÜFUNGSDOC Browser-based online examination preparation courses for intermediate, journeyman, and final examinations as well as advanced training in master schools. Features single-choice, multiple-choice, sorting, drag-and-drop, and assignment tasks with automated evaluation and progress tracking. Available as 1-year or 4-year license subscriptions. For apprentices, students, and continuing education learners.
• Tabellenbuch Metall Standard reference work (Handbook of Tables) for metal trades containing all relevant tables and formulas. The 50th edition reflects current standards including norm changes through February 2025. For metalworking apprentices, vocational school students, and trade professionals.
• Fachkunde Kraftfahrzeugtechnik Comprehensive automotive technology textbook covering vehicle systems, maintenance, and repair procedures. Available in multiple languages including English as 'Modern Automotive Technology'. For automotive apprentices, vocational school students, and automotive trade professionals.
• Praxis Elektrotechnik Practical electrical engineering textbook covering electrical systems, installations, and applications for electrical trades. For electrical engineering apprentices, vocational school students, and electrical trade professionals.
• Fachkunde Metall Comprehensive metal engineering textbook covering metal trades and metalworking processes. Available in English as 'Metal Engineering Textbook'. For metalworking apprentices, vocational school students, and metal trade professionals.
• Der junge Koch/Die junge Köchin Standard culinary arts textbook for cooking apprentices covering professional kitchen techniques and culinary knowledge. Awarded Gold Medal of the Gastronomic Academy of Germany (GAD) in 2019. For culinary apprentices, vocational school students in gastronomy, and professional cooks.
• Tabellenbuch Zerspantechnik Reference book for machining technology containing tables, calculations, and technical data for metal cutting and metalworking operations. For machining apprentices, vocational school students, and manufacturing professionals.
• Edition Harri Deutsch University-level academic publishing line covering mathematics, physics, and technical sciences for higher education and continuing education. For universities of applied sciences (Fachhochschulen), universities, and higher education students.
• Fachbuchverlag Pfanneberg Specialist publisher for hospitality and culinary arts educational materials, operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary within the Europa-Lehrmittel group. For hospitality apprentices, culinary students, and food trade professionals.

Quantifiable outcome

• Licensed editions available in 40+ countries and 25+ languages
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and major.

• TeachinocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic cooperation under the brand 'Teachino × EUROPATHEK – Gemeinsam für berufliche Bildung' (Together for vocational education). The partnership combines Teachino's digital education platform with Europa-Lehrmittel's EUROPATHEK content, providing enhanced digital learning materials for vocational training. Digital content (illustrations and tables) from Europa-Lehrmittel is made available within the protected Teachino environment. The cooperation was publicly announced as a press release on Europa-Lehrmittel's website.
• FS Fachbuch Verlag und Vertriebs GesmbHcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive distribution partner for Austria. FS Fachbuch handles all orders for physical books, digital books, software, and other physical products for Austrian customers. Located at Breitenseerstraße 39a, A-1140 Vienna, Austria.
• BSS Bildungsservice Schweiz AGcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive distribution partner for Switzerland. Bildungsservice Schweiz handles all orders for physical books, digital books, software, and other physical products for Swiss customers. Located at Turbinenweg 6, CH-8866 Ziegelbrücke, Switzerland.
• Sohn FinanzberatungminorOthersContent partner contributing materials to specific educational titles. Listed in product prefaces and image directories. Hanau, Germany. Website: vermoegenswirksame-leistungen.de.
• TEPGO GmbHminorOthersContent partner contributing to product development and image/text materials. Listed in product prefaces and image directories. Osnabrück, Germany. Website: tepgo.de.
• FOLIANT Publishing House (Kazakhstan)majorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerMajor licensing partner publishing licensed editions of numerous Europa-Lehrmittel titles in Kazakh and Russian languages. Publishers include Fachkunde Kraftfahrzeugtechnik, Fachkunde Mechatronik, Fachkunde Installations- und Heizungstechnik, Clothing Technology, Haut & Haar Friseurfachkunde, Hotel & Gast, C++ für IT-Berufe, Fachwissen Netzwerktechnik, and many more technical titles.
• China Machine Press (机械工业出版社)majorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerMajor Chinese publishing partner for licensed editions including Modern Automotive Technology (Fachkunde Kraftfahrzeugtechnik), Fachkunde Metall, and others. Website: cmpbook.com.
• Hunan Science & Technology PressmajorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerLicensed edition publisher for Tabellenbuch Kraftfahrzeugtechnik, 15th edition, and other technical titles in Chinese language. Website: hnstp.com.
• Soochow University Press (苏州大学出版社)majorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerLicensed edition publisher for Prüfungsbuch Metall, Fachkunde Kunststofftechnik, and other titles in Simplified Chinese. Website: sudapress.com.
• Grada Publishing a.s. (Czech Republic)majorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerLicensed edition publisher for Holzfachkunde and other titles in Czech language. Website: grada.cz.
• AVESTOS GmbH (Vietnam)majorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerLicensed edition publisher for numerous Vietnamese-language editions including Tabellenbuch Metall, Fachkunde Metall, Fachkunde Mechatronik, Fachkunde Elektrotechnik, Bautechnik titles, Holztechnik titles, Hotel und Gast, and Der junge Koch, among many others.
• Technosphera Publishers (Russia)majorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerLicensed edition publisher for Fachkunde Bautechnik (15th edition), Taschenbuch der Physik, and other technical titles in Russian language. Website: technosphera.ru.
• Tre Publishing House Ltd. (Vietnam)majorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerLicensed edition publisher for Fachkunde Kraftfahrzeugtechnik (29th edition) and other titles in Vietnamese language. Website: nxbtre.com.vn.
• X-Meditor RomaniamajorOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerLicensed edition publisher for Modern Automotive Technology (2nd edition), Automotive Technology Basic Worksheets, and other technical titles in Romanian language. Website: xmeditor.com.
• knkVerlag (knk Business Software AG)coreTechnology or IntegrationEuropa-Lehrmittel signed a contract in December 2020 to implement knkVerlag publishing management software. knkVerlag is a specialized publishing ERP system built on Microsoft Dynamics, providing integrated management of editorial, production, and distribution processes for publishing companies.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Cengage Group: International educational publisher offering vocational and technical titles plus digital platforms (MindTap, Cengage Unlimited). Comparable in the mix of print, digital, and licensing revenue from technical/professional content.
• Pearson Education: Global educational publisher with vocational, professional, and digital learning programmes (BTEC, MyLab). Comparable in international licensing footprint and digital subscription offerings, though focused on broader markets.
• Vogel Communications Group: German B2B media and publishing group covering automotive, mechanical engineering, and electronics trade titles (e.g. via Vogel Business Media). Competes with Europa-Lehrmittel for technical vocational textbook shelf space.
• Carl Hanser Verlag: German technical and professional publisher producing textbooks and reference works for engineering and skilled trades; overlaps with Europa-Lehrmittel's metallurgy, automotive, and electrical engineering titles.
• Friedrich Vieweg / Springer Vieweg: Springer Vieweg publishes university-level technical and engineering textbooks, overlapping with Europa-Lehrmittel's Edition Harri Deutsch line for mathematics, physics, and engineering at German Fachhochschulen.

Direct peers

• Cornelsen Verlag: Major German educational publisher covering K-12, vocational, and continuing education with both print and digital platforms (Cornelsen eCademy). Competes head-to-head with Europa-Lehrmittel in vocational school adoptions and digital learning offerings.
• Ernst Klett Verlag: Leading German educational publisher with broad vocational, secondary, and language-learning programmes, plus digital learning platforms. A direct competitor in the German Berufsschul textbook market.
• Westermann Gruppe (Schroedel, Schöningh, Diesterweg): One of Germany's largest educational publishing groups with a strong vocational and school textbook catalogue (including Bildungsverlag EINS). Directly competes with Europa-Lehrmittel for Berufsschul adoptions across overlapping occupational fields.
• Bildungsverlag EINS (Westermann): Vocational education specialist under the Westermann group, publishing textbooks and digital media across technical, business, and care professions. Direct overlap with Europa-Lehrmittel's core vocational catalogue.

Emerging players

• Teachino: Digital vocational education platform partnered with Europa-Lehrmittel via Teachino x EUROPATHEK. Comparable as a digital delivery and content platform for German vocational training, though currently operating in cooperation rather than as a direct competitor.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/VerlagEuropaLehrmittel
• Facebookfacebook.com/Europa.Lehrmittel
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/europa-lehrmittel
• Instagraminstagram.com/europalehrmittel

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Verlag Europa-Lehrmittel