The only reliable path to a permanent contract at a German university is to join the administration. Everything else is fixed-term, with the exception of the professorships, which are a lottery with an incredibly high ticket price.
Yep. Some states still have a permanent contract for a senior assistant. Depending on how well the professor negotiates their terms they might be lucky if they get a second one. However, this is rarely the case unless you are a well-sought after professor.
