After nursery or preschool, which is optional, the compulsory German education system is divided into two stages – primary school and secondary school – of which there are different types to choose from, as outlined below.
Before continue, Read our previous post on German School System
The structure of the German education system
German preschool/nursery (Kindergarten) – German Education System
Children under three years old may attend nursery (Kinderkrippen), while those aged between three and six years old may go to a preschool (Kindergarten/Kita). These are available either morning, whole days or even evenings and weekends in some places. They can be private, public or church-run, so some are free while others charge fees (usually based on income). Many have waiting lists, so put your child’s name down as soon as possible. In large cities, you will also find bilingual preschools.
Both childcare types are optional, not compulsory, although most children in Germany aged between three and six are in education or childcare. They are an excellent way for expat children to play and learn alongside German children and absorb German language and culture. In some states, five-year-olds may be registered in preschool classes (Vorklassen) in preparation for primary school.
German primary school (Grundschule) – German Education System
Children start primary school in the autumn term (around September) in the year a child turns six years old, and stay there until age 10. However, some German states have cut-off dates (such as 30 June or 31 December) to determine if a child can start school if they haven’t yet turned six when school starts. If a child does not turn six before the cut-off date, they are considered a Kann Kind (literally ‘can child’) as opposed to a muss Kind (‘must child’). A muss Kind will be guaranteed a school place, while a Kann Kind may be required to pass a test (Einschulungsuntersuchung) to prove their ability to attend school.
Administrators do not push early admissions based on the assumption that even if the child is intellectually ready they may still not be socially and physically ready.
On the first day at Grundschule, it is the tradition for a child to bring a Schultüte, which is a large decorative conical parcel filled with candy and little presents, and the older school children may put on a performance for new students and their families.
There are usually four grades or years (1–4) in German primary education, although in some regions primary school continues until year 6. Usually, children go to the primary school nearest their home. There have been efforts to reduce the inequality in education standards between areas, but affluent neighbourhoods still tend to offer better schooling than non-affluent neighbourhoods.
Lessons include literacy, mathematics, science, a foreign language, religion and computer skills but the details of the curriculum are decided by the states (Länder) so will vary across Germany. Parents may opt for their children not to attend religion classes by having them attend ethics lessons instead, if available. Materials and equipment are provided by the school, although parents are sometimes required to contribute towards the cost of these.
There are between 20 and 30 hours of lessons a week, increasing as the children get older. Even at this age, there will probably be around half an hour or more of homework (Hausaufgaben) every day.
Pupils are assessed at the end of the second year. In order to progress up the school, pupils have to achieve certain standards and may have to repeat a year if they fail to do this – or go up a year if they exceed them. Primary school teachers are trained to recognise and support children with dyslexia (Legasthenie).
At the end of primary school teachers assess the child’s abilities and interests and make a recommendation (Übergangsempfehlung or ‘transfer recommendation’) to advise parents about which type of secondary school would be best for the child. In most cases, parents can decide on the secondary school.
The secondary school in Germany – German Education System
Based on a student’s academic performance, teachers’ recommendations and parents’ preferences, a student will enter one of the different types of secondary schools in Germany:
- Gymnasium – for academic students;
- Realschule – for intermediary students;
- Hauptschule – for less academic students;
- Gesamtschule – a comprehensive school combining all education types;
- Schools where the Hauptschule and Realschule curricula are amalgamated.
In theory, it is possible to change from one type of school to another, depending on the student’s grades.
Gymnasium
Gymnasium education is required for anyone planning on tertiary education. Most academic students will go on to study at a Gymnasium between the ages of 10 and 18 (years 5 to 13). There are 32–40 hours of lessons a week and lots of homework. They will study a broad range of subjects at a high standard, including two compulsory foreign languages (often English, French, Spanish, or Latin) plus sports, music and art lessons. Students can also choose to take more advanced ‘honours’ courses (Leistungskurse).
In general, a student who fails more than two subjects will have to repeat the whole school year.
In year 11, students enter the Gymnasiale Oberstufe, a two-year course in preparation for the final examination. Some subjects, such as mathematics and German, are compulsory; students can choose others. The Abitur, or ‘Abi’, is the final exam and the qualification needed to enter a German university.
Realschule
Realschule is a school for intermediary students who attended between the ages of 10 and 15/16 for five years (years 5 to 10). This is the most common form of secondary education, and while it is below Gymnasium education, it can still offer a high academic standard. They study a range of subjects, including a compulsory foreign language; students can opt for a second language (usually French).
Studies culminate in a Realschulabschuss diploma which allows students to take training courses leading to vocational qualifications, an apprenticeship in a commercial trade or the medical profession, or further courses leading to higher education. Upon graduation, academic achievers can transfer to a Gymnasium to continue their studies if they wish to enter university.
Realschule covers the basic subjects to prepare students for mid-level jobs in businesses. After attending a vocational school, students learn skills that put them in the middle strata of business and industry. Salesmen, nurses, mid-level civil servants, secretaries, and so forth generally have been to Realschule.
Hauptschule
Hauptschule is a vocational school for less academic students aged between 10 and 15 or 16. There are five compulsory years (5–9) but students can choose to stay on for year 10 if they wish. It is generally considered the least demanding of the secondary school types but is highly appropriate for those wishing to enter a trade or an apprenticeship in certain industrial sectors.
Students receive a basic general education with a focus on mathematics, computer science, German and one compulsory foreign language (usually English), plus vocational skills. It essentially covers the same subjects as the other secondary schools, but at a slower pace and with some vocational orientation. At the end of year 9, they receive a Hauptschulabschluss leaving certificate or diploma. If students stay on for year 10 they are given an extended Realschulabschluss.
After graduation, students can enter an apprenticeship (Lehre) in a manual trade and continue with part-time studies at a vocational school or Berufsschule until they are 18. Academic achievers may be able to transfer to a Gymnasium if they want to obtain the necessary level required to enter university.
Vocational schools (Berufsschule)
After the Hauptschule and Realschule, the Berufsschule combines part-time academic study with an apprenticeship. At the end of years 9 and 10 pupils who want to work in certain professional or vocational jobs can combine part-time education and on-the-job training for two to three years at these schools:
- Berufsfachschule – full-time vocational school;
- Berufsaufachschule – extension vocational school;
- Fachoberschule – technical school;
- Berufliches Gymnasium/Fachgymnasium – a vocational upper level of the gymnasium;
- Fachschule – advanced technical school.
Students can undertake a range of work-directed studies, such as economics and specific business studies, usually related to an apprenticeship. The successful completion of an apprenticeship program can lead to certification in a particular trade or field of work.
After full-time vocational schooling, students in years 10 to 12/13 receive the Zeugnis der Fachgebundenen Hochschulreife, which also gives them access to higher education.
Gesamtschule and integrated schools
Past efforts to create a more inclusive education system saw the creation of additional school types that offer more than one secondary education stream. There were mixed reactions to the success of this, and not all states offer this.
In some parts of Germany, there are schools amalgamating the Hauptschule and Realschule curricula (they have different names in each region, for example, Mittelschule, Regelschule and Regionalschule) where students can take either qualification. There are also comprehensive schools called Gesamtschule open to all students. Students are streamed according to their ability within the school. At the end of year 10, they can leave with a Hauptschulabschlus diploma and go on to take an apprenticeship (Lehre), go to a vocational school, or stay on for a further three years to take the Abitur for university entrance.
After completing compulsory secondary schooling, students can consider their options for higher education in Germany.
Religious instruction – German Education System
Almost all schools offer religious education for Catholic, Lutheran-Protestant and Jewish students as part of the curriculum. You can ask for your child to be exempt from these lessons. After the age of 14 pupils can choose to opt out themselves but have to take lessons on ethics and philosophy instead.
Language support for foreigners – German Education System
Lessons in German state schools are taught in German. Your child’s language skills may be evaluated as early as kindergarten level or at least before enrolment into compulsory education. If necessary, you will be offered a support programme to help your child learn German. When you are considering a school and your child is not fluent in German, make sure the school offers German lessons (usually called ‘German as a foreign language’). These classes will help your child understand what’s going on and help him or her keep up with the lessons. There may also be multilingual education guides called Bildungslotsen, Elternlotsen or Integrationslotsen. Find out more through your regional advice centre via the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) website.
Special needs in Germany – German Education System
Students with special needs may be educated with support in mainstream schools, in schools with a focus on special needs (Schulen mit sonderpädagogischem Förderschwerpunkt or Förderschulen), or in specialist schools, depending on each Länd. Education authorities will use their own official procedures to assess a child’s special educational needs.
