Education

Small classes, no school uniform, vocational schools but few single sex schools or boarding schools...  This may describe the German school system, but it takes a lot more to understand how the system works in comparison to the school systems in the UK.  We've included the following information to help you get to grips with it.

Statutory basis

According to Article 7 of the Basic Law, the entire school system is under the supervision of the state. Because of the country's federal structure, this responsibility is shared between the federal and the state governments. Legislation and administration in the field of education (school system, higher education, adult education and continuing education) are primarily the responsibility of the Federal States (Bundesländer).

Compulsory schooling

To satisfy the compulsory schooling requirements, pupils must attend a full-time school for at least nine, and in some states ten, years and thereafter attend a part-time vocational school (Berufsschule) to satisfy the compulsory vocational schooling requirement, unless they continue their schooling at a full-time general education or vocational secondary school. Attendance at all public (i.e. state-run) schools is free of charge. Educational materials, especially textbooks, are also normally free of charge or on loan.

The Basic Law guarantees the right to establish and operate private schools. If these schools are alternatives to public schools, they are subject to state approval. Alternative schools must have state recognition by the educational authorities of the states before they can administer exams and issue report cards and certificates pursuant to the provisions in effect for public schools until they have been awarded.

Preschool education

Preschool education in Germany is provided in playgroups, institutions which are not part of the public school system, but fall instead under child and youth services. Most of them are run by churches, charitable organizations and municipalities, some by firms or associations. Children usually attend kindergarten in the morning. More and more kindergartens offer all-day care.

Three-year old children have had a legal right to a place in a kindergarten since January 1999. Attendance remains voluntary, however. Parents pay contributions for kindergarten attendance which is graduated according to their income. From 1 August 2013, all children between one and three will have the right to a place in a kindergarten/nursery.

The school system

At the age of six, children enter primary school (Grundschule). In general it lasts four years, in some States for six years (e.g. Berlin and Brandenburg). In most States, work in the first two years at school is not graded, but instead assessed in the form of a report giving a detailed description of the individual pupil's progress and weaknesses in specific areas of learning.

Hauptschule

After primary school, the secondary general school (Hauptschule) gives pupils a basic general education. The secondary general school certificate awarded at the end of five or six years is generally used to gain acceptance to vocational training programmes offered within the framework of the dual system and opens the door to many occupations in the craft trades and industry for which formal training is required. Graduates of secondary general schools enter a vocational training programme and, as part of their training, attend a part-time vocational school (Berufsschule) until at least the age of 18.

Realschule

The intermediate school (Realschule) is positioned between the secondary general school and the grammar school (Gymnasium) and gives pupils a more comprehensive general education. As a rule, it encompasses six years of schooling, grades 5 through 10, and leads to an intermediate school certificate qualifying the recipient to continue their education at upper-level schools such as a full-time vocational school (Berufsfachschule) or a vocationally oriented upper secondary school (Fachoberschule).

Gymnasium

The grammar school (Gymnasium), which is now an eight-year secondary school (formerly nine years), gives pupils a comprehensive general education. In the upper stage of the grammar school, which encompasses grades 11-12, a course system has replaced the conventional classes. Upper secondary instruction at the grammar school concludes with the Abitur examination. Upon completing 12 years of schooling and passing the 'Abi' examination, the pupil is awarded the "certificate of general higher education entrance qualification" (Zeugnis der allgemeinen Hochschulreife). This certificate gives the right to study at any higher education institution (university). However, due to the high number of applicants, nationwide or local admissions are restricted for a number of subjects (e.g. medicine, law).

Gesamtschule

The comprehensive school (Gesamtschule) was first introduced in the 70s and comprises different streams that are equivalent to the secondary general school and the intermediate school, but often also to the grammar school (Gymnasiale Oberstufe). According to the stream they have chosen, pupils can obtain the same certificates that are offered by the other three school types.

School reform

The classical school system is tri-partite structured, but it is going through major reforms. In some of the Federal States there will be just two different school forms in the end: the secondary schools (Sekundärschulen) which cover the Hauptschule, Realschule and Gesamtschule, as well as the traditional Gymnasium.

Special needs schools

Children and young people with disabilities whose needs cannot be adequately met at general education schools receive instruction at special schools (Sonderschulen). There are special schools for various kinds of disabilities. The compulsory education requirement applies to the disabled as well, and without restriction.

Teachers

For every type and level of school there are specially trained teachers. All must have completed a course of study at a higher education institution, but the content and duration of such courses vary. Upon completion of their course of study, all prospective teachers must pass an initial state examination. This is followed by a period of practical training (usually 24 months), which includes preparatory seminars and practice teaching in schools as well as a second state examination. Teachers at public schools are generally professional civil servants in the service of the states.

Updated: 9 March 2011