You may feel like the German school system will be a labyrinth to navigate, but it’s quite straightforward once you understand the main elements. Moreover, a high quality of education makes it worth investing the time to explore the opportunities especially if you're planning to move to Germany with children who are of school age. Consider this article your introductory guide with the overview of the school system in Germany, covering everything from early childhood schooling to higher and adult education. Early childhood education in Germany is entirely optional. What you might know as preschool is known asVorschule, and other day-care options range from nurseries and private childminders (Tagesmütter) to small, in-home groups for children too young forKindergarten. Some private nannies orTagesmüttercan start with babies as young as eight weeks. There are also more structured education options you can look into, such as: Intended for babies and children before (and up to) three years of age. However, it's not free, and costs vary. This is preschool for children aged two to three, which offers a relatively relaxed, playful vibe in which children can start to learn concepts in mathematics, literacy and other subjects. For children between the years of three and six, there'sKindergarten.The rates are based on the parents' income. Spaces are limited nationwide - even though it's not mandatory, most kids do attendKindergarten. You can expectKindergärtento be a little more structured in terms of academic goals and timetables. Only after-school or holiday care for primary school-aged kids. Look into whether your family is eligible for a state-funded "Gutschein" (voucher) that can help you pay for "Kindergarten" fees. It's mandatory for German students to attend school from six years old. Children typically attend primary school from the ages of six to ten. Thisfirst stage is known asGrundschule: the first part of compulsory education in Germany. Children usually experience theirEinschulung(official school entry) when they are six years old. Once children have started school at the age of six,they remain inGrundschuleuntil they are ten. In some cases, this can extend to the ages of 11 or 12. This means thatGrundschuleonly has grades one to four, typically, with some extending until the 6th year.Early Childhood Education
Kinderkrippe
Vorschule
Kindergarten
Schulhort
Voucher for "Kindergarten"
Primary Education
What age do Germans start school?
How does the German school system work?
Primary school age varies as well. There are cut-off dates for when a child can enter primary school depending on when the child turns six. Generally, if a student turns six before June 30th, they're eligible to begin school that year. If they're younger, it's up to the administrators to determine if they'll accept the child.
See theGerman Education System main pagefor more information onmuss Kinder(children who must enter school) andkann Kinder(children who could enter school but don't have to legally based on their age).
InGrundschule, lessons aim to give children a solid educational foundation and get them used to homework. Subjects like literacy, mathematics, foreign languages, religion, science, and even computer skills add up to 20 to 30 tuition hours a week, alongside about half an hour of homework each day.
German "Schultüte"
In Germany, it's traditional for a child to bring something known as "Schultüte" to school on their first day. This is a kind of decorative paper cone or parcel filled with candy and small presents.
How long is a school year?
The German school year begins somewhere around late August to early September, varying between the 16 German states. There arebreaks for summer, winter, and, of course, Easter holidays.There are also a number of public holidays where schools close for the day. See ourGerman Holidays and Celebrations pagefor more info on national and regional holidays.
Secondary Education
So, to German high school! Now, this is where it gets interesting because there are different types of secondary school
According to German concepts of education, there is real value in starting to "sort" students according to their natural (and somewhat chosen)proclivities for academics at high-school age.
There is, of course, some flexibility - just because you choose one stream does not mean you cannot cross over and opt for a traditionally more academic or vocational stream later.
Which are the types ofSchools for Secondary Education in Germany?
Gymnasium
Aimed at students who plan to go for tertiary or university-level education,Gymnasiumschools typically offer rigorous levels of academic education. Here, students study from the ages of 10 to 18 years, which spans the 5th to 13th grade of education.
Once they've hit grade 11, their intended preparation begins: students enter theGymnasiale Oberstufe, which is a two-year prep level for their final exams. These are for theAbitur, orAbi: the qualification students need to graduate from theGymnasiale Oberstufeand progress to university.Gymnasiumstudents can also choose to study certain courses at a further advanced level known asLeistungskurse.
Realschule
Realschuleschooling is the most common form of secondary education.
Although not considered as prestigious, maybe, as theGymnasiumschools,Realschulestill offers a highly academic environment with a range of subjects including one to two foreign languages. Subjects and skill levels prepare students for mid-level jobs in businesses and industries.
Education here cumulates in aRealschulabschlussdiploma, allowing students to take training courses, vocational qualifications, apprenticeships in commercial trade, or to pursue medical studies.
Students in aRealschulecomplete their studies aged 15 or 16. From here, they can opt totransfer to aGymnasiumand complete theAbiturexams if they wish to go to university.
Hauptschule
This is a vocational school for students between the ages of 10 and 15–16. It's intended for students who will eventually enter a trade or an apprenticeship and aim to work in industrial sectors.
Gesamtschule
Integrated schoolsorGesamtschulenresult from education lawmakers wanting to create a school system that was not only more inclusive but that also offered more than one kind of educational stream.
In some regions, schools will amalgamate theHauptschuleandRealschulecurricula or stream students according to their abilities. All three education options -Hauptschulabschlussdiploma, apprenticeship options, or further study for theAbi- are open to them.
How many years is high school in Germany?
High school years in Germany vary by which stream or level you choose to study at. Most schools take students until 15 or 16 years of age. TheGymnasiumstudents end at age 18 (grade 13).
Secondary school in Germany
Base the choice of your child’s secondary school on what you think is in their future. What academic or career path do you see them taking after secondary education? What are their skills and strengths? And how will the qualifications of each option translate to universities or employers in their home country?
Tertiary Education
Which are the Institutions of German Tertiary Education?
Germany "tertiary" education or post-secondary education is what students do after secondary school.There is a variety of universities and university "types" that make up tertiary education, and a student's secondary school grades will determine which is the most appropriate for them.
There are several different kinds of German tertiary education institutions, including:
- General universities(Universitäten)
- Universities of applied sciences, also known asFachhochschulen
- Technical collegesknown astechnische Hochschulen/technische Universitäten
- Pedagogic collegesknown asPädagogische Hochschulen
- Institutions offering dual studies(Berufsakademie)
- Institutions for Federal Armed Forces
- Theological collegesorTheologische Hochschulen
What are the differences between universities and universities of applied sciences?
Universities in Germany, known as theUniversitäten, offer courses and scientific research programs. They offer academicStudiumcourses (B.A., M.A.) and award PhDs (Doktorgrad) in a wide range of subjects.
Meanwhile,the universities of applied sciences, orFachhochschulen,provide a much more practical and responsive method of teaching. Their aim is to move students towards the labor market, making them job- and profession-ready.
Students in theHochschulenusually undertake a paid training known as thePraxissemester.
Student loan - "BAföG"
You could possibly take advantage of a student grant/loan known as "BAföG" ("Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz").
Continuing Education
Once an individual is in their chosen profession, there's no reason why they can't make a lateral move to another path of interest - nor why they can't opt to undertake further studies
In Germany, this is known as continuing oradult educationand it gives individuals already working in the job market a chance to further their skills. For the country in general, it encourages productivity by responding to the needs of the changing labor market.
Usually, these are privatized forms of education and are offered by vocational schools, municipal or private institutions, family education centers, trade unions, and the like.
"Quereinsteiger- Fortbildungskurs"
You can check whether you are eligible to undertake a "Quereinsteiger"- or "Fortbildungskurs" to change professions with the needed training and support.
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