EducationGermany

The German school system

Das deutsche Schulsystem

Compulsory schooling, primary school, secondary schools and transitions: this is how you find the right path for your child.

4 min read6 steps5 documents11 words to learnNot reviewed yet

Overview

Education in Germany is the responsibility of the sixteen states, so names, durations and rules differ from state to state, but the general framework is similar. Schooling is compulsory for every resident child from about six years for nine to ten years, state schools are free, and parents are expected to cooperate with the school.

Diversity begins after primary school, when pupils are distributed among different types of secondary school leading to different qualifications. This guide explains the stages of school, how to register a newly arrived child, German language support, what is expected of you as a parent, the side costs, school options and vocational paths.

1

School stages and types

After kindergarten the primary school (Grundschule) runs from grade one to four, and in some states up to six.

  • Then children move to a secondary school: the Gymnasium leading to the Abitur and university studies, the Realschule ending with an intermediate certificate, the Hauptschule leading to a basic certificate and linked to trades, and the comprehensive school (Gesamtschule) combining levels.
  • Names differ between states, such as Sekundarschule or Oberschule.
  • You can move between tracks through later certificates.
2

Registering the child and the transition after primary

Primary school registration usually takes place in the year before the child enters, an invitation arrives from the municipality, and the school usually follows your residential area.

  • When your child arrives mid-year contact the municipal education office or the school for placement.
  • After primary school the transition to a secondary school depends on the teacher's recommendation, the child's results and the parents' wishes, and in some states the recommendation is binding.
  • If you are not satisfied with the recommendation ask for a meeting and discuss the reasons, and there may be an admission test or a trial period.
3

Language support and newly arrived children

For children who do not speak German there are preparatory or reception classes (Willkommensklassen or Vorbereitungsklassen) that teach them the language for a period from a few months to two years, while they take part in subjects such as sport and arts with their peers.

  • Then they move gradually to the regular class.
  • Many schools offer extra lessons in German as a second language.
  • Parents can also benefit from maintaining the mother tongue, since learning Arabic strengthens the ability to learn German.
  • Support centres exist that provide homework help free or at a symbolic cost.
4

The role of parents and communicating with the school

Parents are expected to cooperate with the school: attend parents' evenings (Elternabend) and teacher meetings, sign school letters and reports, tell the school immediately if the child is absent due to illness, and provide a medical certificate for a long absence.

  • Absence without excuse is an offence against compulsory schooling and may expose parents to a fine.
  • There are parent representatives (Elternvertreter) elected by the families.
  • Schools often communicate via letters and apps, so ask for translation or help if you do not understand.
  • Schools encourage parents to read with children and follow homework.
5

Costs, vocational paths and support

State schools are free, but you may pay for books, materials, school trips, meals and sometimes transport.

  • Families on a limited income can apply for the education and participation package (Bildungs- und Teilhabepaket) that covers trips, equipment, meals and activities.
  • After school one can choose dual vocational training (Duale Ausbildung), which combines school and work, pays a monthly wage and gives a recognised qualification, and is a strong path for many professions.
  • Or university or universities of applied sciences.
  • And ask for career guidance (Berufsberatung) at the employment agency in the last years of school.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Contact your municipality's education office to register the child and learn the assigned school.

  2. 2

    Ask about a preparatory class or language support for new children.

  3. 3

    Bring the documents: family registration certificate, birth certificate, vaccination record, previous school reports.

  4. 4

    Attend parents' evenings and communicate with the teacher regularly.

  5. 5

    Report any absence to the school on the same day.

  6. 6

    Ask about career guidance and dual training in the final school years.

Documents checklist

  • Family registration certificate and the child's birth certificate.
  • Vaccination record and a medical check for school entry.
  • Previous school reports, translated if available.
  • Proof of income to apply for the education and participation package.
  • The family's registered address.

Key vocabulary

  • dieSchule
    school
  • dieGrundschule
    primary school
  • dasGymnasium
    grammar school
  • dasAbitur
    school-leaving certificate
  • dasZeugnis
    school report
  • derElternabend
    parents' evening
  • derKlassenlehrer
    class teacher
  • dieSchulpflicht
    compulsory schooling
  • Hausaufgaben
    homework
  • dieWillkommensklasse
    welcome class
  • dieAusbildung
    vocational training

Useful phrases

  • Ich möchte mein Kind an der Schule anmelden.I would like to register my child at school.
  • Gibt es eine Willkommensklasse?Is there a welcome class?
  • Mein Kind ist heute krank.My child is ill today.
  • Wie kann ich meinem Kind zu Hause helfen?How can I help my child at home?
  • Wann ist der nächste Elternabend?When is the next parents' evening?
  • Könnten Sie das bitte übersetzen?Could you please translate that?

At the school office

  • Sekretärin

    Guten Tag. Wie kann ich Ihnen helfen?Good day. How can I help you?

  • Sie

    Guten Tag. Wir sind neu in Deutschland. Ich möchte meinen Sohn anmelden. Er ist zehn.Good day. We are new in Germany. I would like to register my son. He is ten.

  • Sekretärin

    Spricht er schon Deutsch?Does he speak German yet?

  • Sie

    Noch nicht. Gibt es eine Willkommensklasse?Not yet. Is there a welcome class?

  • Sekretärin

    Ja. Bitte bringen Sie das Impfbuch und die Meldebescheinigung mit.Yes. Please bring the vaccination record and the registration certificate.

  • Sie

    Gern. Wann kann er anfangen?Gladly. When can he start?

Common mistakes

  • Thinking the choice after grade four is completely final, when moving between tracks is possible later.
  • Not informing the school about the child's absence, so that it counts as unexcused.
  • Neglecting school letters because they are in German and missing important dates.
  • Not asking for the available language support or the financial package.

Cultural tips

  • Ask the teacher how you can help your child at home even with your limited German.
  • Read with your child daily in any language, which builds reading skills.
  • Join parents' groups to exchange tips about schools and activities.
  • Encourage the child in sport or arts activities to integrate with peers.

Official links

Check yourself

Question 1 of 5

How long does primary school usually last?

Keep practising