secondary education

Primary and Secondary Education in Germany

This detailed guide helps you understand how primary and secondary education works in Germany, from early childhood through vocational or academic secondary pathways. You’ll learn how the system is structured under federal and state authorities, what’s required under compulsory education laws, and how students are guided into different school tracks based on their strengths and goals. The article walks you through school types, curricula, grading, and transitions, while also explaining your options if you’re considering private or international schools.

If you’re moving to Germany or navigating the system as a parent, you’ll find practical insights on enrollment, language support, inclusive education, and available financial aid. Whether you’re planning your child’s education or your own, this overview gives you a clear understanding of the choices and opportunities within the German education system.

Overview of primary and secondary education in germany

Germany’s education system is renowned for its blend of academic rigor, practical hands-on learning, and individualized student development. Operating under the framework of the Basic Law (Grundgesetz), the system is designed to provide comprehensive educational pathways that prepare students for both vocational careers and higher education.

The Federal Structure of Education

While the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) coordinates and supports education at the national level, education is primarily the responsibility of the individual federal states (Bundesländer). Each state maintains its own Ministry of Education, which determines crucial aspects such as curricula, teacher qualifications, and school organization. This decentralized approach leads to some differences in educational policies and practices across the country, though state authorities collaborate to ensure comparable standards and qualifications throughout Germany.

Core Characteristics and Pathways

A defining characteristic of the German education system is that it sorts students into different educational paths early on, typically after primary school. This tracking system is designed to match students’ abilities and interests with appropriate educational pathways. The system also places significant emphasis on vocational education and training (VET), with over 15% of 25-34-year-olds holding a vocational post-secondary qualification as their highest attainment, significantly surpassing the OECD average.

Educational Stages from Early Childhood to Adult Learning

The German education system comprises five main stages: early childhood, primary, secondary, tertiary, and continuing education. This comprehensive structure ensures that learning opportunities are available throughout an individual’s lifetime, from early development through professional advancement and personal enrichment.

Compulsory Education in Germany

Legal Requirements and Duration

School attendance is compulsory for all children in Germany, representing a fundamental principle of the educational system. Compulsory education generally requires children to attend school full-time from the age of six. The duration of full-time schooling varies depending on the type of school attended:

  • Nine years at a Gymnasium
  • Ten years at other general education schools

This typically means students complete their compulsory education by age 15 or 16, usually finishing grade 9 or 10 depending on their state. After completing general compulsory schooling, those who don’t continue with full-time education must still attend part-time schooling (Berufsschulpflicht) until they’re 18, typically lasting three years and often integrated with vocational training.

Homeschooling Restrictions and Enforcement

Homeschooling is generally forbidden by law in Germany, with rare exceptions made only for specific medical conditions or disabilities. This strict policy reflects the German emphasis on socialization and standardized education. Failure to enroll a child in school can result in significant consequences, including fines or even imprisonment for parents.

Inclusion of Children with Disabilities

Children and youth with disabilities are not exempt from compulsory education. The German system is committed to inclusive education, ensuring that all children, regardless of their physical or learning challenges, have access to educational opportunities that meet their individual needs.

Early Childhood Education (Ages 0–6)

Types of Institutions and Providers

Early childhood education in Germany is optional and provided through a mix of private and public child and youth welfare services. Priority is often given to non-public organizations such as churches or welfare associations, with local authorities stepping in when additional capacity is needed.

The main types of institutions include:

  • Crèches (Kinderkrippen) for children under three years old
  • Kindergartens (Kindergärten) for children aged three up to primary school entry
  • Day-care centers (Kindertageseinrichtungen or Kita) as umbrella terms or combined settings

Some federal states also offer School kindergartens, Preliminary classes (Vorklassen), or Primary school support classes for children of compulsory school age who are not yet ready for structured learning.

Pedagogical Goals and Activities

The primary purpose of early childhood education is to nurture children’s independence and development. The focus areas include socialization, language acquisition, communication skills, motor development, teamwork, and integration. Teaching methods involve age-appropriate instruction through play, singing, and various developmental activities.

Importantly, children are not formally assessed during this stage. Instead, they are regularly supervised by trained educators who discuss their observations with parents to support each child’s individual development.

Regulation, Costs, and Access

Preschool education is supervised by each federal state’s State Youth Welfare Office (Landesjugendamt). As it’s optional and often privately provided, early childhood education comes at a cost that varies by state and institution. However, fees are frequently subsidized or income-dependent, and some states are working toward making kindergarten free to improve accessibility for all families.

Primary Education (Grundschule)

Entry Requirements and Enrollment Process

Primary education represents the first phase of mandatory education in Germany. Children typically start at age six and are placed in mixed-ability classes that accommodate diverse learning levels and backgrounds.

Students are usually assigned to a public primary school in their catchment area or school district. Parents who wish to apply to a different school must demonstrate sufficient ties to that area or provide compelling reasons for the transfer. Before starting primary school, all children must undergo a school entry health check (Einschulungsuntersuchung) to ensure they are ready for formal education.

A cherished German tradition involves giving the child a large paper cone (Schultüte) filled with treats and school supplies on their first day, marking this important transition in their educational journey.

Curriculum and Teaching Methods

Primary education typically covers grades 1 to 4 in most states, though grades 1 to 6 in Berlin and Brandenburg. The curriculum focuses on ensuring a smooth transition from preschool while building foundational concepts in core subjects including German, Mathematics, General studies, Foreign language, Arts, Music, Sport, and Religion/Ethics. Students also learn about intercultural education, sustainability, and fundamental values.

Teaching methods emphasize adapting material to individual student knowledge levels and encouraging active participation in collaborative projects. The school week can span 5 or 6 days, with classes typically lasting 45 minutes. The school day often concludes by 13:00 or 14:00, though full-day options are increasingly available.

Grading, Promotion, and Assessment

Students are promoted from 1st to 2nd grade without formal grading to ease the transition into formal education. From 2nd grade onward, a grading system from 1 (very good) to 6 (very poor) is used. Students may be required to repeat a year based on their academic performance.

In most states, students do not receive a formal leaving certificate upon completion of primary school but are assessed based on educational outcomes. Baden-Württemberg and Rheinland-Pfalz are notable exceptions to this practice.

Transition to Secondary Education

Toward the end of primary school (grade 4 or 6), students are placed into different types of secondary schools based on multiple factors including academic performance, career goals, teacher recommendations, and parental preferences. This crucial transition determines the student’s educational pathway and future opportunities. The first two years of secondary school in most states (grades 5 and 6) can serve as an orientation phase, allowing for some adjustment if needed.

School Organization and Parent Involvement

Public primary schools are state-funded and entirely free, though parents might contribute to school supplies or extracurricular activities. Parental involvement is actively encouraged through various channels including parent meetings (Elternabend, Elternsprechtag), parent councils (Elternbeirat), class representatives, and volunteering opportunities. This collaboration between school and family is considered essential for student success.

Secondary Education (Sekundarstufe I & II)

Structure and Age Range

Secondary education is divided into two distinct phases: lower secondary (Sekundarstufe I) covers ages 10-12 up to 15-16 (grades 5/7 to 9/10) and is compulsory, while upper secondary (Sekundarstufe II) spans ages 15/16 up to 18/19 and is optional. The primary aim is to prepare students for vocational qualifications or higher education, depending on their chosen pathway.

Types of Secondary Schools

The German secondary education system offers several types of schools, each catering to different abilities and career aspirations:

Gymnasium

The Gymnasium represents the academic track, typically covering grades 5 to 12 or 13. This pathway leads to the Abitur qualification, which is required for university study. The upper secondary years (gymnasiale Oberstufe) serve as a qualification phase specifically designed to prepare students for the Abitur examination.

Realschule

The Realschule provides an intermediate track, typically covering grades 5 to 10. This school type offers a balanced combination of academic and practical education, leading to the Realschulabschluss (Mittlere Reife) diploma. Graduates are eligible for vocational training or can pursue higher education pathways.

Hauptschule

The Hauptschule represents the general secondary track, typically covering grades 5 to 9. This pathway maintains a stronger focus on practical and vocational education, leading to the Hauptschulabschluss certificate. Graduates are eligible for vocational training and part-time education through the dual system. Students sometimes have the option to stay an additional year to earn a Realschulabschluss.

Gesamtschule

The Gesamtschule is a comprehensive school that covers multiple tracks within one institution. Students can pursue various qualification paths depending on their chosen course of study. This school type is becoming increasingly common as it offers flexibility and reduces early tracking.

Vocational Schools (Berufsschule)

Vocational schools offer specialized training, often based on the dual system that combines school instruction with apprenticeship experience. Different types exist at the secondary level, including Fachoberschule, Berufsoberschule, Berufsfachschule, Berufsschule, and Berufliches Gymnasium, leading to various vocational qualifications or higher education entrance qualifications.

Curriculum and Grading System

The secondary curriculum includes compulsory subjects such as German, Mathematics, Foreign languages, Natural sciences, Social sciences, Arts, Sports, and Religion/Ethics. Upper secondary education involves more complex topics and allows for specialization in specific subject areas.

The 6-point grading scale (1-6) continues to be used throughout secondary education. In upper secondary Gymnasium, grades are converted to a point system (15-0) for Abitur calculation, providing more precise assessment for university admission.

School Admission and Switching Tracks

Admission to secondary schools is generally based on primary school recommendations, academic performance, and parental choice. Some schools or tracks have specific entry requirements or limited places, making competition for admission intense. However, the system allows students to switch between school types if they meet the necessary requirements, providing some flexibility for late bloomers or those whose interests change.

Public vs. Private Schools

Features and Accessibility of Public Schools

The vast majority of students (around 90-95%) attend state-funded public schools, which are free and adhere to strict regulations ensuring high quality standards. These schools form the backbone of the German education system and are accessible to all students regardless of their family’s financial situation.

Overview of Private School Types and Concepts

Private schools are less common but available throughout Germany. They can be classified as “Ersatzschulen” (equivalent to public schools and state-approved) or “Ergänzungsschulen” (supplementary schools). Private schools often offer alternative educational concepts or teaching methods such as Waldorf or Montessori approaches, or are based on specific religious faiths.

Tuition Fees and Subsidies

Many private schools, especially religious and alternative methodology schools, are state-subsidized, allowing them to charge lower fees than fully independent institutions. Private schools may offer advantages such as smaller class sizes and specialized programs, but they charge tuition fees that vary significantly depending on the institution and level of state support.

International Schools in Germany

Educational Programs and Language of Instruction

International schools are designed primarily for expat children who often spend extended periods abroad and need educational continuity. Instruction is typically conducted at least partially in English, or schools may be fully bilingual (English-German). These institutions offer internationally recognized qualifications such as IGCSE, IB Diploma, or European Baccalaureate, and sometimes also provide the German Abitur.

Tuition, Admissions, and Cultural Integration

International schools are usually fully independent and may fall outside standard private school regulations, allowing them to charge higher, uncapped tuition fees. They typically maintain high academic standards, offer smaller class sizes, and provide more extensive extracurricular activities compared to state schools.

While these schools provide excellent educational continuity and an international environment, attendance may result in less integration into German culture and language. Places are often limited, requiring early application and planning.

Support for Specific Student Groups

Support for Expat and Non-German Speaking Children

Upon arrival in Germany, children of school age may attend special trial lessons focusing on language acquisition before integration into regular classes. Schools provide German as a Second Language classes (Deutsch als Zweitsprache) and specialized support instruction (Förderunterricht). Welcome classes (Willkommensklassen) help newly arrived children quickly acquire essential language skills. The specific provisions vary by federal state.

Inclusive Education and Special Educational Needs

Children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) are not exempt from compulsory education and can attend regular schools with appropriate support or specialized education institutions (sonderpädagogische Bildungseinrichtungen/Sonderschulen/Förderschulen). German law promotes inclusive education based on the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Support services include special education teachers, school psychologists, individualized education plans (IEPs), accessible facilities, and varied learning materials.

School and Academic Year Structure

School Calendar and Holidays

The school year typically begins between late August to early September and ends in June or July, with specific start and end dates varying by federal state. School holidays total 75 days (including Saturdays) per year and are divided into six periods: Autumn, Christmas, Winter, Easter/Spring, Ascension/Pentecost, and Summer holidays. The dates and duration of these holidays vary by state to distribute vacation travel and reduce congestion.

University Academic Year and Lecture Periods

The academic year at universities is divided into the winter semester (usually October 1 – March 31) and the summer semester (usually April 1 – September 30). Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen) may have slightly different timing.

University semesters include both a lecture period and a lecture-free period designated for independent study, examinations, and internships. No classes are held on public holidays during the lecture period, ensuring students have adequate time for both instruction and assessment.

Financial Aid and Support

Public Funding through BAföG

State funding through BAföG (Federal Training Assistance Act) is available for students with residency status aged under 30/35 who cannot meet education costs independently. This funding covers studies from grade 10 onwards at secondary schools, higher vocational schools, and universities. BAföG funding is typically structured as half grant and half interest-free loan, with amounts determined based on family income and individual circumstances.

Scholarships and Private Aid

Some private scholarships are available, often focused on post-compulsory study or offered through individual schools and organizations. While less common than public funding, these scholarships can provide valuable support for students pursuing specific academic or career goals. Many are merit-based or targeted toward students from underrepresented backgrounds or specific fields of study.