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Education in Germany is primarily the responsibility of individual German states ( Länder ), with the federal government only playing a minor role. While kindergarten (nursery school) is optional, formal education is compulsory for all children ages 6 to 18. [1] .
- How The German School System Works
- What Is Compulsory Education in Germany?
- How Is The School System Structured in Germany?
- Early Childhood Education
- Primary Education
- Secondary Education
- Tertiary Education
- Continuing Education
- Frequently Asked Questions
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The German education system operates under the framework of the Basic Law(Grundgesetz). At the federal level, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, BMBF) plays a coordinating and supporting role in education matters. However, education in Germany is primarily the responsibility of the individua...
Compulsory education in Germany is a fundamental commitment to ensure that every child receives an education. All children in the Federal Republic of Germany must start school once they reach the age of sixuntil they complete nine years of full-timeschooling at the Gymnasium or 10 years of full-time schooling for other general education schools. Af...
The German school system is structured into five main stages: 1. Early Childhood Education.This stage is optional but widely attended. Children typically start kindergarten at age three or four, focusing on socialization and early learning. 2. Primary Education.Beginning at age six and spanning grades 1 to 4 (or 1 to 6 in Berlin and Brandenburg), t...
What Is Considered Preschool Education in Germany?
Early childhood education is optional education and care that children between 0-6 of age receive in the Federal Territory of Germany. This type of education includes both private and public child and youth welfare services for children who have not reached the age to start compulsory education (primary school).
Which Are the Institutions of Preschool Education in Germany?
In Germany, preschool education is predominantly provided by private daycare centers, including crèches, child-minding centers, and kindergartens. Non-public organizations like Churches and Welfare or Parent’s Associations have priority in offering these services, with local authorities stepping in only when private initiatives are lacking. Here are the preschool education institutions in Germany: 1. Day-care centers (Kindertageseinrichtungen).Typically, a combined setting for children under...
What Are the Teaching Methodology and Materials in Preschool Education in Germany?
Early childhood education in Germany aims to nurture children’s independence and development, offering age-appropriate instruction, values, and rules. It adapts to individual needs, including those of expat children, who benefit from language acquisition and socialization during this phase.
What Is Considered Primary Education in Germany?
Primary school, or Grundschule, offers mandatory education through mixed-ability classes for children aged six until they complete grade 4 (or 6 in Berlin and Brandenburg). As kids finish grade 4/6, primary school marks an important transition phase, as together with parents and teachers, they are placed into different types of secondary schools depending on academic performance and goals.
Which Are the Teaching Practices in Primary Schools in Germany?
Primary education in Germany follows standards set by the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder (Kultusministerkonferenz). It includes subjects such as: 1. German, 2. Mathematics, 3. General studies, 4. Foreign language, 5. Art, 6. Handicrafts, 7. Music, 8. Sport, 9. Religion, or ethics. The curriculum includes topics like intercultural education, sustainability, values education, and more. Parents are encouraged to stay involved in their childre...
Who Supervises Primary Education in Germany?
The Grundschule, the first mandatory school for all children in Germany, operates under legal provisions outlined in the Basic Law and state constitutions regarding schools. These provisions cover inspection, parental rights, compulsory education, religious instruction, and privately-maintained schools. The federal government funds public primary schools in Germany, which means they do not charge tuition fees. However, parents may be asked to contribute toward some expenses, like school suppl...
What Is Considered Secondary Education in Germany?
In the German school system, secondary education follows the primary school stage and is marked by a division into different educational paths, each leading to specific leaving certificates and qualifications. Secondary education is divided into lower secondary(Sekundarstufe I) and upper secondary(Sekundarstufe II). The lower secondary level is offered for pupils aged 10–12 until they are 15–16 in grades 5–7 to 9–10 and focuses on general education. On the other hand, the upper secondary leve...
Who is Responsible for Managing German Secondary Education?
In Germany, secondary education is governed by legal frameworks, including the Education Acts and Compulsory Schooling Acts of the German Länder. These laws define curriculum content and qualifications granted upon completing lower and upper secondary education in both general and vocational schools. Vocational training is regulated by the Vocational Training Act and the Handicrafts Act, addressing matters like contracts, certificates, and trainee rights. Special legislation, like the Protect...
What Are the Types of Secondary Schools in Germany?
The Federal Country of Germany offers secondary education in public and private schools. Various secondary schools in Germany cater to students with varying abilities and prior primary education qualifications. The German educational system is traditionally divided into three main tracks (the Gymnasium, Realschule, and Hauptschule), with some states introducing the Comprehensive School (Gesamtschule) as an alternative or addition to the existing system:
What Is Tertiary Education in Germany Like?
Tertiary education in Germany encompasses post-secondary education at various institutions, including universities, universities of applied sciences, and specialized institutions, offering a wide range of academic and vocational programs. It emphasizes academic excellence, research-oriented education, and practical skills development, leading to Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoratedegrees.
Who Supervises German Tertiary Education?
Under the Basic law, higher education institutions enjoy the autonomy to independently manage the scholarship awarding, research, and teaching activity. For administrative issues, such as academic and governmental matters, these institutions have to be in accord with the Lander’s ministry. Tertiary education at public universities in Germany is generally tuition-free, with nominal semester fees ranging from €100 to €300. Private universities, however, charge varying tuition fees ranging from...
Which Are the Institutions of German Tertiary Education?
With more than 400 state-recognized institutions of higher education in Germany, you’ll find an abundance of choices when it comes to tertiary education. Here are some of the higher education institutions you can choose from and what each specializes in:
What Is Considered Adult Education and Lifelong Learning in Germany?
Continuing education in Germany, also known as lifelong learning, addresses the ever-changing demands of the labor market. It includes various categories, including adult education, professional development, recognizing prior experience, flexible learning pathways, and opportunities for seniors to pursue personal interests. Germany boasts a robust system of adult education and ongoing training. This system includes the following offerings: 1. Evening classes, 2. Workshops, 3. Vocational cours...
Can Children Be Homeschooled in Germany?
Homeschooling is generally not allowed in Germany. The country has strict regulations that require children to attend public or state-approved private schools. There are very limited exceptions, such as for children with specific medical conditions that prevent them from attending regular schools. In most cases, homeschooling is not permitted, and parents can face legal consequences if they choose to homeschool their children.
When Do Schools Start in Germany?
The school year in Germany usually starts in late August to early September, varying across the 16 German states, and typically ends in June or July, with slight variations depending on the state and school.
Are There Any Breaks or Holidays During the German School Year?
Schoolchildren in Germany receive a total of 75 days of holiday per year, which includes 12 Saturdays. These holidays are divided into six school holiday periods that coincide with the separate school terms: 1. Autumn Holiday (Herbstferien).Usually two weeks in October or November. 2. Christmas Holiday (Weihnachtsferien). Typically around two weeks in late December and early January. 3. Winter Holiday (Winterferien).Varies in duration and may range from a few days to two weeks, depending on t...
Learn about the German education system, from early childhood to continuing education, and how it differs from other European countries. Find out about compulsory education, vocational training, higher education, and how to apply for a student visa.
May 27, 2024 · In Germany, primary school is the so-called elementary school ( Grundschule) for grades 1-4 (in Berlin and Brandenburg, grades 1-6). There are 15.447 primary schools in Germany. Starting primary school is the official beginning of German school education.
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Find out why Germany is a perfect place to study abroad, how to apply, and what programs are available. Download free e-books with tips, requirements, and stories from experts and students.
The German education system explained for expats: types of schools (public & private), structure of the school system in Germany, school holidays & fees.
Feb 5, 2024 · Learn how the German school system works, from primary to secondary education, and how it differs by state. Find out about fees, certificates, vocational training and school holidays.
Jun 3, 2024 · Germany has a high-quality education system. Learn about the German education & school system, its structure, how does it work, & the grading system.
