Schooling in Germany

Enlarge image (© dpa / picture-alliance) In 1998, there were 12.7 million pupils and roughly 720,800 teachers at 52,000 schools throughout Germany. The Basic Law guarantees everyone the right to self-fulfillment and the right freely to choose his or her school or place of training as well as his or her occupation or profession.

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 individual states.

Compulsory schooling
To satisfy the compulsory schooling requirements, pupils must attend a full-time school for atleast 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. As a rule, children attend kindergarten only in the morning. Only some of the kindergartens offer all-day care.

As of January 1996, children have had a legal right to a place in a kindergarten and since January 1999, this right has applied unconditionally. Attendance remains voluntary, however. Parents pay contributions for kindergarten attendance which is graduated according to their income.

The school system
Enlarge image (© picture-alliance/MAXPPP) At the age of six, children enter primary school (Grundschule). In general it lasts four years, in Berlin an Brandenburg six years. 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 completing primary school, about one fifth (1998-9) of the children attend secondary general school (Hauptschule). The secondary general school imparts a basic general education to its pupils. The secondary general school certificate awarded at the end of five or six years is generally used to gain acceptance to vocational training programs 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 program 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 imparts a more comprehensive general education to its pupils. 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 his or her 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 a nine-year secondary school, imparts a comprehensive general education to its pupils. In the upper stage of the grammar school, which encompasses grades 11 through 13, a course system has replaced the conventional classes. Upper secondary instruction at the grammar school concludes with the Abitur examination. Upon completing 13 years of schooling and passing the Abitur examination, the pupil is awarded the "certificate of general higher education entrance qualification" (Zeugnis der allgemeinen Hochschulreife). This certificate is required for admission to a course of study at a higher education institution (university). Due to the high number of applicants for the limited number of study places, however, nationwide or local admissions are restricted for some courses of study.

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.