Germany’s school system
Once your children are six years old, they are required to go to school, since school attendance is compulsory in Germany. Most German schools are run by the state and there is no charge for your children to attend. In addition, of course, there are private and international schools, which charge fees.
The individual states are responsible for education policy. This means that the school system will to some extent depend on the region where you and your family are living. Children do not always have the same curriculum in every state, and textbooks may differ as well. Individual states also have different types of schools. Basically, however, the German school system is structured as follows:
Grundschule (primary school): Normally, six-year-olds begin their school careers at primary school, which covers the first four grades. Only in Berlin and Brandenburg does primary school continue to the sixth grade. At the end of primary school, you and your child’s teachers will decide, depending on your child’s performance, which secondary school your child will attend.
Weiterführende Schulen (secondary schools) – the most common types are:
- Hauptschule (secondary general school for grades five through nine or ten)
- Realschule (more practical secondary school for grades five through ten)
- Gymnasium (more academic secondary school for grades five through twelve/thirteen)
- Gesamtschule (comprehensive school for grades five through twelve/thirteen)
Hauptschule and Realschule: Young people who have successfully completed the Hauptschule or Realschule are eligible for vocational training, or can transfer to the sixth form / senior high at a Gymnasium or Gesamtschule.
Gesamtschule: Combines the Hauptschule, Realschule and Gymnasium and offers an alternative to the tripartite school system.
Gymnasium: At the end of the 12th or 13th grade, students take examinations known as the Abitur and if successful graduate from high school with a certificate of advanced secondary education entitling them to study at a university or at a university of applied sciences. However, they may also choose to undergo vocational training and enter the job market directly.
Source: Make it in Germany – School system
Baden-Württemberg school system
The four-year elementary school is followed by the following secondary schools in the Baden-Württemberg school system: the Hauptschule, the Werkrealschule, the Realschule and the Community School with the option of an upper level and grammar school. After completing a general school leaving certificate, pupils can also attend a vocational school. In addition to all of these types of schools, there are also special educational offers.
Source: State Center for Political Education – Baden-Württemberg School System
School in Baden-Württemberg
School children have different strengths and needs. The Baden-Württemberg school system therefore offers individual support options for all children and young people. In addition to general education schools, vocational schools open up a wide range of educational paths. Baden-Württemberg relies on a teaching culture that imparts knowledge, promotes responsible and social behavior and is characterized by tolerance and democratic cooperation.
Primary level: elementary school
The primary school is the common primary level of the school system. It conveys basic knowledge and skills. Your special task is characterized by the gradual introduction of the students from the playful to the school-based forms of learning and working.
Secondary level I (secondary school): Werkrealschule and Hauptschule
The secondary school comprises grades 5 to 9 and leads to the secondary school leaving certificate. In addition, at many schools there is the possibility of acquiring the secondary school certificate after grade 10. If it is a Werkrealschule, an intermediate degree is also possible after six years.
Lower secondary level (secondary school): Realschule
The Realschule prepares its pupils in particular for a successful transition into the world of work or the vocational high school. After six years it leads to the secondary school leaving certificate, but also offers the option of obtaining the secondary school leaving certificate at the end of grade 9.
Secondary level I + II (secondary school): Gymnasium
The high school is the direct route to the Abitur. It provides a qualified foundation of knowledge, values and competencies and leads to general university entrance qualification in eight years – at 44 model schools in 9 years. The individual grammar schools differ in their course offerings through different focuses.
Secondary level I + II (secondary school): Community school (Gemeinschaftsschule)
The community school offers both the basic as well as the intermediate and advanced levels. Pupils learn in each subject at the level that suits them. In or through the community school, the secondary school certificate, the secondary school certificate and the Abitur are possible.
SBBZ
The special needs education and advice centres (SBBZ) offer advice, support and educational opportunities at general schools and at their own facilities. They differ according to the focus of support and in some cases lead the courses of education in general schools.
Vocational education: vocational schools
The vocational school system offers school leavers from general schools a variety of opportunities to gain further qualifications. The vocational schools are divided into six types of school: vocational school, vocational high school, vocational college, vocational school, vocational high school and technical school.
Source: Ministry of Culture Baden-Württemberg – School
Documents for Download
Ministry of Culture – Educational Pathways in Baden-Württemberg
