Education

Kindergarden

Kindergarten and Nursery in Germany

A kindergarten is an institution for the care and education of children aged around 3 to 6 years. The focus is on promoting children's social, emotional, cognitive, and motor development.

In kindergarten, children typically participate in:

  • Play and movement activities
  • Creative activities
  • Language development
  • Activities that prepare them for school

Care is usually provided in larger groups than in nurseries, with fewer caregivers per child.

Steps to Get a Kindergarten Place

  1. Research

    • Look for public, private, church-run, or organization-run kindergartens in your area.
    • Compare opening hours, educational concepts, location, and available services.

  2. Registration

    • Contact kindergartens to ask about registration procedures, application deadlines, and available places.
    • Commonly requested documents may include:
      • Birth certificate
      • Vaccination records
      • Proof of income

  3. Visit

    • Visit potential kindergartens to see the facilities and learn more about their educational approach.
    • Ask questions about daily routines, childcare hours, meals, language support, and availability.

  4. Choose a Kindergarten

    • Select the kindergarten that best meets your child's and family's needs.

  5. Complete Registration

    • Submit the required documents and forms.
    • Pay any applicable fees.

Age Limits

Most kindergartens accept children from around 3 years old. Specific age requirements and admission procedures may vary depending on the institution, municipality, and federal state.

Children under the age of three can usually attend a nursery (Kinderkrippe) or another form of daycare.

Kindergarten Costs

Childcare costs vary depending on:

  • Type of kindergarten
  • Federal state
  • Municipality
  • Family income
  • Number of hours of childcare
  • Available subsidies

Publicly funded kindergartens may charge income-based fees, while some municipalities offer free or reduced-cost childcare.

Financial support may also include:

  • Childcare subsidies
  • Sibling discounts
  • Support from local authorities

Apply as early as possible, as places can be limited, particularly in larger cities and popular kindergartens.

Nursery (Kinderkrippe)

A nursery (Kinderkrippe) provides care for children from around 0 to 3 years old.

Compared with kindergarten, nurseries generally offer:

  • Smaller groups
  • More caregivers per child
  • More individualized care
  • Care adapted to younger children's needs

Focus Areas

Nursery care typically focuses on:

  • Feeding
  • Diaper changing
  • Sleeping and nap routines
  • Play and movement
  • Early language development
  • Social and emotional development
  • Individual care and routines

Nursery Costs

Costs vary depending on the location, type of provider, family income, and number of childcare hours.

Public nurseries may offer income-based fees or financial assistance through local authorities and social services.

Check with your local authority to find out whether you are eligible for childcare financial assistance.

Legal Right to Childcare

In Germany, children from the age of one generally have a legal entitlement to childcare. This can be provided through a daycare center (Kindertageseinrichtung) or a childminder (Kindertagespflege).

The entitlement is regulated by § 24 SGB VIII.

However, this legal entitlement does not necessarily guarantee a place at your preferred kindergarten or daycare center. Availability and allocation procedures can vary between municipalities.

Important Considerations

When looking for a childcare place:

  • Start the application process early.
  • Check the registration deadlines in your municipality.
  • Apply to multiple suitable facilities if possible.
  • Ask about available childcare hours.
  • Check whether the facility offers language support.
  • Contact the local Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt) if you are having difficulty finding a childcare place.

How to Assert Your Right to Childcare

If you cannot find an appropriate childcare place, contact your local Jugendamt.

The authority can provide information about available childcare options and explain how to request a suitable place. The process and responsible authority may vary depending on your municipality.

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