Education

Secondary School

Secondary Schools in Germany

In Germany, children can attend different types of secondary schools after completing primary school. The available school types and structures vary depending on the federal state (Bundesland).

Gymnasium

Gymnasium typically leads to the general university entrance qualification (Abitur) and provides a broad academic education across various subjects.

Depending on the federal state, students may complete Gymnasium after 12 or 13 school years. Some states offer G8 Gymnasium, where students complete the Abitur after eight years at Gymnasium, while others use the G9 model.

Gesamtschule (Comprehensive School)

Gesamtschule combines different educational pathways, including Hauptschule, Realschule, and Gymnasium, within one school.

Depending on their performance and chosen pathway, students can work toward different school-leaving qualifications, including:

  • Hauptschulabschluss (secondary general school diploma)
  • Realschulabschluss or mittlere Reife (intermediate school-leaving certificate)
  • Abitur (general university entrance qualification)

The exact structure and qualifications offered vary by federal state and school.

Realschule

Realschule generally leads to the intermediate school-leaving certificate (mittlere Reife) and prepares students for vocational training or further education.

It typically continues through the 10th grade.

Hauptschule

Hauptschule provides a more practically oriented education and generally leads to the Hauptschulabschluss.

It typically continues through the 9th or 10th grade, depending on the federal state and school structure.

The qualification can provide access to vocational training and, depending on the student's results, further educational pathways.

Waldorfschule (Waldorf School)

Waldorf schools follow the educational approach developed from the pedagogy of Rudolf Steiner, with a strong focus on holistic, artistic, and practical education.

Depending on the school and federal state, students can work toward recognized school-leaving qualifications, including the Abitur.

Note: Germany has different school structures depending on the federal state. Additional school types and alternative models may also be available.

Requirements

Admission requirements vary by federal state and school.

  • Gymnasium: Usually requires successful completion of primary school. In some states, teacher recommendations or specific performance requirements may apply.
  • Realschule: Usually requires successful completion of primary school. Specific admission requirements vary by state.
  • Hauptschule: Admission generally follows completion of primary school.
  • Changing school types: Students may be able to move between different educational pathways depending on their grades, performance, and the rules of the federal state.

Costs

  • Public schools: Generally free of charge.
  • Private schools and boarding schools: May charge tuition fees, which vary significantly between schools.
  • Additional costs: Families may need to pay for school materials, excursions, meals, transportation, or tutoring.
  • Financial support: Depending on your circumstances, support may be available through scholarships or government assistance programs.

It is recommended to check with the specific school or local education authority for current information about fees and available financial support.

Enrollment Process

The enrollment process varies by school and federal state but generally includes the following steps:

  1. Gather information: Research schools, attend information sessions, and review their educational programs.
  2. Select schools: Compare schools based on location, educational pathways, languages, and other preferences.
  3. Prepare documents: Gather the required school records and identification documents.
  4. Submit the application: Apply through the school or relevant local education authority.
  5. Admission: Receive information about the school placement or admission decision.
  6. Complete enrollment: Provide any additional documents requested by the school.

Depending on the situation, documents may include:

  • School reports and transcripts
  • Proof of identity
  • Proof of residence
  • Vaccination records
  • Previous school records from abroad
  • Language assessment or other educational documents

Federal Education System

Germany has a federal education system, meaning education is primarily regulated by the individual federal states (Bundesländer).

This results in differences in:

  • School structures
  • Curricula
  • School duration
  • Graduation requirements
  • Admission procedures
  • Transfer rules

For example, some federal states use the G8 model for Gymnasium, while others use G9.

If your family moves to another federal state, your child may encounter differences in the curriculum, school structure, and educational requirements. It is therefore important to check the rules of the specific state and school.

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