School Holidays in Germany 2024-2025

Germany's education system is closely linked to its school holidays, reflecting the country's federal structure and emphasis on balanced student development. Each state sets its own holiday schedule, ensuring regular breaks that align with regional traditions and support academic success. The holidays are designed to provide rest, cultural engagement, and opportunities for enrichment, complementing the rigorous academic and vocational training offered in German schools, thereby fostering well-rounded, resilient students.

List of Public Holidays in Germany (2024 - 2025)

Public holidays in Germany are determined at both the national and state levels: National public holidays, such as New Year’s Day, Labour Day, and German Unity Day, are set by the federal government and are nationwide. State-specific public holidays, on the other hand, are set by each of Germany’s 16 federal states (Bundesländer) and only apply to those specific states.

In the academic year 2024/25, here are the national and state-specific public holidays where both you and your children will take a day off:

• German Unity Day: October 3, 2024 (nationwide)
• Reformation Day: October 31, 2024 (Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Thuringia, Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, Lower Saxony, Bremen)
• All Saints' Day: November 1, 2024 (Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland)
• Christmas Day: December 25, 2024 (nationwide)
• Boxing Day: December 26, 2024 (nationwide)
• New Year's Day: January 1, 2025 (nationwide)
• Epiphany: January 6, 2025 (Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Saxony-Anhalt)
• Good Friday: April 18, 2025 (nationwide)
• Easter Monday: April 21, 2025 (nationwide)
• Labour Day: May 1, 2025 (nationwide)
• Ascension Day: May 29, 2025 (nationwide)
• Whit Monday: June 9, 2025 (nationwide)
• Corpus Christi: June 19, 2025 (Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland)

Under German state regulations, each state has specific regulations regarding school operations, including the observance of public holidays. These regulations apply to all schools, including public, private and international schools. Even though private schools and international schools have more flexibility in their curriculum, they must adhere to the general educational regulations of the state as part of their licensing agreements or agreements with the local authorities.

📈Boost your grades with our revision platform, used by 100,000+ students!
📝Access thousands of practice questions, study notes, and past papers for every subject.

📚 View IB Resources
📚 View A-Level Resources
📚 View GCSE Resources
📚 View IGCSE Resources

List of Term Breaks in Germany (2024 - 2025)

In Germany, each of the 16 federal states (Bundesländer) has its own Ministry of Education (Kultusministerium) which is responsible for setting the academic calendar, which includes the start and end dates of school terms, as well as the timing of school holidays. This allows each state to make decisions based on regional considerations, including local traditions, public holidays, and weather patterns. Meanwhile, the Conference of Ministers of Education (Kultusministerkonferenz, KMK) coordinates the staggered scheduling of summer holidays across the states to avoid major disruptions in travel and transportation.

In the 2024/25 academic year, the general term breaks are:

• Autumn Holidays (Herbstferien): Typically 1-2 weeks in late October to early November 2024. Dates vary by state. In Berlin, the holidays are from October 2, 2024, to October 12, 2024.
• Christmas Holidays (Weihnachtsferien): Generally, the last week of December 2024 to the first week of January 2025. In Berlin, the dates are December 23, 2024 to January 4, 2025.
• Winter Holidays (Winterferien): Some states have a short break of 1-2 weeks in February 2025. The holiday period in Berlin starts from January 27, 2025, to February 1, 2025.
• Easter Holidays (Osterferien): Usually 1-2 weeks around Easter in April 2025. In Berlin, the exact dates are April 14, 2025 – April 24, 2025.
• Pentecost Holidays: Some states, such as Bavaria or Baden-Württemberg, have a short break around Pentecost in late May or early June 2025.
• Summer Holidays (Sommerferien): 6 weeks between late June and mid-September 2025, with staggered start and end dates depending on the state. In Berlin, for instance, it is from July 24, 2025, to September 5, 2025.

During term breaks, it is important for students to not only rest but also engage in a healthy amount of physical activity. On the benefits of physical activities during break time, an IB tutor in Germany said,

"Physical activity during holidays not only rejuvenates the mind but also enhances cognitive function, helping students return to their demanding studies with improved focus and clarity.”

Read on for more school holiday activity suggestions.

List of Other School Holidays in Germany (2024 - 2025) 

Germany is a multi-cultural country with strong local identity, customs and best international schools. Aside from public holidays and official school term breaks, schools may observe additional holidays or days off that vary depending on the state, type of school, and local customs.

1. "Bridge Days" (Brückentage)

• What They Are: Bridge days are additional days off that create long weekends by connecting a public holiday to the weekend. For example, since Labour Day falls on a Thursday in 2025, the following Friday, May 2, 2025, is commonly taken as a Brückentag.
• Usage: These are more common in some states than others and are often decided at the local level by schools or regional education authorities. Schools might close for bridge days either officially or at its discretion, depending on local policies. Schools typically inform parents well in advance if a Brückentag will be observed. This allows families to plan accordingly, especially if they need to arrange childcare or family activities.

2. Carnival (Karneval/Fasching)

• Regions Involved: Particularly in regions with strong Carnival traditions, such as North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and parts of Bavaria, schools often close on or around Carnival Monday (Rosenmontag), which in 2025 will be on February 24.
• Duration: Some schools may close for just one day, while others might extend the break to include several days, coinciding with local festivities.

3. Religious Holidays

• Catholic Regions: In predominantly Catholic states like Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, additional religious holidays may be observed. For instance, schools may be closed on Corpus Christi (Fronleichnam) or All Saints' Day (Allerheiligen).
• Protestant Regions: In Protestant regions, schools may observe Reformation Day (October 31) or other regional religious holidays.
• Jewish and Islamic Holidays: Some schools, particularly those with a significant population of students from Jewish or Muslim backgrounds, might offer additional days off for major religious observances like Yom Kippur or Eid al-Fitr, although this is less common and usually handled on a case-by-case basis.
• North American Holidays: Some private schools and international schools, particularly those with religious affiliations or international origin, may observe additional holidays. For instance, an American international school in Germany may observe Thanksgiving Day.

4. School-Specific Days Off

• Teacher Training Days (Pädagogische Tage): Schools often have a few days off each year for teacher training and professional development. Students do not attend school on these days.
• Project Days and School Events: Some schools may schedule days off for special projects, cultural events, or school-wide activities. While not a holiday, these days might be used for excursions, celebrations, or special educational programs.
• School Fairs and Events: Occasionally, schools may close or have reduced hours to prepare for or participate in significant events, such as school fairs, sports days, or anniversary celebrations.

5. State-Specific Holidays

• Regional Traditions: Some states may observe holidays linked to local traditions or historical events. For example, Bavaria might close schools on August 15, 2025, for the Feast of the Assumption (Mariä Himmelfahrt) in certain regions, or certain regions in Thuringia might observe a day off for local festivals.

6. Election Days

• Use of Schools as Polling Stations: On days when elections (local, state, or federal) are held, schools that serve as polling stations may close or have altered schedules. Since 2025 is an election year where the German federal election is taking place, some schools may be closed in September or October, depending on the exact election day. Parents would be notified in advance in case of school closure.

These holidays provide a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the German cultural experience. According to one of the best IB Tutors in Germany,

“Region-specific holidays in Germany offer our students a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in local traditions, fostering a deep appreciation for the cultural richness and diversity of their host country.”

School Holiday Activities in Germany

School holidays are the perfect time for students in Germany to unwind, explore new passions, and strengthen their academic skills. Here are five exciting activities that will make the most of their time off:

• Explore Cultural Sites: For shorter, one-day holidays, visit museums, historical landmarks, and art galleries. For instance, the Pergamon Museum in Berlin offers an educational experience that complements school learning.
• Private Tutoring: Enhance academic skills with private tutoring sessions. For those preparing for international exams, finding an IB tutor in Berlin from one of the Best Tutoring Companies in Germany can help students find the tailored support they need to get ahead.
• Outdoor Adventures: For longer holidays spanning for at least a few days, spend time in nature by hiking in the Black Forest or exploring the Bavarian Alps, perfect for training students’ endurance and resilience!
• Join a Sports Camp: Participate in sports camps, such as football or tennis, to stay active and develop teamwork skills. Check local clubs for holiday programmes.
• Creative Workshops: Enrol in art or music workshops to nurture creativity. Many cities offer holiday courses that allow students to learn new skills or deepen their interests.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the school holidays in Germany for 2024/25 provide a well-balanced schedule that allows students to rest, explore cultural traditions, and engage in enriching activities. Whether through regional celebrations, travel, or academic pursuits like private tutoring, these breaks play a vital role in supporting students' overall development. By understanding and planning around these holidays, families can make the most of the school year and make sure that their children return to their studies refreshed and inspired.