The Education System in Germany Explained

Germany’s education system is highly renowned for its affordability, clear structure and dual-track system that offers both academic and practical educational options. Education in Germany is generally free for all domestic and international students at public schools and universities. Not only is the education free, the dual-track system also tailors the educational journey to each student's preferences, ensuring that students can freely pursue further studies or vocational training as they wish. This has generated a high employability rate and high research output, clearly demonstrating Germany's success in education.

The Structure of Education in Germany

Germany’s education system is structured into distinct stages, each tailored to different phases of a student’s development and learning needs.

• Early Childhood Education (Kinderkrippen/Kindergarten): Starting as early as age three, this stage is split into Nurseries (Kinderkrippen) for children under the age of three and Preschools (Kindergarten) for children aged three to six. Both are optional although highly popular in Germany.
• Primary Education (Grundschule): In Germany, compulsory education begins at the age of six. From ages six to ten, children in most states attend Grundschule except for Berlin and Brandenburg, where children attend Grundschule until grade 6. The curriculum covers core subjects like German, mathematics, science and social studies, preparing children for secondary school studies.
• Secondary Education: At age ten, students are sorted into different types of secondary schools:
  • Grammar Schools (Gymnasium): An academic path leading to the Abitur, which qualifies students for university.
  • Comprehensive Schools (Gesamtschule): A comprehensive school offering a wide variety of academic and vocational track, including Hauptschulabschluss, Realschulabschluss, Fachabitur and Abitur.
  • General Secondary School (Hauptschules) and Intermediate Secondary School (Realschules):Focused on practical skills, often linked to apprenticeships in the dual education system.
• Higher Education: Students who complete secondary education with the Abitur can attend various types of universities, including:
  • General Universities (Universitäten): Offering a broad range of academic disciplines.
  • Technical Colleges (technische Hochschulen/technische Universitäten): Specialising in engineering and technical fields.
  • Pedagogic Colleges (Pädagogische Hochschulen): Focusing on teacher education.
  • Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen): Emphasising practical and career-oriented education.
  • Dual Universities (Berufsakademie): Combining academic studies with vocational training.

This structured approach ensures students are placed in environments that suit their abilities and career goals early on, making the system both efficient and effective.

The Structure of Education in Germany

Early childhood education in germany

Children under three can attend nurseries (Kinderkrippen), while those aged three to six can go to preschool (Kindergarten/Kita). These facilities offer flexible schedules, including morning, full-day, or even evening and weekend care in some areas, catering to needs of working parents.

Childcare options in Germany can be private, public or church-run. Some are free, while others charge fees, which vary significantly across states. Many facilities have waiting lists, so it's advisable to register your child early. In larger cities, bilingual preschools are also available.

Both nurseries and preschools are optional, but most children aged three to six in Germany attend. These settings are ideal for expat children to interact with their German peers and immerse themselves in the German language and culture. In some states, five-year-olds can enrol in preschool classes (Vorklassen) to prepare for primary school.

Primary Education: Grundschule

In Germany, compulsory education starts at the age of six and takes place in primary school (Grundschule). Home schooling is generally not allowed except for cases where the children are ill and unable to attend school for a prolonged period. Grundschule typically lasts from grade 1 to 4, except in Berlin and Brandenburg where it lasts until grade 6. In Germany, primary education is primarily provided by public schools, though private schools are also available and offer alternative educational approaches and curricula.

The curriculum in Grundschule provides a uniform foundation in core subjects such as German, mathematics, science, and social studies. It also includes art, music, and physical education to promote a well-rounded education. English is a mandatory subject in Germany, usually starting around grade 3 or 4, depending on the state. From there, it continues to be a core part of the curriculum throughout secondary education. In some states, English may even be introduced as early as the first grade.

The assessment methods at Grundschule is primarily continuous assessment. Secondary school entrance examinations are not commonly used across most of Germany. In the majority of states, the transition from Grundschule to secondary school is primarily based on teacher recommendations and parental choice.

Secondary Education: Gymnasium and Gesamtschulen

In Germany, there are different types of secondary schools providing different teaching approaches which gear students for an academic or vocational path. A corollary is that the curriculum in each type of school is also generally different.

Types of Secondary School in Germany

Starting from grade 5 (or grade 7 in some states), students enter into one of the following types of public secondary schools:

• Grammar Schools (Gymnasium): Gymnasium is the selective public school, similar to grammar schools in the UK. Selection into Gymnasium is typically rigourous, with some schools requiring students to take additional entrance exams. Schooling in Gymnasium prepares students for the General Higher Education Entrance Qualification (Abitur), which is a series of exams at the end of grade 12 or 13 to qualify for university admission. Approximately 38-40% of German students attend Gymnasium after completing primary school.
• Comprehensive schools (Gesamtschulen): Gesamtschulen (or Gemeinschaftsschulen in some regions) are designed to be inclusive for students with varying academic abilities. It is typically less selective and offers a wide range of academic and vocational programmes within the same institution, including: Basic School-leaving Certificate (Hauptschulabschluss), Intermediate Certificate (Realschulabschluss), Subject-specific Higher Education Entrance Qualification (Fachabitur) and the Abitur. These schools may be known by different names in certain states, such as Mittelschule, Sekundarschule, or Oberschule, but they all function broadly similarly. After completing lower secondary education (or Sekundarstufe I) in grade 9 or grade 10, students can choose to either move on to upper secondary education (Sekundarstufe II), pursue vocational training or enter the workforce, depending on their academic performance and the qualifications they have achieved. About 25-30% of secondary school students attending these schools.

Two other traditional types of public schools include the General Secondary Schools (Hauptschules) and Intermediate Secondary School (Realschules). Hauptschules culminates in the Basic School-leaving Certificate (Hauptschulabschluss). Students typically can acquire this certificate after completing grade 9 and can then enter vocational training or apprenticeships for various skilled trades and practical jobs, such as Electrician, Retail Sales Assistant and Hotel Receptionist; Realschules, on the other hand, requires one more year of study but offers a wider range of options:

• Enter Vocational School (Berufsschule): Students would train for an additional 2-3 years for specific professions such as Bank Clerk and Medical Assistant.
• Attend Technical High School (Fachoberschule): Students would then be allowed to apply to Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen) where they can study a range of subjects including business, social sciences and healthcare.
• Transfer to Gymnasium or Gesamtschule: Students can choose to pursue the Abitur, which then requires additional 2-3 years of studying from grade 11 to 13, potentially at another school that focuses on the Abitur.
• Enter the workforce: Students can start working in entry-to-mid level positions in specific trades, such as Administrative Assistant and Retail Manager.
• Specialised Vocational Schools (Fachschulen): Students can also attend specialised vocational schools (Fachschulen) to receive advanced training in specific fields, such as technology, economics, or design.

Although Hauptschules and Realschules are traditionally separate schools, they have increasingly been merged into Comprehensive Schools (Gesamtschulen) in most states. Realschule remains popular, particularly in states like Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, but Hauptschules now mostly only exist in rural areas and some parts of southern states such as Bavaria.

Curriculum and Assessments: Abitur (General Higher Education Entrance Qualification)

The Abitur is the qualification earned typically after completing grade 12 or 13 at a Gymnasium or a comprehensive school like Gesamtschule. The final two to three years of secondary education are specifically geared towards preparing for the Abitur exams. The exam results serve as the general higher education entrance qualification, allowing students to apply generally for admission to universities and higher education institutions in Germany and many other countries.

The curriculum of the Abitur exams contain the following mandatory subjects which are uniform across all states:

• German: Focused on literature, language, and composition.
• Mathematics: Covering topics such as algebra, calculus, and geometry.
• Foreign Languages: At least one foreign language is compulsory, with English being the most common. Students may also study additional languages such as French, Spanish, or Latin.

Meanwhile, the following subjects are typically mandatory in all states, but with some flexibility allowed in their exact implementation:

• Natural Sciences and Social Sciences: States may have different requirements for subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, history, or geography. For example, some states might require students to take both a natural science and a social science as part of their core Abitur exams, while others might allow more flexibility in choosing between them.
• Specialisation (Leistungskurse): Students must choose two or three subjects to study at a higher level (Leistungskurse), and the availability and focus of these courses can differ between states.
• Religion/Ethics: In some states, religion or ethics may be a mandatory subject, reflecting regional educational policies.

The exam format of the Abitur consists of written and oral exams in several subjects, including both mandatory and specialised courses. The performance in these exams, combined with grades earned during the final years of school, determines the overall Abitur score (Abiturnote), which is crucial for university admissions.

With an Abitur, students are eligible to apply for any degree program at a university or university of applied sciences (Fachhochschule) in Germany. It is also recognised internationally, making it possible to study abroad, whereas vocational training students can only apply to limited programmes in university focued on applied sciences.

Given the rigour of the Abitur, it is common for German families to seek private tutoring for their children. Similarly, private tutoring like IGCSE tutor in Germany is also common in private schools. Given the limited recognition of Abitur, some families opt for alternative international curricula like the IGCSEs in order to prepare their children for international career opportunities.

Vocational Training and Dual Education System: Berufsschulen and Fachoberschulen

Germany is known for its dual education system that combines formal education at a Berufsschule (vocational school) with practical, on-the-job training in a company. This system allows students to split their time between the classroom and the workplace, typically spending a few days each week at school and the remaining days working as apprentices in their chosen industry.

The rationale behind this system is to ensure that students are well-prepared for the demands of the workforce and to enhance employability, according to official German policy papers. Accordingly, students are only required by law to complete nine or ten years of full-time education. After that, they can pursue part-time studies at Vocational Schools (Berufsschulen) or Technical High Schools (Fachoberschulen) while working as apprentices.

Vocational Schools (Berufsschulen)

Berufsschulen offer part-time education alongside practical apprenticeships. At these schools, students study specialised courses directly related to their vocational field, such as technical drawing for engineers or anatomy for healthcare workers alongside general subjects like German and mathematics. The training at a Berufsschule typically lasts two to three years. During this time, students usually split their week between three to four days at their apprenticeship and one to two days in the classroom.

Pros: Students gain practical, hands-on training from Berufsschulen which in turn prepare them for immediate employment. As a result, graduates have high employability and about 90% of them securing permanent jobs, particularly in fields like engineering, healthcare, and business, right after graduation. Furthermore, strong industry connections gained through apprenticeships can lead to job offers from the same employers where students complete their training. Finally, apprenticeships often come with a salary, allowing students to earn money while gaining experience.

Cons: However, this path can limit students' options, since it does not immediately qualify students for university education like traditional academic routes like Grammar Schools or Comprehensive Schools, although additional steps can allow them to pursue university education later on. Additionally, students may become highly specialised in one field, which can limit their adaptability in a changing job market.

Technical High Schools (Fachoberschulen)

Fachoberschulen are similar to Berufsschulen but with a more academically oriented focus: the areas ofspecialisation include business administration, engineering or social sciences, in additional to general subjects. The programme at a Fachoberschule typically begins after the student obtains their Realschulabschluss (intermediate school-leaving certificate) in grade 10 and lasts two years, with students often participating in internships or practical projects to gain hands-on experience in their field.

Pros: Fachoberschulen provide a balanced education that prepares students for both higher education and the workforce. Graduates earn the Fachhochschulreife (Specialised Higher Education Entrance Qualification), allowing them to apply to Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen). This opens up opportunities for further academic study in applied fields while maintaining a strong practical focus. The combination of academic and practical learning ensures that students are highly employable for careers in their chosen fields, with the flexibility to pursue higher education if desired.

Cons: While Fachoberschulen offer more academic options than Berufsschulen, they are still more restrictive in university access than traditional academic routes like Gymnasium. To illustrate, Fachoberschulen grants access primarily to Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen), which focus on practical and career-oriented education whereas the Abitur provides broader access, allowing students to apply to any university in Germany, including traditional research universities, for a wider range of academic programmes.

Specific Higher Education Entrance Qualification (Fachabitur)

The Fachabitur is a specialised qualification that enables students to apply to Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen) and other degree programmes specifically related to their field of study.

• Mandatory Subjects: The Fachabitur curriculum requires students to study general education subjects such as German, mathematics, and at least one foreign language. In addition, students must take specialised courses tailored to their vocational or technical field, such as business administration, engineering, or health sciences.
• Practical Component: A distinctive feature of the Fachabitur is its emphasis on practical experience. Students are typically required to complete internships or vocational training, often amounting to 800 to 1,200 hours over the course of their studies. These internships are closely related to the student’s field of study and must be approved by the school and the employer. Performance in these internships, along with employer recommendations, is integral to the student’s assessment.
• Assessment Methods: The Fachabitur assessment combines written and oral exams in both general and specialised subjects, as well as evaluations of the student’s practical work during their internships. The final Fachabitur score is determined by the performance in these exams and practical assessments, ensuring a well-rounded evaluation of both academic and practical skills.
• University Access: With a Fachabitur, students are eligible to apply to Fachhochschulen for degree programmes focused on applied sciences, technical fields, and business. This qualification is more specific than the general Abitur, guiding students towards career-oriented programmes that align with their vocational expertise and practical experience.

Higher Education System in Germany

In Germany, universities and colleges are predominantly public. The vast majority of higher education institutions, including most Universitäten and Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen), are publicly funded by the government. These public universities offer low-cost or tuition-free education for both domestic and international students. Private universities do exist, but they make up a small percentage of the overall higher education landscape. These private institutions typically charge higher tuition fees and often focus on specific fields such as business, management, or specialised professional education. However, the majority of students in Germany attend public universities due to their affordability and high academic standards.

Tertiary education in Germany encompasses a variety of post-secondary institutions, including universities and specialized colleges, each offering unique academic and professional pathways:

Universities (Universitäten): These institutions are research-oriented and offer a wide range of academic disciplines and programmes including Bachelor’s degree (usually 3 to 4 years), Master’s degree (1 to 2 years) and PhD programmes. University graduates often have higher earning potential, especially for those graduating from prestigious universities and programmes, such as Medicine in Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich.

• Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen): Compared to Universities (Universitäten), these institutions focus on practical, career-oriented education in fields like engineering, business, social work and design. Although they are typically less selective than traditional Universitäten, graduates are highly valued in the job market for their hands-on experience and are often ready to enter the workforce immediately upon graduation.
• Dual Universities (Berufsakademien): Berufsakademien offer dual education, combining academic study with practical training in a real-world environment. These programmes typically last 3 years and result in a Bachelor’s degree. Students alternate between studying at the institution and working with a partner company, which makes it particularly appealing for students who want to enter the workforce with substantial practical skills. Graduates of Berufsakademien often work in fields like business administration, engineering and IT, where practical experience is highly valued by employers.
• Specialised Colleges: Institutions such as Pedogogical Colleges (Pädagogische Hochschulen) focus on specific areas like teacher training, while Technical Colleges (Technische Hochschulen) specialise in engineering and technology. These colleges offer programmes that range from Bachelor’s to Master’s degrees, with a strong emphasis on preparing students for specific professional roles.

International Education Options in Germany

For families seeking an international education in Germany, there are several options that cater to diverse academic needs and aspirations. International schools are a popular choice, offering curricula such as the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge IGCSE, and the American High School Diploma. These schools are found in major cities like Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg, and they provide a globally recognised education that can facilitate smooth transitions for students moving between countries.

• International Baccalaureate (IB): The IB programme is highly regarded for its rigorous academic standards and emphasis on critical thinking. It’s available at many international schools in Germany, making it an attractive option for students aiming to apply to universities worldwide.
• Cambridge IGCSE: The IGCSE curriculum is another popular option, especially for students in lower secondary education. It offers a broad range of subjects and prepares students for further international studies, including the IB or A-Levels.

To excel in these demanding programmes, many students seek additional support through private tutoring. For example, hiring an IB tutor in Germany can help students navigate the challenging coursework and improve their performance in exams. Similarly, those preparing for university entrance exams like the SAT might benefit from working with a SAT tutor in Germany to achieve competitive scores.

Private tutoring not only helps students keep up with the rigorous demands of international curricula but also provides personalised guidance, boosting their confidence and academic outcomes. This tailored support is especially beneficial in a competitive academic environment, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their future educational and career pursuits.

Grading System and Academic Evaluation in Germany

Germany’s grading system is straightforward but varies slightly depending on the educational stage. For most secondary schools, including Gymnasium and Gesamtschulen, grades range from 1 to 6, with 1 being the best and 6the worst:

• 1: Very Good (sehr gut)
• 2: Good (gut)
• 3: Satisfactory (befriedigend)
• 4: Adequate/Pass (ausreichend)
• 5: Poor/Fail (mangelhaft)
• 6: Very Poor/Fail (ungenügend)

Academic performance is evaluated continuously through class participation, homework, tests, and exams. In critical years, such as those leading to the Abitur or Fachabitur, the final grades are crucial, as they determine eligibility for higher education programmes.

For students aiming to enter prestigious universities in Germany, such as the University of Heidelberg or Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, a high Abiturnote is essential. Typically, a score of 1.0 to 1.5 is needed for highly competitive programmes like medicine, law, or engineering. This score reflects outstanding academic performance across all subjects and is often required to gain entry into Germany’s top universities.

Expert opinions frequently highlight the rigorous nature of the German grading system, which is designed to prepare students for both academic and vocational paths, ensuring they meet the high standards expected in German higher education and the workforce. In this process, private tutoring are recommended to help students achieve their full potential.

As an IB tutor in Berlin said,

"Personalised tutoring would help students excel in their exams, accentuate their strengths and give them the edge needed to get into top universities."

Key Differences Between German and Other Education Systems

The German education system offers several benefits, especially when compared to education systems in countries like the UK and the US. Here are some key advantages:

1. Early Specialisation

• Tailored Education: Unlike the UK and US, where students follow a more general curriculum until later in their education, the German system streams students into different educational tracks (such as Gymnasium, Realschule, or vocational training) by age 10 or 11. This allows for a more customised education that aligns with each student’s strengths, interests, and career goals.
• Focused Learning: While UK students choose their A-level subjects at age 16 and US students have a broad high school curriculum, German students in Gymnasium or vocational schools focus early on subjects and skills directly relevant to their future careers.

2. Dual Education System

• Practical Experience: The dual education system in Germany, which combines classroom learning with hands-on work experience, is unique compared to the more academically focused US and UK systems. This approach ensures that students gain practical skills that are directly applicable in the job market.
• Strong Employment Prospects: In contrast to the US, where student internships are less integrated into the curriculum, German vocational programme graduates often secure permanent positions with the companies where they completed their apprenticeships. This contributes to Germany’s low youth unemployment rate, unlike the often higher rates in the US and UK.

3. High Academic Standards

• Rigorous Curriculum: The German curriculum, particularly in Gymnasium, is comparable to the UK’s A-levels in terms of rigour, but with a broader range of mandatory subjects. This rigorous education ensures that students are well-prepared for higher education, much like how AP courses in the US aim to prepare students for college.
• Competitive University Admissions: Admission to top universities in Germany, such as for medicine or engineering, is highly competitive, requiring a near-perfect Abiturnote (1.0 to 1.5), similar to the high entry requirements for prestigious UK universities like Oxford or Cambridge.

4. Flexibility

• Multiple Pathways: Unlike the more linear paths in the UK and US, the German system offers flexibility through options like the Fachabitur, which allows students to pursue higher education in applied sciences or vocational fields. This contrasts with the US, where vocational education is often seen as a separate track, and the UK, where students must choose between academic or vocational paths at a later stage.
• Lifelong Learning: Germany’s emphasis on lifelong learning and opportunities for further education and training is more pronounced than in the US and UK, where adult education and retraining opportunities can be more limited or costly.

5. Affordability

• Low-Cost Education: Unlike the US, where tuition fees for higher education can be prohibitively expensive, and the UK, where university fees are also high, public education in Germany, including higher education, is generally low-cost or even free. This makes it accessible to a broader range of students without the burden of significant student debt.

6. Strong International Recognition

• Global Opportunities: Qualifications like the Abitur and degrees from German universities are recognised internationally, giving students flexibility to study or work abroad. This is similar to the global recognition of UK A-levels and US college degrees but comes without the high cost often associated with these systems.

Overall, the German education system provides a balanced and flexible approach to education, offering early specialisation, practical experience, and affordable access to higher education, all while maintaining high academic standards and strong international recognition. This combination makes it a compelling option for students and parents considering education in Germany.

In the words of an IB tutor in Munich,

"What truly sets German education apart is its unique blend of rigorous academic standards and practical, real-world experience. This offers students in Germany an incredibly solid foundation for both higher education and immediate career success."

Conclusion

The German education system is characterised by its structured approach, early specialisation, and emphasis on practical experience through its dual education system. With affordable education, rigorous academic standards, and strong international recognition, Germany offers a compelling option for students seeking both academic and vocational excellence. For international students who value a well-rounded education with direct pathways to employment or higher education, Germany presents an attractive and desirable destination.