Most children attend state-funded schools, where there are no school fees. However, small charges may be made for photocopies, materials or school trips. In private schools, you have to pay school fees.

Does your child need help learning German? Contact the school directly for special support.

In Germany, there are different types of schools. All children start elementary/primary school age 6 or 7. After 4 years, they attend a secondary school. In the 4th year, the primary school will help you decide which type of secondary school is best for your child. The types of school available vary depending on federal state:

There is the Hauptschule/Mittelschule (lower secondary level school) for years 5 to 9 or 10. In the Hauptschule, children are also taught practical subjects such as woodwork/metalwork and technical drawing. After year 9, pupils obtain a school-leaving qualification known as the Hauptschulabschluss, or a “qualifizierender Hauptschulabschluss”, a certificate which qualifies them to continue their education. Not all federal states have these schools. Some states also have intermediate schools known as “Mittelschulen”. Pupils at a Mittelschule can gain lots of practical experience. They obtain a final school-leaving certificate, or one that qualifies them to continue their education after year 9. It is also possible to obtain an intermediate secondary school-leaving certificate after year 10. After this school, they can learn a trade or continue their education.

The Realschule (years 5 to 10) is an intermediate secondary school where you obtain a Realschulabschluss, or intermediate school-leaving certificate. Afterwards, you can learn a trade or continue your education.

Gymnasium is a type of secondary school for students from years 5 to 12 or 13. At a Gymnasium, you prepare for the Abitur exams, which qualify you to study at university. Students often learn 2-3 foreign languages, such as English and French. They take their final Abitur exams after year 12 (G8) or year 13 (G9), depending on the federal state.

The Gesamtschule, or comprehensive school, covers years 5 to 13 and is available in some federal states. This type of school combines the three school types – Hauptschule, Realschule and Gymnasium – within one institution. Students can earn a Hauptschulabschluss, Realschulabschluss or Abitur, depending on their pathway. It is easier for students at a Gesamtschule to change tracks, for instance moving from a Hauptschule to a Realschule. Transfers are also possible between separate schools, but this is not quite so easy.

Special schools: All federal states also have bilingual schools, special needs schools and vocational schools at upper secondary level. You can find more detailed information in our infographics.

In most schools, lessons end at midday or in the early afternoon (2 or 3 p.m.). After classes, children can attend an after-school care programme, such as a “Hort”. There, they are offered meals and help with their homework. However, you have to pay for a Hort.

There is a growing number of all-day schools, or Ganztagsschulen. Children usually attend these until 4 or 5 p.m. There, they get lunch and help with their homework. Other activities are also offered, such as sports, art or drama groups. State-run all-day schools are free of charge. Private all-day schools charge fees.

Children study a wide range of subjects at school, including physical education and even swimming lessons. Most schools provide Christian religious education. However, attendance is not mandatory and you can opt out. Ethics classes are offered as an alternative. Some schools offer lessons in other religions, such as Islam or Judaism.

If your child has difficulties in a subject, they can receive additional support through tutoring (Nachhilfe) – either from a private tutor or in a special tutoring school. Private tutoring is usually more affordable.

Once a year, school children usually go on a school trip for between 3 and 5 days. The class travels together to a different city or location. Hiking trips are also organised. Excursions provide children with the opportunity to learn about history, culture and the environment. Schools also organise festivals where pupils perform in plays or concerts.

All schools have parent representatives – in other words, parents who work together with the school. Parents’ evenings take place several times a year. Teachers provide parents with important information and parents have the opportunity to get to know each other. Parents can also have a private consultation with a teacher, known as an Elterngespräch, or parent-teacher consultation. They can learn about their child’s progress and discuss potential problems.