In Germany, education plays an important role for the individual and society. A foreign student might be intimidated by the idea of attending a school in Germany, but living as an exchange student in Germany can be an enriching experience in so many ways. In this article, we find out how the German school system works.
The German lifestyle is quite dynamic, made up of family moments, work or school commitments, and travel. A school year abroad is one of the best opportunities to immerse yourself in everyday German life, explore many academic or career opportunities and meet people from all over the world. Could this be the right path for you?
The Strength of the German school system
The German school system may seem similar to the Italian one in terms of the number of subjects and the commitment required by the school. Despite this, there are some interesting differences:
Classroom participation
During the lessons, the teachers encourage classroom participation. Asking questions and actively taking part in exercises is also a good way to practice the language and have fun during school hours.
Group Work
The lessons are interactive and allow you to collaborate with classmates very often. You could partake in different group activities and practically expand the lessons.
Relationship with Professors
In German schools, teachers encourage the exchange of ideas and are available to inform and support international students. The relationship remains formal but this does not hinder the continuous dialogue between students and teachers.
Scheduled tests
Much like in Italy, tests are also scheduled in Germany in a way that grants students time to prepare for a specific date. In the German school system, class assignments for the whole year are scheduled at the start of the year.
Education in Germany
Mandatory schooling begins in Germany at age 6 with primary school and ends at age 16. At the age of 10, students make their first decision on how to continue their studies. The decision, together with the parents, is made thanks to an overview by the teachers who highlight the student’s strengths and propensities. Let’s see in detail how the German school system is structured.
01
Nursery school
Nursery school, or Kindergarten, is not mandatory for German children and is for children ages 3 to 5. The main purpose of kindergarten is to help the child socialize and integrate into the German way of life. For this reason, young pupils can find themselves playing with children of different ages. Kindergartens are generally open from Monday to Friday but in some cases, they may also have activities on the weekend.
02
Primary School
The German primary school, or Grundschule, is the curriculum that welcomes children ages 6 to 10. The first day of school is celebrated with a Schultute, a decorated paper cone filled with candies and sweets to sweeten the beginning of the adventure!
In elementary school, children change classes from lesson to lesson. At the end of elementary school, students will choose which educational path to take next.
03
Secondary school
Secondary school is divided into 3 sections:
- Hauptschule: until the tenth year of education, it is very similar to our professional institutes. At the end of the ninth year, you are awarded a licensure, whilst in the final year you undertake an internship in your chosen field.
- Realschule: until the tenth year of education, it is very similar to our technical institutes. Two foreign languages are studied and the focus is on subjects that deal with economics. It is ideal for those who want to work in an office.
- Gymnasium: up to the twelfth or thirteenth year of education. It is undoubtedly the longest course and one that requires a great deal of commitment, ranging from 32 to 40 hours a week, with several hours of individual study outside school hours. At its conclusion, the Abitur is held, the equivalent of our final high school exam.
04
Unified school, a more flexible alternative
The unified school is an attempt to include all students in a single class, making it possible to follow courses divided by the level of difficulty. In this way, everyone can have a competitive academic preparation based on their abilities. However, this option is not present in all Lands (subdivisions similar to our Italian regions).
05
Vocational training: a special feature of the German school system
German vocational training is based on an apprenticeship in a company in the chosen sector. It lasts for at least 3 years, during which the student tests himself with practical tasks and theoretical lessons, in most cases concentrated on one day of the week.
At the end of the apprenticeship, the student takes an exam. Subsequently, having completed 5 years of work experience, it is possible to take a second exam that awards the qualification of Meister, sufficient to set up one’s own job.
06
University
German universities follow European standards and it is possible to access them if you have a diploma. The final thesis allows you to graduate but, unlike in Italy, you become a “Doctor” only after completing your doctorate.
The German school calendar
The German school calendar schedules some long breaks during the year and each Länder chooses the day the school is closed. The reason is simple: they try to avoid traffic jams on the highways for the end of school.
During the year, Herbstferien (two weeks in autumn), Weihnachtsferien (Christmas holidays), and Osterferien (Easter holidays) are breaks expected by the students. Despite the long periods of rest, students generally have a very busy schedule that keeps them at school for several hours, think of the Gymnasium which can be to 40 hours a week.
The remaining school breaks are the summer break for 6 weeks and some holidays:
- 3 October: Day of German Unity ( Tag der deutsche Einheit )
- October 31: Reformation Day ( Reformationstag )
The German school year usually starts between August and September and lasts until June/July. The lessons are not 60 minutes long like in Italy but 45 minutes long; intervals are longer and last 20 minutes.
The subjects and the study plan
The German school system allows you to choose some subjects to personalize your study plan, but this is only possible once students are in their tenth year. Students must complete their compulsory subjects which give for a comprehensive and in-depth education.
German extracurricular activities
In general, German schools do not offer extracurricular activities, and students who wish to practice a sport choose do this in sports centers outside of the school. Free time is often dedicated to homework and going out with friends.
School grades in Germany
The German grading system vastly differs from its Italian counterpart. In high school, grades range from 1 to 6, where 1 is the highest grade and 6 is a complete failure in the subject. A passing score is achieved with a 4. Another oddity, but similar to the Italian system, is the absence of the semester report card, replaced by the accreditation of a score for each subject.
Diploma in the German high school
The final high school exam in Germany, as in Italy, is taken in the last year, i.e. the twelfth. Some schools also provide a final test at the end of the tenth year, which marks the end of standard teaching and allows you to customize the study plan for the last two years according to your preferences.
In choosing subjects for years eleven and twelve these four specific areas need to be taken into account:
- A scientific course
- A humanities course
- A foreign language course
- A fourth subject of your choice
All these subjects will be tested during the final exam.
Now that you know the German school system, choose your path!
Experiencing the German school system is truly a life-changing experience. A year abroad might be just a thing!
While German culture can feel a little aloof at times, you’ll quickly realize that it’s a great choice to enhance your academic skills and focus on finding the person you want to become. Take courage and take flight!
Credi di essere pronto per studiare all’estero? Ecco una sfida per conoscere la risposta.
