The Education System in Germany and the Functioning of the German Education System

The Education System in Germany and the Functioning of the German Education System
Post Date: 08.08.2024

Would you like to learn about the Operation of the German Education System? Are schools paid in Germany? Why is it compulsory to go to school in Germany? At what age do children start school in Germany? How many years are schools in Germany? Here are the main general features of the German education system.

Unlike some countries where education is compulsory, parents are not allowed to educate their children at home. In this country, the public has an obligation to attend a general school, which forms the basis of the educational task. Children usually start school at age six and attend school for at least nine years.

How is the German education system structured?

Children first go to Grundschule for four years. In the fourth grade, it is decided how to continue their education. Schools following primary school; It is divided into schools called Hauptschule, Realschule, Gymnasium and Gesamtschule.

The basic school named Hauptschule ends with a diploma after the ninth grade; The secondary school called Realschule is graduated with a diploma after 10th grade. After these schools, students can start a vocational training or attend school. After the 12th and 13th grades of high schools called Gymnasium, a high school diploma is given which gives you the right to study at a college.

Are schools in Germany paid?

German public schools with a high level of education are free of charge and financed by taxes. Approximately 9% of students attend private schools with money.

Who is responsible for Schools in Germany?

In Germany, schools do not have a central structure, education is an internal matter of the states. The authority is in the education ministries of 16 states. Transitions between courses, lesson plans, diplomas and school types may be arranged differently in each state.

What are the issues that set the agenda for education policy in Germany?

Digital Conversion: Most schools in Germany are experiencing a shortage of teachers who enjoy fast internet, technology and new teaching methods. This is expected to change, thanks to the Digital School Pact of the Federal Government and state governments, which aims to equip schools with better digital technology.

Opportunity Equality: In education, all children should have equal opportunities. However, the success of education in Germany is largely dependent on social origin. But the trend is positive; equality of opportunity increased. An assessment of the OECD's PISA Study on school achievement in 2018 reveals this.