Education & Training

School To Work

Compulsory full time schooling starts at the age of six years. After the Grundschule (primary school, grades 1-4)

After the Grundschule (primary school, grade 1-4) the students are separated according to their academic ability, , their wishes, the wishes of their families and teacher recommendations. They attend one of three different kinds of schools: Hauptschule, Realschule or Gymnasium.

The Hauptschule (grades 5-9 in most German states) is the lowest level of secondary education. It offers general education for students who will begin apprenticeship programs at the age of 16.  The same subjects are taught as at the other schools but at a slower pace and with some vocationally oriented courses.

The Realschule (grades 5-10 in most states) also provides students with the skills necessary for an apprenticeship, but it offers more advanced academic theory than the Hauptschule.  Students can enter this system within their first few years of Hauptschule depending on their abilities.  Students also receive apprenticeship training, and may receive additional training through higher technical schools.  It is possible for students with good academic results to move to a Gymnasium after Grade 10.

The Gymnasium (grades 5-13 in most states) provides the highest level of the secondary educational system and includes the most gifted children. It offers an advanced general education for students which prepares them for university or for the dual system as outlined above.  Upon completion, students take a qualifying exam, which leads to a qualification called the Abitur.

The Gesamtschule, or comprehensive school, is a more recent development and is only found in some of the states. It is a comprehensive school which  combines the three approaches.

Good to know:

• University education and vocational training in Germany is free or a semester fee of about 650 Euro is charged.
  
  
• Roughly 75% of young Germans seek apprenticeships, with the remaining 25% entering universities.
  
  
• German students must attend some form of education and training until they are 18 years of age.
  
  
• There are about 400 occupations which offer apprenticeship training.