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Insight Horizon Media

What is German Schule?

Author

Mia Smith

Published Feb 16, 2026

What is German Schule?

Basically, however, the German school system is structured as follows: Hauptschule (secondary general school for grades five through nine or ten) Realschule (more practical secondary school for grades five through ten) Gymnasium (more academic secondary school for grades five through twelve/thirteen)

What grade is a 15 year old in Germany?

Secondary education in Germany consists of two general phases, although things vary across the different states. There is the lower phase (sekundarstufe I), which in most states takes place between ages 10 and 15/16 (or from grades 5 to 9/10). This is compulsory for all students.

How many grades are in Germany?

The German grading scale runs from 1 to 6, with one being the best grade (A) and six the worst (F). Poor grades in several subjects can result in a student having to repeat an entire school year. A German class schedule is not the same every day.

What comes after Grundschule?

Most children, however, first attend Grundschule (primary or elementary school) for 4 years from the age of 6 to 9. Germany’s secondary education is separated into two parts, lower and upper. The Gymnasium is designed to prepare pupils for higher education and finishes with the final examination Abitur, after grade 13.

Why is German education so good?

The quality of German education is world-renowned for a reason. It’s well-organized and designed to be highly accessible to all students allowing them to continue studying up to the university level regardless of a family’s finances. All German states offer the same school systems and education system.

Why does Germany not allow homeschooling?

The court found that German authorities did not violate the parental rights of the Wunderlich family by forcing their children to attend school. Homeschooling has been illegal in Germany since 1919. “The authorities…have a duty to protect children,” due to “reasonably held concerns,” the court noted.

Is education in Germany free?

College education in Germany is free. In 2014, the Government approved a decision to abolish international fees in all public colleges. Although in some constituent German states, international tuition fees are re-introduced the cost of studying in Germany remains much lower than elsewhere.

What grade is a 16 year old in Germany?

High school years in Germany vary by which stream or level you choose to study at. Most schools take students until 15 or 16 years of age. The Gymnasium students end at age 18 (grade 13).

What grade is a 12 year old in Germany?

From ages six to ten, children go through four years of school at a primary level. However, some primary schools and private institutions run for six years; that means your 5th-grade age would be 11 and a 6th-year student would be 12 years old.

What is wrong with German education system?

Frequently criticized are the length and structure of degree courses, the excessive length of studies, the high number of long-term students, and the disturbingly high number of dropouts who leave higher education without graduating.

What countries banned homeschooling?

There are, conversely, a number of European countries where homeschooling is illegal. The Netherlands, Germany, and Spain number amongst these countries, and Sweden’s regulation of homeschooling is so stringent it is perceived as a de facto ban.

Is France banning homeschooling?

Homeschooling has been legal in France since 1882. The new law does not change the legal status of homeschooling, but does restrict it to four specific exceptions relating to health, family traveling status, medical or other specific reasons relating to the needs of a child.