Register Child in School

School registration in Germany: compulsory education, school types, language test and welcome class.

1. 1
   Check Compulsory Education

   In Germany, compulsory education applies from age 6 (the deadline varies by state, usually June 30 or September 30). Compulsory education also applies to children without German citizenship.

   💡 Children with suspension (Duldung) or in asylum proceedings are also subject to compulsory education — register your child as soon as possible.
2. 2
   Contact the Competent School Authority

   Contact the school authority (Schulamt) in your city/municipality. You will receive information about the competent primary school (catchment area principle) or possible schools for older children.

   💡 Primary schools often have a catchment area — your child will be assigned to the nearest school.
3. 3
   Language Test and Welcome Class

   Children without sufficient German language skills are subjected to a language test. If necessary, they first attend a welcome/preparatory class (depending on the state: DaZ class, international class).

   💡 Welcome classes are not a disadvantage — they offer intensive German language instruction and ease the transition.
4. 4
   School Registration

   Register your child in person at the assigned school. Required: birth certificate, vaccination record (proof of measles protection is mandatory), registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung), previous school certificates (if available, possibly translated).

   💡 Have foreign school certificates translated — this helps with classification into the correct class.
5. 5
   Purchase School Materials

   The school provides a materials list (notebooks, pens, backpack, sports clothing). Costs: approximately 150-300€ at school start. For low income: apply for the Education and Participation package (BuT).

   💡 The BuT covers 195€/year for school materials — submit an application to the Jobcenter or Social Services office.