German for Children — Kindergarten, School and Support

Language Support Begins in Kindergarten

Children learn languages fastest through everyday interaction — that's why attending Kita (kindergarten/childcare) is the most important building block for learning German. In most German states, there is a right to a kindergarten place starting from age 1.

Language Support in Kindergarten

• Everyday integrated language education: Educators speak German during play, meals, and crafts
• Language level assessment: In many states, language proficiency is tested before school enrollment (e.g., HAVAS 5, Delfin 4)
• Targeted support: For language deficits, additional support programs are available in kindergarten
• Preschool language courses: Up to 18 months before school enrollment, free of charge

Tip for parents: Register your child in kindergarten as early as possible. Waiting lists in major cities are long — ideally 6–12 months in advance.

Welcome Classes in School

Children who arrive in Germany without German language skills initially attend a Willkommensklasse (welcome class, preparation class, international class, or DaZ class).

How It Works

Transition to Regular Class

The transition happens gradually — first individual subjects (PE, art, music), then increasingly more instruction in the regular class. DaZ support (German as a second language) often continues to accompany children for another 1–2 years.

DaZ — German as a Second Language

DaZ instruction is additional German language teaching for children with a different native language. It runs parallel to regular instruction.

• Primary school: 2–5 hours per week additionally
• Secondary school: Sometimes as a separate subject
• Goal: Master academic language (not just everyday speech)
• Costs: Free — part of the school system

Speech Therapy for Language Problems

If a child has significant language problems despite kindergarten and school, speech therapy can help.

When to See a Speech Therapist?

• Child doesn't speak two-word sentences by age 3
• Speech is barely understandable by ages 4–5
• Child stutters over several months
• Teacher recommends an evaluation

Costs and Access

• Prescription from pediatrician (speech therapy referral)
• Health insurance covers costs fully for children under 18
• Duration: Usually 10–20 sessions (45 minutes each)
• Important: Speech therapy distinguishes between speech development disorders and DaZ support needs

Tips for Parents

1. Maintain native language: A strong native language supports second language acquisition
2. Read aloud: Read in German 10–15 minutes daily (picture books from the library)
3. German media: "Sendung mit der Maus", "KiKA", Toniebox with German audiobooks
4. Playdates: Arrange meetings with German-speaking children
5. Patience: Children need 1–2 years for everyday language, 5–7 years for academic language
6. Attend parent meetings: School contact shows children: education matters

Status: March 2026. All information without warranty.