German School System — From Enrollment to Abitur

Updated: March 2026. All information without guarantee.

Compulsory Education

Germany has universal compulsory education:
- Start: at age 6 (cutoff date varies by state: June 30 or September 30)
- Duration: 9–10 years full-time compulsory education + possibly 3 years of vocational school
- Applies to all children resident in Germany — including children without German citizenship

School System Structure

1. Grundschule (Grades 1–4)

• Duration: 4 years (Berlin/Brandenburg: 6 years)
• All children attend Grundschule together
• Subjects: German, mathematics, environmental studies, art, physical education, religion/ethics

2. Secondary Schools (from Grade 5 onwards)

3. Vocational Training or University Studies

• Dual apprenticeship: 2–3.5 years (company + vocational school)
• University: Bachelor's degree (3 years), Master's degree (+2 years)

Costs

• Public schools: free (textbooks usually provided as loans)
• School materials: approximately €100–200/year (notebooks, pens, backpack)
• Education and Participation (BuT): school supplies €195/year for low-income families

School Enrollment — What does my child need?

1. School registration (1–1.5 years before enrollment with the school authority)
2. School entrance examination (health department checks school readiness)
3. Schultüte — German tradition! Filled with sweets and school supplies
4. Backpack, pencil case, sports clothes

Tips for Children with Non-German Native Language

• Welcome classes / DaZ classes (German as a Second Language) — specialized German instruction
• Children learn German at school remarkably quickly (6–12 months for basic communication)
• Maintain native language — bilingualism is an advantage, not a disadvantage!
• Tutoring: BuT funds learning support if grade progression is at risk