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Children under three years old may attend nursery (Kinderkrippen), while those aged between three and six years old may go to a preschool (Kindergarten/Kita). These are available either morning, whole days or even evenings and weekends in some places. They can be private, public or church-run, so some are free while others charge fees (usually based on income). Many have waiting lists, so put your child’s name down as soon as possible. In large cities, you will also find bilingual preschools.

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Children start primary school in the autumn term (around September) in the year a child turns six years old, and stay there until age 10. However, some German states have cut-off dates (such as 30 June or 31 December) to determine if a child can start school if they haven’t yet turned six when school starts. If a child does not turn six before the cut-off date, they are considered a Kann Kind (literally ‘can child’) as opposed to a muss Kind (‘must child’). A muss Kind will be guaranteed a school place, while a Kann Kind may be required to pass a test (Einschulungsuntersuchung) to prove their ability to attend school.

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Based on a student’s academic performance, teachers’ recommendations and parents’ preferences, a student will enter one of the different types of secondary schools in Germany:

Gymnasium – for academic students;

Realschule – for intermediary students;

Hauptschule – for less academic students;

Gesamtschule – a comprehensive school combining all education types;

Schools where the Hauptschule and Realschule curricula are amalgamated.

In theory, it is possible to change from one type of school to another, depending on the student’s grades.

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Gymnasium education is required for anyone planning on tertiary education. Most academic students will go on to study at a Gymnasium between the ages of 10 and 18 (years 5 to 13). There are 32–40 hours of lessons a week and lots of homework. They will study a broad range of subjects at a high standard, including two compulsory foreign languages (often English, French, Spanish, or Latin) plus sports, music and art lessons. Students can also choose to take more advanced ‘honours’ courses (Leistungskurse).In general, a student who fails more than two subjects will have to repeat the whole school year.

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Realschule is a school for intermediary students who attended between the ages of 10 and 15/16 for five years (years 5 to 10). This is the most common form of secondary education, and while it is below Gymnasium education, it can still offer a high academic standard. They study a range of subjects, including a compulsory foreign language; students can opt for a second language (usually French).

Studies culminate in a Realschulabschuss diploma which allows students to take training courses leading to vocational qualifications, an apprenticeship in a commercial trade or the medical profession, or further courses leading to higher education. Upon graduation, academic achievers can transfer to a Gymnasium to continue their studies if they wish to enter university.

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Hauptschule is a vocational school for less academic students aged between 10 and 15 or 16. There are five compulsory years (5–9) but students can choose to stay on for year 10 if they wish. It is generally considered the least demanding of the secondary school types but is highly appropriate for those wishing to enter a trade or an apprenticeship in certain industrial sectors.