Schooling

Options for children from one to three years include toddler groups (Ger. "Krabbelgruppen"), childminders (Ger. "Tagesmütter/Tagesväter"), playgroups (Ger. "Spielkreise"), crèches (Ger. "Kinderkrippen") and kindergartens.  From three years to school age, children usually go to kindergartens or "Kindertagestätten".  More and more German women are going back to work earlier, so make sure you register your child in one of these as early as possible.  Germans do so during the pregnancy!  Although none of these are mandatory, it is an excellent way for your child to learn the language from an early age - it´s so much easier then! - and the easiest way for you to make friends.  Information is provided by the town hall.

Schooling is mandatory in Germany, usually as from the age of 6.  However, as the schooling system is managed by each individual Land, the school authority in your area will be able to provide further information on this. They will also be able to tell you which schools are in your area.  This is important because most schools only take children who live in their district.  Most schools are only half day, although many are becoming all-day schools (Ger. "Ganztagsschulen") due to the increasing demand.  There are several types of school, but usually children attend a primary school (Ger. "Grundschule") for four years and then either a "Realschule" for six more or a "Gymnasium" for eight or nine more.  The former will typically be followed by an apprenticeship (Ger. "Ausbildung"), while after taking the "Abitur" at about 18 or 19 in the Gymnasium, pupils may continue on to further their education at a university.  Comprehensive schools (Ger. "Gesamtschule") are also available in some towns.