The German School System | Meet The Germans

Do you know your "Gymnasium" from your "Gesamtschule"?
The German school system is certainly complicated. For this week's Meet the Germans, Rachel heads back to the classroom to get to grips with the different types of schools and to find out what kids like about going to school in Germany.
Rachel moved from the UK to Germany in 2016. As a relative newcomer she casts a fresh eye over German clichés and shares her experiences of settling into German life. Every two weeks she explores a new topic - from German books to German-Turkish culture or Germany's obsession with cars. This week: German schools and the education system.
#Germany #School #MeetTheGermans
Follow Meet the Germans on Instagram: / dw_meetthegermans
Watch more Meet the Germans videos here: bit.ly/MtG_KZbinPlaylist
-------------------------------------
Subscribe to DW Euromaxx:
bit.ly/DWEuromaxx_Sub
Would you like to find out more about Euromaxx?
▸Website: dw.com/lifestyle
▸Facebook: dw.euromaxx
▸Instagram: dw_euromaxx
DW Euromaxx brings you engaging insights into European cultures and lifestyles.

[@dweuromaxx]

What do you think of the German school system? 🎒

[@username-yn5yo]

I liked it :)

[@dweuromaxx]

@@username-yn5yo What did you like about it? 🙃

[@davewhitehead8601]

Was it really wise to get a spelling mistake into the subtitles within the first 10 seconds of a vid on schools? You mean stationery (writing things), not stationary (being stopped...).

[@antonchigurh3226]

Achtung, ⚠️ Baby !!

[@saraban5rivers]

interesting, that technology is almost not there

[@yaro8895]

You also can't forget about the overhead projector, an ancient technology still used today all over German schools.

[@dweuromaxx]

A classic.

[@sonnialex6727]

And don't forget the old TV placed in a cupboard on wheels, and when this was rolled into the classroom it was the best 'Stunde' of the day :-D

[@Ulkomaalainen]

@@sonnialex6727 And it was either the last week before Christmas where "we will do nothing new anymore" - or the teacher wasn't prepared ;)

[@slouberiee]

@@sonnialex6727 Same in Czechia, together with the projector.

[@naydra199]

Verdammte Beamer

[@korinaviado3333]

I could never understand my German friends when they talked about their school system, this made me say, “oooooh” and then “still confusing but I think I am getting it” 😂! Thanks DW and Rachel :)

[@NazriB]

Lies again? DFW Principal

[@frosch411]

You filmed outside my old Gymnasium in Bonn 😁 Can't believe the pupils still have to use a blackboard in this day and age! We used them and everyone had to chip in for Tafeldienst (blackboard cleaning duty). Thanks Rachel and team for this trip down memory lane ☺️

[@wandala8725]

That was also my school, not much has changed in the past 40 years.

[@Sayu277]

Welches?

[@RachelStewart04]

Oh cool! We filmed the blackboard scene and the digital board scene in the same school, so they have the best of both worlds 😆

[@frosch411]

@@RachelStewart04 No way! Glad to hear they are stepping into the digital age..finally 😁 I remember when our IT teacher proudly proclaimed during my final year in 1996 that the school had bought a hand-held scanner, Logitech mice, and dispensed with monochrome monitors 🤪

[@frosch411]

@@Sayu277 Das Päda 😎

[@Antonia-hp5gg]

At my school our Abifahrt wasn't like that. We went to Rome with out tutor and another teacher. It was fun, but it wasn't a wild, crazy party 24/7 or anything like that. We also had a planned cultural program.

[@RachelStewart04]

Nice! 👍👍

[@avsbes98]

I think what you are describing sounds what i know as the "Studienfahrt" which is separate from the Abifahrt. While the Studienfahrt is something official, the Abifahrt as described in this Video is more of an unofficial tradition.

[@111BAUER111]

Ich war 7 Tage dauerstramm in lloret de mar😅

[@Antonia-hp5gg]

@@avsbes98 Then my school didn't have such a tradition. Could be the case!

[@Skeatboart]

Also wir warn 10 Tage auf Korfu am durchsaufen

[@dnocturn84]

Good video! But I think it's also worth to mention, that pupils are allowed to switch between the different school types and that there are plenty options to continue on a higher tier path for basically everyone, after mandatory regular school is finished.

[@slevinchannel7589]

Ask "Some More News" and his video about Public Education.

[@Aleks15258]

You're right, but the knowledge gap between the different school types is so big, that it becomes extremely tough to keep up, especially if you switch from a _Hauptschule_ to _Gymnasium_

[@foofourtyone]

Did you mention that school ist mandatory (Schulpflicht)? It can get to a point, where children will get picked up by the police at home and brought to the school. And parents can get a fine if their children are not attending school too many times.

[@Andreas_Cologne]

She mentioned, that homeschooling is illegal...

[@foofourtyone]

@@Andreas_Cologne Yeah, not exactly the same meaning. Bc you can stay away from school without being home schooled. But it actually is mandatory to go to school.

[@aphextwin5712]

Schulpflicht can be seen to encompass two aspects: 1) Children have to go to school (up to a certain age) which means they cannot be homeschooled or not schooled at all, and 2) Outside of official vacation periods, children have to be at school every day unless they are ill or other special circumstances apply. And for the latter, usually parents have to apply for ‘special leave’ with the school, those might include funerals and other family emergencies. Simply wanting to go on vacation outside official school vacation periods is not a valid reason. The police has on occasion stopped families at airports if their children were supposed to be at school that day.

[@Andreas_Cologne]

@@foofourtyone 😆😆😆

[@kuhaku4224]

@@Andreas_Cologne it means that when a student stay too long in home (it mean not attending school or just playing video games), the parents will get fined

[@joebarrera334]

Noch eine fantastische Episode von Meet the Germans. Vielen Dank, Rachel und DW!

[@dweuromaxx]

Our pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@thepatriot47]

Joe its danke,not dank

[@svenhunsanger8353]

@@thepatriot47 Es heißt Danke or vielen Dank

[@avinashgangai8127]

@@thepatriot47 Vielen dank is correct.

[@productivitysharma3455]

@@thepatriot47 es ist dank

[@Ken_Brz]

She didn’t wanna point it out, but during Abi graduation in our last 2 months with Abistreich and Motto, our whole 13th grade is just drinking / getting wasted, going on everyone’s nerves and partying in school 😂 literally even 6th graders walk around the school just looking at How dumb we are, but also know that that’s where they’ll be at the end as well. love that about our German school tradition 🔥😌

[@CHarlotte-ro4yi]

We had our (rather strict) math and physics teacher come up to us and congratulate us on "breaking free" and overstepping some of the rules that the school director had previously imposed on us specifically for the "Abistreich" (we basically were banned from doing anything fun). So even the teachers can appreciate this atmosphere of letting loose and celebrating the end of school :)

[@Nikioko]

Has the Abistreich really become that primitive? In my times, it was a themed live entertainment show which was organized and prepared the night before. At some point, the classrooms were stormed, and the whole school gathered in the gym. Then, the teachers had to entertain by playing games, singing songs or performing other funny things.

[@anirprasadd]

Geez! A country this advanced in every social & economic aspect has such a muddled school system. It separates children way too early on the basis of performance

[@MellonVegan]

Not just muddled, also performing horribly. The shock of that first PISA report made politicians dive headlong into measures that would improve our statistics but not the students' real life performance. Basically, some things were somewhat standardised and exam questions went away from requiring prior knowledge towards just reading the question properly and then finding the answer in the text. 9th graders could get an Abitur, these days, and that's not a good thing. Since it's more prestigious, most people go for the Abitur (like she said, the Gymnasium is now the most popular type of school), get it easily and then struggle to be able to do what their Abi said they would. An example: when I enrolled in geosciences, the first semester geology exam had a grade average of 3.0 (1-5 system with 1 being perfect and 5 being failed) for us 87-ish students. 2 years later, it had dropped to 3.7 for the 107 students for that semester. That's for an exam that is 100% recalling answers from memory with 100% recycled questions, every year. All because the German school system isn't designed to prepare people for anything. It's designed to yield good statistics.

[@friedrichtheodor3069]

the system is permeable though, so if you work hard later you can still change. i think its fair to try and group students with similar abilities together. students who tried to go against the recommendations usually failed and lost valuable time

[@tigerbw3361]

Biggest issues with the German school system: - Underfunding (chaotic) - Poor resources in most schools (even the most well off) - Poor buildings - A lot of inequality - Behaviour from the students (really bad in some cases) - No united system I have taught in both Germany and England and I am more happy with the English system. They have generally better funded state schools with better resources.

[@JadeTsukasa]

I love education videos about how other countries handle education. I can’t get behind telling a child in 5th grade that they are university material or not. There is so much brain development that goes on from 11 to 18 years of age. I want to become a teacher in Germany. But I think international schools will have to do for now. It would have been better if the video also focused on how Germany is losing teachers and won’t have enough teachers by 2030.

[@Dreaded-Flower]

this doesnt mean you will stick to the level you get to. if youre in real in 5th grade and do good. you can go up to gymnasium. same the other way

[@lalamanana1912]

A friend of mine had a Realschulabschluss and now started working for his doctor thesis (no abitur). An ex-colleague of mine had a Hauptschulabschluss, continued to get her Realschulabschluss and has a master now (not sure if she had abitur or not). It's also possible to get your Abitur after having finished school via evening schools, though it's more difficult since you would likely work already. People tend to view the system as more limiting than it actually ends up being. You don't need Abitur to get a bachelor or master degree (like in the case of my friend), but you'll be limited in where to get your bachelor without Abitur, since you'll need training in the related field. Said friend finished his training as a BTA, hence why he was able to study biotechnology.

[@somederp8915]

Also highly depends which 'Universities' you aim for. Germany has 2 kinds of Universities, coinciding to 2 kinds of abiturs. Fachabitur is a vocational abitur, that allows for people to go to Universities of Applied Sciences (Fachhochschulen or FH). Your friend who got a Thesis without Abitur VERY LIKELY went to a FH. The more trivia focused Abitur is needed for 'real' Universities (they use the german Universität or are shortened to Uni instead of FH). In general, both give Bachelor, Master and Doctor titles. Actually, for many vocational jobs, FH is seen as the superior institution, as the students also already have practical knowledge next to the theoretical foundations. However, in some fields, some Unis are considered 'Elite' and thus a title from them can also open some doors a FH title can't.

[@lalamanana1912]

@@somederp8915 Well yeah, he got his bachelor and master at a HAW, I guess I should've mentioned that. Doesn't stop you from getting immatriculated in a university for your promotion in my experience, though it might be one factor disadvantaging you in the application process.

[@somederp8915]

@@lalamanana1912 I mean, that's the good thing in germany. Even if it's hard at times, one can always climb up the education hierarchy. I mean, I went Realschule -> Technisches Abitur (NOT a Fachabitur, but a normal Abitur + IT classes) and then to Uni, while my parents migrated to germany in the early 90s with just 2 bags each. While the system is often scrutinised for elitism and early segragation, it's also merit driven. If one wants to, one can climb up on knowledge alone!

[@johnraggett7147]

Rachel, thank you, once again and greetings from Leipzig. I am fortunate, at age 79, to have a mini-job as the Homework Club Tutor (15.00 to 17.00) at Leipzig International School: students from all over the world taught, principally, in English.

[@Andreas_Cologne]

Respekt!

[@johnatkins2665]

Wow ! As a brit living in the Netherlands, this really surprised me that Germany would be so lacking in a lot of areas, especially digital supplies. You would have thought that they would have been European leaders. Maybe, or rather probably, this is a result of them not being state run ? And my kids finished school 10 years ago (in NL) , and both of them didn't see a blackboard after junior school (11 yrs. old). Positively stoneage !

[@Andreas_Cologne]

You're wright. It is unbelievable.

[@CHarlotte-ro4yi]

It is not that smart boards don't exist at all. In fact I recall getting them installed when I was in about 10th grade which was in 2011/12 so about ten years ago. Germany certainly is behind in digitization of its schools which imposed a huge problem for home schooling during the pandemic but it's also not as bad as it appears in these short video snippets.

[@hanschristianwolffdr.1635]

Why do Universties in the States or UK do have so many blackboards? A blackboard doesn't seem to be so bad or old fashioned, does it?

[@Domihork]

@@CHarlotte-ro4yi Not just schools. The country is behind in digitalization in general.

[@aperturix]

Well, it's not using a blackboard or a smartboard or whatever digital device you can think of that determines educational success. Just my opinion as a teacher in Germany who is not opposed to the wonders of digitalization.

[@jojolein1D]

It‘s so interesting to see this video because I grew up in Germany but moved away two years ago for University. Trying to explain the German school system to my international friends is almost impossible. I‘m not a fan of the system and I had to experience many of the negative sides. After the Grundschule, I went to a Gymnasium for three years but then had to change schools because of my bad grades in two subjects. Since my other grades were good, my parents decided to send me to a Gesamtschule and even there I was always inbetween A (Gymnasium)- and B (Realschul)- level. I ended up having to change classes there a lot as well. After that, I went to a Berufsschule and two years later did my Fach-Abitur. Which means, I changed schools every 1-3 years. Being a teenager, a stable environment is important to form friendships. I believe that the constant change was really bad for me and I had a horrible time as a teenager. Especially at the Gesamtschule, my grades got significantly worse and I always believed that I was just bad at studying. After the Gesamtschule, I never had any troubles with my grades and I‘m now graduating with a Master’s degree this year, something that I would have never thought was possible when I was a teenager. I honestly believe that the German school system loses a lot of students along the way and the separation has a bad impact on the whole society. My parents never went to University and during my time at the Gymnasium, many students had academic parents. During my time at the other schools, almost no one had parents with an academic background. I think that says a lot.

[@RachelStewart04]

Thanks so much for sharing and I'm sorry to hear that. Your experience definitely reflects the flaws in the system! Congrats on the Master's degree :)

[@juanibarra5879]

Yes! Like Rachel stated, thank you for sharing your experiences! My son is 13 years old and will be entering 8th grade and has dual citizenship. He was born in California and after divorce, ex wife and son moved to Germany. He’s in the die Realschule in Bavaria now and has very good grades. My ex and I have 50/50 custody but, he comes and visits for approximately one month a year during the summer and then goes back and every other Christmas. We agreed that our son would come to stay with me for at least one year so he could 1) live with me and his new brothers and sisters, 2) improve his English, experience American schools (same reading - English, math, science, and history, physical sports - his favorite is swimming, *** but more so on the new required computer and technology based classes like coding, robotics, and IT*** and make long last friendships here, and 3) get him to see how the High Schools are here and even the University’s. My ex says keeps telling me each year that he will not be able to come here for the entire year because she’s afraid he may have to repeat the grade over again because the American school may not cover every subject but offers no evidence to support this theory. I know many German students who have moved from one country to Germany, infused into the same grade and not made to repeat their grade. My son has now started asked his teachers and is getting answers that lead towards him not repeating the school year. He’s confused and doesn’t know who to believe. He wants to come to school here for the school years and have more experiences. I have reached out to the American school he would attend and they assured me if there is anytime to come to an American school, now would be the best because it’s just before High school, they don’t use a credit system yet like high school, it’s just based on grades like A, B, C, D, F. They also said that if he is doing well, in German school and does the same here in American, then why should they hold him back? I explained that we would be willing to even get him a tutor and ensure that any other required topics would be covered. I want to reach out to his school and explain this situation to his Principal and see what they say but don’t know how to ask them. What would you recommend I ask them? Is there any truth to this theory that he would have to repeat the 8th grade if he attends an American school? My son says he will be done with school after the 10th grade. Number one, we are shocked at this. Here we go to the 12th grade and he would get college because of my disability because of my time in the Army. He’s already said that he wants to come here when he’s done with school. What advise do you both have for me to provide my ex and my son. Thank you!

[@Biochemistry-Debunks-Corona]

It's a prison, any school is Not sure what's so difficult to explain

[@cristianedefariahenrique1815]

Definitely! You've described so well how inefficient the German school system is. My Son is getting through that.

[@cristianedefariahenrique1815]

​@@juanibarra5879you should to make sure that your son moves to America. I do live in German and I regret not moving to Brazil with my children. They were better school time there. It is not only about intelectual Knowledge, it is also about life experience and practice. German cannot provide it and in my opinion guide the future from the students. Awful.

[@alisa_isy]

Very good video, I love explaining the German school system to foreigners. Everybody just ends up confused 😂. The only thing I would have to add is the amount of stress that can build up in students. You'll get held back a year for failing one of your 12 subjects (meaning you are in a different grade for the entire of your school carrier because of one or two subjects). It even goes as far as you having to downgrade to a lower school (that happens a lot after grade 6 in a gymnasium, but also every other grade, or school). And you can take the Abitur only ones or twice in your life, which is nearly the only way to get into university (I know there is others but that gets really complicated and very different from state to state). But all of that is really hard to research, I think you'd have to live though it to fully understand it🙃. Like with everything

[@numbpill3545]

That's really a lot like the Indian school system...Would you be able to tell, what would a graduation after only 12 classes be said in German? Sekundärschulabschluss?

[@alisa_isy]

@@numbpill3545 what do you mean my graduating 12 classes, do you mean graduating after 12 years of school?

[@numbpill3545]

@@alisa_isy Yes in India we graduate for University entrance after 12th class final exams.But I am confused what should I put it as in German. I am applying for an Ausbildung so I know it's not equivalent to Abitur.Any insights will be helpful

[@alisa_isy]

@@numbpill3545 Ahh okay so in Germany if you wanne apply to an Ausbildung you usually only need 10 years of school and have graduated that. Just put in your report from India, you shouldn't have a problem. But I can't be sure it changes from state to state. But if you say you did 12 years in school you should be fine.

[@Serenity_yt]

@@numbpill3545 after 12 years in most states it would be equal to Abitur I guess which is the requirement for Uni and usually taken after 12 to 13 years

[@dibar4167]

Excellent presentation as always Rachel. Keep up the good work!

[@reggiesj4918]

This is an eye opening video! Danke! Coming from Canadian schools and college/university which usually follows England's standardized educational system, learning about Germany's is quite shocking to see such stark difference!

[@Suburp212]

Great job, Rachel and team. Well done.

[@PalmyraSchwarz]

As always, a good summary and preparation of the topic.

[@dweuromaxx]

Thanks again!

[@heyn1785]

This video is so spot on about the ups and downs of this system, but also the traditions and festivities especially at the end of your time at school😂 Great video !!!!

[@seanmcerlean]

Well explained Rachel. Bit more complicated than even the UK. However it looks as though the state system has similar woes to the UK in terms of equipment. Vielen dank und schon tag noch. Liebe Grüß.

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

I requested this a while back, and here it is . . . thanks guys! 👍👍👍

[@RachelStewart04]

Oh great! Thanks for the request :)

[@maowan9952]

Thanks! This kind of video is what I need.

[@ENTE-METAL]

Thank you for your great video. What can I say, "Abi habi" ... Greetings from the 1994 abitur class from the Gymnasium am Ostring, Bochum. Our legendary Abifahrt brought us to beautiful Scotland and unforgettable memories remained. Everyone take good care of yourselves.

[@ANTheWhizkid]

love the video! It sums up the primary and secondary part of the system really well. Also a big thanks for continuing the series that helped me to explain a lot of things about my culture to my girlfriend 🙈 will there be a 2nd part where you explain the DQR and EQR index, but also Fachhochschulreife, the dritte Bildungsweg (Either the dual system parallel to work or full time studies where you study 6 semester in 4 with the specialty that it needs to follow the regular school system even though its a univerity which means additional grades for presence and verbal participation next to the usual univerity stuff without semester holidays) and differences between Wirtschaftsschule (Betriebswirt/Bachelor&Master BA), Technikerschule and Meisterschule? - Is it actually still possible to leave a vocational school half a year early when you exceed the average of 2? And is there still vocational trainings (Ausbildung) that have Intervallunterricht like the hearing aid acoustic technican guys used to have? -

[@jpw.1836]

in NRW Realschule and Hauptschule were combined a few years ago into a Sekundarschule which often has a partnership with a local Gymnasium to open up opportunities for pupils to graduate with an Abitur

[@Pierinne]

this was really informative!

[@philix9285]

I went to a Förderschule vor 2 years and it was one for people that had trouble with being socially comfortable. It was essentially for mental health and almost everyone at my school had depression. And that we went to a special school meant that the teacher could have a way closer eye on us and that they wouldn't just leave you behind like at my Gymnasium. I was only able to graduate because of it. I couldn't have down it at a regular school and I am so thankful that I got the chance to go to a school were they knew how to deal with me and my mental health. It's been truly life saving for me

[@sage_silvestris]

In my time bullies were sent to special schools, not their victims. Times change.

[@QueenofStarlight]

I am in the 12 grade of a Gymnasium and Im getting my Abitur this year and due to COVID ,we haven’t had a Abifahrt (our last trip was in 9th grade), we have to take our 5 hour final exams with ffp2 mask, didn’t finish all themes because of lockdown and non existent online learning platforms and no WiFi and there is a high chance our Abi Ball will be cancelled too, cause of COVID. Even our in official abiparty at the club got indefinitely postponed TWO HOURS before it was supposed to start due to new covid regulations the state decided to instate at midnight.The school/state didn’t handle the situation well at all and it kind ruined the whole final phase of school

[@RachelStewart04]

So sorry to hear this, it really is such a shame to miss out on these traditions ☹️ I hope you still have a few highlights in your final year!

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

You deserved better. If you are up for it, contact your local, state and federal politicians and let them know about this.

[@QueenofStarlight]

@@RachelStewart04 thanks. And although there isn’t a single thing that made this final year feel different or special at all (if you don’t count the constant pressure and fear of graduation exams)at least I had one really great teacher and some awesome friends that made parts of it fun, and I hope we can still have a cool abigeck

[@QueenofStarlight]

@@patrickfitzgerald2861 thank you, maybe I will do that although I do not think they care much about a single teenage girl.. I mean they ignored most of our Fridays for future demonstrations and there were far more people.

[@patrickfitzgerald2861]

@@QueenofStarlight You're not wrong about them, but things can and do change through time, effort and organizing for support. On these school issues it would help a lot if parents understood and were involved. Good luck!

[@bigernie9433]

A very complicated thingy well researched and explained, thanks ! I should like to point out that the major challenge today is that with a Hauptschulabschluss, there is hardly vocational training that will accept you. Hence most pupils in that school branch hardly see sense in what they are being taught. But as school topics have traditionally been very politically divisive in D (to put it mildly) solutions to this disaster are not even being discussed which is unfortunate, especially for the kids. You did not mention a major difference towards the UK system (on purpose ?) in that all German pupils have to study at least one foreign language (usually English) or even two if they want to go on to the Abitur. An aspect not covered by PISA at all btw. You do not need to be an expert in the field to predict how UK and US pupils would have fared in this respect..

[@RachelStewart04]

Ah yes that's another really interesting aspect! It looks like PISA is going to start including a "foreign language assessment" (starting with English and then adding more languages) from 2025.

[@thepatriot47]

@@RachelStewart04 pisa sucks

[@thepatriot47]

@@RachelStewart04 glad my country doesn't have it 😏

[@ohrenaugenkatze_]

You don't need two foreign languages all the way up to the Abitur though, at least not in NRW

[@bigernie9433]

@@ohrenaugenkatze_ True but you need at least one of them to the Abitur and four years of the other

[@weltraumcowboy07]

The schools in my age where a complete disaster: I barely graduated in 2006 after many school transfers. My teachers were as narrow minded as they come and the rating system was based on sympathy to the point where in many cases resubmitting the work of my grade A bench neighbour got me a C 🤷‍♂️ But it gets better later in life. Universities give you a great deal of freedom and time for intellectual explorations with very little pressure. I don’t think it gets much better from a students perspective. When I made an exchange to a top us university i felt more than over prepared.

[@walterwhite28]

Are you by chance an Indian? My and most of my classmates' school stories are exactly same - teacher beats with wooden scales/ throws us out of class for petty reasons, favouritism at it's best, sports and games period was almost non existant, syllabus completion is the first priority, most of the encyclopedias in library were locked up in glass cupboards, all we would read was some short fiction stories or useless magazines........

[@dweuromaxx]

Did you go to school in Germany?

[@christophchristoph9909]

​@@dweuromaxx Sure, in Thuringia ... then I studied in Leipzig and moved on to Penn State University. Today, I lead a small research group. When I think about the fact that I was barely able to finish Gymnasium, I'm just devastated. I know I am not the only one who was suffering in the German school system but then moved on to be a constructive part of society. Such a waste. I hope things have improved in the meantime.

[@drawingwithstress]

@@walterwhite28 what's your school name and location?

[@walterwhite28]

@@drawingwithstress Why?

[@robwilliams2410]

Excellent as always 🙂👍🏼

[@Suburp212]

Include the fun schools for grown ups, FSJler, evening schools, trade schools, VHS, Berufsschule, etc etc :)

[@xavierwarren9799]

Thank you for the facts, I felt a hit of nostalgia for a moment all this school stuff haha

[@zal6238]

Very good video, thanks for that work ! A school system that seems very interesting, in particular those light school days, letting kids a lot of time to rest and for personal activities ! For homeschooling being illegal, people often think about Germany but it's the same (or quite the same) for several countries (in Europe : the Netherlands, Sweden, since recently France and a few others)

[@casual-play-user]

True

[@davidpastuck7245]

I loved this video! I never understood the German education system, this explained a lot.

[@Nikioko]

6:28: Has the Abistreich really become that primitive? In my times, it was a themed live entertainment show which was organized and prepared the night before. At some point, the classrooms were stormed and the whole school gathered in the gym. The teachers had to entertain by playing games, singing songs or performing other funny things.

[@KimmyKimtek]

I am a teacher in Germany. You really did point put the problem with broke communities. We still don’t have wifi because my town doesn’t have money… three years ago they built high quality glass fiber in the street but only the close by hospital got a connection. The school didn’t (for I don’t know what reason…) I hate that the financial aspect is not part of the state’s or country’s duty 😐

[@JadeTsukasa]

How did you do during covid with the lack of Wi-Fi?

[@KimmyKimtek]

@@JadeTsukasa Working from home when schools were closed and just sending tasks and worksheets when schools were open but pupils were in quarantaine

[@aldrickbanks3455]

The tempo of Rachel is always very delightful.

[@dibar4167]

Nice observation. I hadn't realized until now and it is indeed something that makes these videos so appealing.

[@dibar4167]

The two photos from your school years were really cute!

[@RachelStewart04]

Haha thanks!

[@kagehina4629]

I am Turkish and in our school system, each lesson is 40 minutes, the break times vary in each school, for example, in my school, the break after the first lesson is 20 minutes. The break after class is 40 minutes, and the rest is all 10 minutes. Class starts at 8 am and ends at 15.10. Each classroom has a whiteboard and a digital, internet-connected board.

[@rachelcookie321]

In New Zealand the length of a class varies between each school (this is only a thing in high school though). My school has 100 minute classes, some schools have 45 minute classes. I personally think a shorter class is better because with 100 minutes of the same thing you start to get bored and you can no longer focus.

[@chrisolson3240]

DW Euromaxx + Rachel Stewart= A+ (1) ☺️

[@qmance8062]

0:05 How cool! I live in Poland and i remember i got a Schultüte (tyta) on my first day of school as well!

[@jurgenrosenberg4748]

Another awesome video from her. Very infomative, as well as all the other Videos from her.Still the best! Brings me back into the 1974 ,the end of my shool days....a lot of memories .Best regards from Jürgen

[@lejenni7591]

I will use this video to explain the school system to my friends from now on!

[@youtubekommentar5494]

I was glad when many mean classmates from the Grundschule had to go to the Hauptschule (the lowest one of that 3). In 5th or 6th class it's possible to switch Haupt-/Realschule/Gymnasium as far the rules of the recommendation allows that. As you mentioned, in most state are several possibilities to "upgrade", e.g. if your recommendation was to low in your opinion. Of course only if your grades in your "old" school are good enough. I know serveral people who were 5 years on a Hauptschule and then 2 years on a Berufsfachschule. The result is equal to what you get at the Realschule in 6 years. Or that plus e.g. "berufliches Gymnasium". That are schools where you can make a completely normal Abitur in the meaning of what you're allowed to study. But one of your most important subjects is very different. E.g. at a "technisches Gymasium" certain things you also learn when your're studying mechanical and electrical engineering. Or at a "Wirtschaftsgymnasium" things you'll also learn when you study economics etc. Or when your're doing after mittlere Reife (the result e.g. after 6 years Realschule) a "Ausbildung", some companies allow you to do a "fachgebundene Hochschulreife" in the evenings in 3 years in parallel to your Ausbildung. That means you're allow to study certain things, but only at "universities" that were called Fachhochschule and now call themselve "Hochschule" (what could also be used for "real" universities or e.g. university of applied sciences (they were e.g. engineering schools many decades ago).

[@wandilismus8726]

Ich bin als Kind von der Grund- zur Hauptschule geschickt worden. 1992 Hauptschulabschluss, war aber mit dem Schnitt nicht zufrieden, 1993 erweiterter Hauptschulabschluss, mit 2,4er Schnitt an die Berufsfachschule, dort 1995 Mittlere Reife, ebenfalls 2,4er Schnitt. Hab mich dann für Fachgymnasium (mit Hamburger Abkommen ) entschieden. 1998 dann Abi. (Zählt in den meisten Bundesländern, außer Bayern und NRW als Abi, in den beiden Ländern nur als Fachhochschulreife)

[@johnsonyip1127]

3:57 Ah yes the recommendations for the secondary schools... my primary school teacher recommended me for a realschule at best and now im on my way to get the abitur while being on the upper echelon of our groups

[@mepu_146]

the bright side, one can go for evening Gymnasium also. continuing education program are not a nightmare, no one will be left behind without learning a bread earning skill, volkschule courses are amazing.

[@aikohikari6587]

I went to school in Germany and I don‘t know anything about restrictions for homework at weekends. I was a quick learner and finished my homework way faster than others in my class. But I felt really overload and sometimes homework destroyed my family‘s weekend plans.

[@MorganPerong1308]

I’m sorry but is it just me or are the accents SO satisfying!?! I took German for two months and forgot it all but i think it would be really coo, to learn it’s all someday!!🥰😆😊

[@fermintenava5911]

I still remember the discussion my parents and the teachers had about my further education. I had good grades in about every class (except physical education), but my teachers were afraid I wouldn't have the nerves to get through Gymnasium, and about my 4 in sports. I had issues with most lessons that required motorical assets and body coordination, with swimming being a particularly hard and traumatizing experience. I still eventually made my abitur, but sports has always been a sour spot to me. Most sports teachers were desperate to improve my grade and treated it like the end of the world whenever I failed a sports test (which eventually rubbed off on me). Needless to say, I'd rather get rid off that class nowadays, or at least would be in favor of not generally grading it anymore. There's no need to keep it, except for giving your students health lessons and exercises for their own sake.

[@dweuromaxx]

Interesting take. You're right - not everyone feels comfortable or enjoys sport, especially if it's graded. Perhaps this will change in the future!

[@RuthValle]

Things haven't changed much since I went to school in Germany half a century ago. Interesting video though. We didn't get lunch there, just had a little school store for snacks. You didn't touch on the grading much, which in comparison to American schools depends highly on if the teacher likes you. Mine hated me, so that didn't work out well in my case. Yet, no one would argue that you learn how to learn in a German gymnasium. Once I immigrated to the US in the late 70s, I made Top Graduate at my university in the US; much to the surprise of my parents. Thank you for this!

[@mareenicola3710]

Clear explanation of a complicated topic

[@EvilDoener666]

In many german schools the most advanced technical equipment are overhead projectors and a crt tv from the 70s, that serveral classes have to share.

[@dweuromaxx]

Ouch. Tough times.

[@aofdiamonds4389]

Lol came across this video 3 years after I moved to Germany 😂 wish they had it b4 I’m watching this out of fun now and it’s legit so accurate, they didn’t miss anything. Idk if it may be a little different but by my Gymnasium it’s like they know everything ❤

[@DarkSession6208]

We should talk about how you need to waste 2.5 Years for a 650€ /month salary just to work in a bakery behind a counter for 12€ per hour afterwards ... If you get a Ausbildung at all, with a bad Realschul or Hauptschul testimonial. Elon musk and Bill Gates would work at lidl if they grew up in Germany ... no joke with the certificate and mark obsessions in germany...

[@jimmynoobtron8172]

Normally I don't watch Dokus but Rachel does make everything interesting

[@MunkerLifeFilms]

Explains a lot I didn't know growing up. LOL! Danke.

[@rich-ard-style6996]

Sehr gut erklärt.

[@Kivas_Fajo]

This was an extremely accurate observation of the situation! I am prone to say: This was the most accurate statement ever!

[@eltonbritt1502]

8AM to 1 PM? In China, especially in the major cities, many students attend additional tutorials (Math, English or other languages, musical instruments, dance, culinary arts, etc) after their regular school hours. I worked as an English tutor for high school students in China for more than a decade. Many of my previous students are now graduates from universities across China, North America, & Europe and it gives me great joy whenever some of them still make time to contact me. Whether it's in Germany, China or elsewhere, I guess we teachers will always find it satisfying to be fondly remembered by our students.

[@dweuromaxx]

Hi Elton, thanks for your comment. Lovely that you maintain a connection with your graduates😊

[@l1ncs]

‘Stunde’ can mean ‘lesson’, besides ‘hour’. I did latin for 5 years. The gymnasium stream needn’t go 12/13 years, as there are intermediate diplomas. ‘Erweiterter Sekundärabschluss’ after 10th grade and ‘Fachabitur’ after 11th grade. …but that terminology may not be current. Many areas moved to Abitur after 12th grade about 10 years ago. That IT is behind standards was not a surprise as Germany education is very much about interaction, consideration and debate, therefore not necessarily focussed on technical infrastructure pre Covid. I went to a ‘day school’ that started with a bus at 07:05, first lesson was at 07:45, mid morning breakfast break at 10:00, lunch at 12:30, homework support until 14:30, activity/special interest until 16:30. School on Saturdays was every 2nd week for just 4 periods until 12:00 with a ‘short’ breakfast break. In many schools the class needs to go to the teacher, meaning transit between classes, hence the 10-15 min between periods. Edit: Before determining the focus topics of Abitur, which require a nomination of subjects to be written and spoken, subjects can be up to 14-15 in number. All being actively assessed and relevant to graduating a year. That reduces then toward Abitur when core and specialist subjects are elected (and which can co-determine factors of future study consideration). It used to be for example that without certain latin diplomas, one couldn’t study medicine. It’s probably not like that now.

[@henrystopford9597]

Das Video ist sehr interessant!

[@marinabayview]

wow. That is a great sum up.

[@stevenmuller89]

At the Gymnasium where I graduated, the Abitur-class has a ritual which they call "the pilgrimage". The students of the Abitur-class all meet up in the night before the very last schoolday at 0 o' clock at the Alexanderplatz in Berlin-Mitte dressed up in their costumes for the last motto-week day and walk from there around 6hrs to the school building in Berlin-Marzahn to attend the last schoolday.

[@McJibbin]

Great video!

[@mrspencer9999]

Thank you so much Rachel! I always send my American girlfriend who lives in the U.S your videos because sometimes it's hard to explain for me German stuff especially German education system...Not because of language but because it's so messed up and totally different compared to the U.S :D

[@kshitijashinde2869]

Hey team, please make video on formalities or like procedure for kid coming outside Germany or like education system for international student - foreign nationals

[@cambbrown6205]

Very interesting and a little surprising. I had the impression (not sure where from) that in the German school system there were technical schools that were held in great esteem and hence the reputation Germany has for good engineering. I'm surprised that not all schools have WiFi; I thought they would be more forward thinking. I think they need to fund schools more equally across Germany. Surely if parents have the last say in where their children go that will cause problems in terms of numbers and suitability.

[@dorderre]

We are an industrial powerhouse, but our educational system is embarassing in comparison. Public funding is subpar in large areas, digitalization is a foreign language in many schools and the difficulty standards between schools or even states (Länder) sometimes can't even be compared. A 1 in one state can be a 2+ or a 3 in another. Etc. There's a lot room (and need) for improvement.

[@faultier1158]

German universities are decent, so that's where the engineers are coming from. Also, there's a lot of knowledge inside companies that you come in contact with while working there. Another important aspect is the apprenticeship system. For professions that don't require a university degree, there's a big regulated system of apprenticeships, where you take theoretical classes at a public school and practical work experience in a company (that will usually hire you once you get your certificate after like 3 years). Because of that, Germany has a pretty high skill standard for mechanics, electricians, plumbers, pharmacists... the list is long. So even though the core school system kinda sucks, there are things that balance it out a bit.

[@cambbrown6205]

@@faultier1158 Thank you. I have really enjoyed learning about Germany from your clips

[@leDespicable]

There also are certain specialised types of secondary schools like "Wearkrealschulen" (a Realschule with a special focus on arts and crafts), but those are in the minority.

[@MadMusicNerd]

The greatest problem - in my opinion - is that most parents force their kids to go to Gymnasium, because it's the fastest and most easy way to qualify for University. Jobs like carpenters, mechanics, upholsterers and the entire range of crafts in general cannot find any trainees because parents would like to see their children in academic professions. Whether the children want it or not... My whole environment (but it's a common thought) is of the opinion that with a Hauptschul- or Realschulabschluss you are simply too stupid for a "real" school and that you are therefore only allowed to do the dirty work for which "good" students are too intelligent. By the way, I've got a Realschulabschluss, my former classmates are still at school (further qualification for University) I made a training as a bookbinder and I couldn't be prouder because my job requires a high level of technical ability. Like most crafting professions. Just because you've been in school longer and went to college doesn't mean everyone else is worth less.

[@SuperSmarandita]

In my days (lol, not so long ago but Abi 2009) no school that I know of had a canteen. I now realize how regressive this was, someone in the family, mostly the mother, had to just make peace with working part time forever.

[@thaminduKavinda]

Rachel thank you !

[@jillwheeler6207]

Great segment as usual. I really enjoyed hearing the children's perspective!! Seems like a very complicated system. 👍🏼for the Waldorf method of teaching. 🏫 🎒 📖

[@brexistentialism7628]

Abi '06 - Liebet und mehret Euch 😁😁

[@maryreid4273]

Although most UK schools do have uniforms, some schools don't - my son's secondary school, on a Scottish island, also has no uniform. It has plusses and minuses!

[@jairosadventure4315]

You're warmly welcome to Tanzania in this coming summer season which starts from June - October and see the large group of wildebeest migrants from one place to another. The Great Wildebeest Migration is the largest animal migration in the world. Every year, more than 2 million animals (wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle) are in the northern Serengeti plains, and you have a chance of seeing up to thousands crossing the river. As the sight of the wildebeest crossing is so dramatic, it is considered by many and the most desirable time to see the migration.

[@kwabenaasare.]

Please can u make one on the University System.Danke 😊

[@RachelStewart04]

We did make a video about university and studying in Germany! :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipKwiHyHYp1-e5o

[@tbgrandprixengineering]

It's intresting where Homeschooling is banned in Germany, while in my country is something usual. Because some pupils may also work for entertainment. Like teen actor or child actor work in the evening and in the morning they study at home so they can keep the stamina good for their job. I don't think how this could happen in my country too. Mostly run by private foundation

[@peter_meyer]

Child labor is forbidden in Germany. Kids should have a childhood.

[@TS-xj5mt]

Peter Meyer hallelujah, let's acknowledge that it's often the parents pushing their kids at the expense of their childhood, social and intellectual

[@theemanuella9456]

@@peter_meyer there are also some Teens who wannabe an Actor❤️

[@laceymosley5111]

​@@peter_meyerdoes that mean that there are no kid actors in German movies?

[@poorwotan]

I went to a German school (in Latin America) until 5th grade. Best thing that ever happened to me is the subsequent switch to the American school system. Seriously, my teacher told my parents that I was not "college material" (Abitur) in freaking 4th grade. Yes, 4th grade!!! Total non-sense. That said, learning a third language by 5th grade plus much better art/musical education is something that remains with me to this day and something I found sorely lacking in my American schools (all private in Latin America too). Ended up graduating from a top/very competitive business college in the US so take that Frau Xxxxxxxxxxxx (to protect the fool).

[@poorwotan]

Oh... and our Senior Trip was pretty much a party from the time we got on the bus throughout the long weekend. 🤣

[@f3409]

06:02 Legende der Bub

[@faultier1158]

Und hat auch recht. Es ist natürlich nicht einfach simple Bevorzugung - da spielen verschiedene Dinge mit rein, wie generelle Kultur und Unterschiede in der kindlichen Gehirnentwicklung. Aber Mädchen bekommen besser Noten und bessere Abschlüsse als Jungen. Strukturell gesehen funktioniert unser Schulsystem für Jungen schlechter als für Mädchen, was Noten und Abschlüsse angeht.

[@citylumberjack9169]

Some schools didn't even have dedicated WiFi? OH NO ... some schools in the US barely have running water or textbooks. I assume we were 78th out of 78 - at least if it measured public schools separately from private ones. The US suffers from the same goofy funding mechanisms, meaning that in many cases the neediest kids get the least resources.

[@mstrmren]

We have the same. Conrete crumbling from the ceiling, mold everywhere, dirty water... But my school is very advanced thankfully. There are a lot of documentaries by state media on the topic though, so I know about some cases

[@TS-xj5mt]

USA doesn't pay or treat their police or teachers as professionals, and therefore have the obvious problems they have and regularly demonstrate them to the world

[@199Bubi]

Spot on.

[@kc8923]

Sehr toll und interessant wie immer. In Österreich manche Grundschule werden Volksschule genannt.

[@corneliaermel3032]

Ja, in Deutschland hiess es auch Volksschule und der Studienabschluss hiess Volksschullehrer

[@Nikioko]

Volksschule ist die alte Bezeichnung für Grund- und Hauptschule von Klasse 1-8.

[@user-ru9qz4oh4j]

Большое спасибо за ваш труд

[@kisoschu]

I still find it to early that in other,, Bundesländern" primary school ends after 4 its just something I will never get why it's mandatory in all the other parts of Germany

[@lucashd6026]

4:59 , this is suprising for me, cause my school has a digital board in almost every classroom, and 2 computer rooms with each having 25 computers, additionally, most of the teacher's offices also have computers. I know it might have changed this since was a year ago, but it can't transition this fast right? My school even has wifi.

[@bincyabraham8109]

As you said the school time is from 8 AM to 1 PM . So if parents are working professionals after school time how they take care of their kids. I'm a working Mom planning to migrate to Germany so I'm too much worried about this plz respond.

[@ditzydee1]

Is that school in the background where the kids are interviewed (1:36) Otto Kühne Schule in Bad Godesberg? It looks like where I went to school.

[@__-zb9vz]

Actually in my school they started to have longer school hours in 2011 or 2012. One hour was 67 or 68 minutes long so we started at 7:45 and our first break was at 8:52, a break until 9:02 and the next subject until 10:10 :D it was kind of confusing

[@dweuromaxx]

🤯

[@oppenbot1717]

Am I the only one wondering why Russian wasn't named as one of the most common second languages we learn in school? In my area (former east) it is the most popular option alongside Frensh and Latin. Some schools even offer Italian but that's not the norm. Anyway, great video as always. Just a thought I wanted to add:)

[@2dwatermelon302]

My school has spanish instead of russian, but i take classes after school for russian which most schools offer

[@toxicdoc9498]

Man muss bei denn Uhrzeiten immer unterscheiden. Geht man auf eine Grundschule stimmt das, auf einer Weiterführenden Schule manchmal und in meinem Fall auf einem Berufskolleg überhaupt nicht da habe ich teils von 7:45 Uhr -16:15 Uhr

[@paradonym]

One day we got a digital board replacing the blackboard. It took like two days and one teacher brought some blackboard foil to be able to use chalk again.

[@damatar]

Interesting to hear that Germans leave education up to the state and municipal level like in the US. When our national government is being badly mismanaged, I appreciate the decentralization, but feel many parts of the country suffer due to lack of leadership and funding that could be aided by a more centralized system. Anyway, great video. I love that you took the time to interview kids to get their perspective.

[@leDespicable]

The problem in Germany is that education is almost too decentralised. There's basically 16 different education systems, which is just ridiculously convoluted and complicated at times. I mean, the 16 states can't even agree on how many years each school type takes (looking at you Berlin and Brandenburg...6 years of elementary school...).

[@aphextwin5712]

What wasn’t mentioned is that while school infrastructure is the responsibility of the municipalities, teachers are employed by the state.

[@111BAUER111]

Als angehender Lehrer war ich ja skeptisch. Aber das Video ist wirklich sehr gut. Es ist verständlich, aber dennoch wurde die Unübersichtlichkeit durch den Förderalismus im Schulsystem deutlich. Ebenso wurde die Förderschule angesprochen, die sehr oft vergessen wird (man spricht ja auch immer von einem 3-gliedrigen System; die Förderschule wird ignoriert). Ebenso wurden stärken und Probleme schön aufgezeigt. Abgerundet wurde es mit eher kulturellen Dingen wie der Schultüte und der Abifahrt. Sollte ich mal einem englischsprechenden das Schulsystem erklären wollen, würde ich ihm dieses Video zeigen... solange es halt noch aktuell ist. Die Digitalisierung geht ja hoffentlich jetzt etwas schneller voran :)

[@RachelStewart04]

Das freut mich, danke! :)

[@VictorSteiner]

The German school system is a Monthy Python movie in disguise.

[@dweuromaxx]

Are you referring to the "Ministry Of Silly Walks"...😉🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️🕺

[@jrgptr935]

Es gibt kein deutsches Schulsystem. Es gibt 16 Ländersysteme, so unterschiedlich, daß man sich wundert, daß sie das kleine Einmaleins gemeinsam haben (haben sie?).

[@weirdo5518]

in my school we have cleverboards now basicly a big tablet as a blackboard

[@goldenbliss4259]

I am from Austria, but ngl the educational sysetm from Germany seems even more confusing than I have thought XD jajjajajajaj

[@andersonandrighi4539]

Back in my college days a did a paper in German School system. It got turned down because History department was more interested in Jörn Rüsen work than the German Schooling system. Glad to see this video :)

[@dweuromaxx]

@Anderson Andrighi Not too bad either - Glad you like the video!

[@3arrap3masta74]

Just a little fun fact for the others: in our school, the Abistreich is called "Chaos-Tag" (day of chaos) XD

[@kusiciel]

I'd love to see an episode on German kitchen equipment

[@RachelStewart04]

Haha that's quite a niche topic!

[@sozinhaxyz]

Que genial que hayan subtítulos