Bullying at school - South Africans in Germany

Mobbing in Schools: Recognize, Act, and Support Your Child

Every child deserves to feel safe at school. Learn how to identify the signs of bullying, take effective action, and access resources to protect your child and restore their confidence.

Disclaimer:
The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, medical, or professional advice. It is not intended to replace consultation with qualified professionals. For specific concerns or cases, please seek advice from legal, educational, or counseling experts.

Understanding Bullying and Its Impact

Bullying is a repeated, intentional act of aggression meant to harm another person. It takes many forms, including physical actions like hitting or pushing, verbal attacks such as name-calling or teasing, social exclusion, and even cyberbullying through digital platforms. Each type of bullying can have devastating consequences, particularly for the mental health of those affected. Victims often experience anxiety, depression, and other emotional struggles, with some even facing thoughts of self-harm.

The effects of bullying extend beyond the immediate harm, potentially disrupting a student’s academic performance and personal growth. Recognizing this, schools and educators bear the critical responsibility of fostering safe and inclusive environments. While there’s no universal solution to address bullying, proven strategies can reduce its prevalence and encourage positive behavior. By uniting students, parents, and educators, we can build a culture rooted in respect and kindness, ensuring every child feels valued and supported.

Negative Impacts of Bullying on Children

Bullying can have a significant impact on the mental and physical health of its victims. Victims of bullying often experience anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. They may also suffer from physical symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, and sleep disturbances. In severe cases, bullying can lead to suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

Mental Health Challenges

Increased risk of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and other emotional disorders.

Academic Difficulties:

Lower academic performance, reduced participation in class, and a reluctance to attend school.

Social Isolation

Difficulty forming and maintaining friendships, leading to feelings of loneliness and exclusion.

Physical Health Issues

Stress-related symptoms such as headaches, stomachaches, and sleep disturbances.

Behavioral Changes:

Increased aggression, withdrawal, or risk-taking behavior as coping mechanisms.

Long-term Emotional Impact:

Difficulty trusting others, fear of social situations, and lingering trauma that can extend into adulthood.

Signs and Symptoms

Children don’t always speak up about being bullied, making it crucial for parents and caregivers to recognize the signs early. Identifying bullying promptly allows for timely intervention to support the child and put a stop to the behaviour. Watch for these common signs and symptoms:

Physical signs such as bruises, cuts, and scrapes
Unexplained injuries or damage to personal property
Changes in eating or sleeping habits
Loss of interest in school or extracurricular activities
A decline in academic performance
Avoidance of social situations or activities
Complaints of headaches or stomach aches
Depression or anxiety

If a child is exhibiting any of these signs, it is important to talk to them about what is going on and to investigate further.

What can parents do

Recognize the Signs

Children experiencing mobbing may exhibit changes in behavior, such as withdrawal, anxiety, avoiding school, or even physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches. Open communication is key to identifying the issue early.

Create a Safe Space for Conversation

Encourage your child to share their experiences without fear of judgment. Listening actively and validating their feelings can help them feel supported and understood.

Document Incidents

Keep a record of specific bullying incidents, including dates, times, and descriptions. This documentation will be helpful when communicating with the school. Also document any doctor's or other medical profession visits

Collaborate with the School

Contact your child’s teacher or school counselor as soon as you become aware of mobbing. Share your documentation and work with them to develop a plan to address the issue.

Empower Your Child

Teach your child strategies to handle bullying, such as assertive communication, seeking help from trusted adults, and avoiding retaliatory behaviour. Consider enrolling them in activities that boost confidence and social skills.

Seek External Support

If the bullying persists, consider involving external resources, such as child psychologists or local anti-bullying organizations like Mobbing-Zentrale or Nummer gegen Kummer. See links below for more information

Mobbing in German Schools

Bullying can also have a significant impact on the school environment. Students who witness bullying may feel unsafe and anxious, leading to decreased academic performance and attendance. Teachers and administrators may also struggle to create a positive and inclusive school culture in the face of persistent bullying. To address the impact of bullying, schools need to implement comprehensive prevention and intervention strategies. This may include educating students, parents, and staff on the signs and effects of bullying, providing support services for victims and bullies alike, and enforcing clear consequences for bullying behaviour.

Many children in Germany experience bullying, or mobbing in the school environment, It is also called die Schikanierung , die Schikane or die Schurigelei.
According to the results of the PISA 2022 study, almost seven per cent of 15-year-olds in Germany are victims of bullying at school.
A study by the Bertelsmann Foundation also concludes that one in three students is afraid of violence and exclusion in class or the schoolyard.

Since bullying at school often happens in secret, it is not always easy for teachers and parents to recognize it. Many affected people are therefore faced with the question of where they can get help if they are the victim of harassment from classmates.
Although this is often difficult, the best way is to confide in an adult. This person can then take appropriate steps and report the incident to the school, for example.

Meeting with the School, Elternbeirat or teachers

Meeting with the school, parent council (Elternbeirat), or teachers is a crucial step in addressing bullying and ensuring your child’s well-being. These discussions provide an opportunity to share your concerns, understand the school’s perspective, and work collaboratively toward a solution. Proper preparation and a calm, constructive approach can make a significant difference in achieving positive outcomes for your child. Here are some tips to help you navigate these important conversations effectively.

1. Prepare for the Meeting
Plan the meeting carefully and think about what you expect from the teacher and the school beforehand. Write down key points to help you stay focused, as the situation may feel emotionally overwhelming.

2. Present the Incident Objectively
Factually describe the incident, avoiding any blame. In most cases, the teacher is not at fault. Asking the teacher to take action will only be effective if the school already has anti-bullying or anti-violence policies in place. Instead, ask questions like: “What can I do to help ensure…?”
After the meeting, write a summary of the discussion, including the date, topics covered, and outcomes.

3. Develop Concrete Strategies Together
Work with the teacher to develop specific strategies. Avoid discussing your child’s specific bullying case too much, as this could lead to your child being labelled a “tattletale,” potentially worsening the bullying. Instead, focus on what consequences future bullying or violence will have for perpetrators.
Take written notes of any commitments the teacher makes or plans to implement. Teachers are familiar with this approach as “goal agreements” and understand that these commitments will be reviewed.

4. Monitor Follow-Up Actions
Check whether the teacher has taken action. This should take no more than a few days. Talk to your child to assess any changes. If no progress is made, escalate the issue to the school principal. The school is obligated to ensure your child’s well-being.
Document the meeting with the principal, noting the date, time, location, and key outcomes—even if your request was denied.

What Parents Can Expect from Teachers

Acknowledgement of the Problem
Teachers and school staff are legally and ethically obligated to ensure a safe learning environment. They should take reports of mobbing seriously and investigate the issue promptly.

A Clear Plan of Action
Expect the school to outline specific steps they will take to address the mobbing. This may include speaking to the bully, offering counseling for affected students, or implementing anti-bullying programs.

Confidentiality
Teachers should handle the situation with discretion to protect all involved parties and avoid further escalation.

Regular Updates
Parents should receive updates on the school’s progress in managing the situation. Open communication ensures that everyone is working toward the same goal.

Proactive Prevention Efforts
Schools should implement preventive measures, such as workshops, peer mediation programs, or class discussions on empathy and respect, to create a culture of kindness and inclusion.

Possible Prevention Strategies in Schools

School Policies
School policies play a crucial role in preventing bullying. A clear and comprehensive anti-bullying policy should be in place, outlining the consequences of bullying and the procedures for reporting and investigating incidents. The policy should be communicated to all students, teachers, and parents to ensure everyone knows what is expected of them.

Educational Programs
Educational programs can be an effective way to prevent bullying. These programs should be age-appropriate and cover empathy, respect, and conflict resolution topics. They should also provide students with the skills and tools they need to recognize and respond to bullying behaviour.

Parental Involvement
Parents can also play a critical role in preventing bullying. Schools should encourage parents to be involved in their children’s education and to monitor their behaviour both at home and at school. Parents should also be educated about the signs of bullying and how to respond if their child is involved in or witnesses bullying.

By implementing these prevention strategies, schools can create a safe and supportive environment for all students. It is essential to remember that preventing bullying requires a collaborative effort from everyone involved.

What if the school is not cooperating

If the school fails to take appropriate action despite your efforts, it’s essential to escalate the matter. As a parent, you have the right to advocate for your child’s safety and well-being. Taking further steps, such as involving medical or psychological professionals and contacting the appropriate educational authorities, can help ensure the issue is addressed effectively.
Here’s how to proceed:

Ensure you have documented all incidents in writing.
Obtain written confirmation of any medical visits or psychological counselling (e.g., medical certificates or therapist’s attestations).
With these documents (copies), contact the school’s supervisory authority (Schulamt, school supervisory board, school inspector, office for schools and education, or similar). Request clarification of the situation and assistance.

If the school authorities are unable to help:

Seek advice from the local Integration office if the mobbing borders on discrimination
You can also turn to the student council, youth welfare office, or police to ensure action is taken.
Consider getting legal advice.

Bullying vs Discrimination

The difference between bullying and discrimination in schools lies in their underlying causes, intent, and manifestations. Both can have serious consequences for a child’s well-being and educational experience, but they stem from different dynamics:

Bullying

Definition: Bullying is targeted, repetitive, and intentional behavior designed to harm, intimidate, or control another person. It can be verbal, physical, social, or digital (cyberbullying).
Cause: Motivated by personal issues, such as a desire for power, unresolved conflicts, or social dynamics. The victim may be chosen due to perceived vulnerabilities, but these are not always related to identity factors like nationality.
Examples:
- Calling a child names to humiliate them.
- Spreading rumors or socially excluding a child.
- Physically pushing, hitting, or threatening someone.
Intent: Often about asserting dominance or dealing with insecurities.
Focus: Individual or group dynamics, not necessarily tied to broader societal issues.

Discrimination

Definition: Discrimination involves unfair treatment of an individual or group based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, or disability. It may stem from systemic bias or prejudice.
Cause: Rooted in stereotypes, cultural bias, or societal prejudice. Discrimination reflects broader societal inequalities or a lack of awareness and inclusion.
Examples:
- Refusing to let a foreign child participate in group activities because of their nationality.
- Making derogatory comments about a child’s cultural background.
- Teachers or students favouring local children over foreign students in class assignments or sports.
Intent: Often unintentional or systemic but can also be deliberate.
Focus: Tied to societal norms, laws, and attitudes toward identity groups.

Bullying and discrimination can overlap when bullying targets a child specifically because of their nationality, race, or other identity factors. For example, foreign children might experience bullying that takes the form of discrimination, such as mocking their accents or excluding them due to their cultural background.

Schools should have policies addressing both bullying and discrimination. Anti-bullying programs focus on empathy and conflict resolution, while anti-discrimination efforts emphasize diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. Both are necessary to create a safe, supportive environment for all students, especially foreign children who may face unique challenges.

The Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency reports that 6% of all consultation requests were related to the education sector.

Additional info on the web

Emergency Contacts

Emergency Contacts The following numbers can be dialled in an emergency, either from a landline or mobile phone. 112The national emergency number. This can be used for any medical or fire/smoke/explosives emergency. It can also be dialled when someone is trapped or if you have witnessed a suicide attempt 110The national police force. Call this number in case of attempted theft or damage. An assault or risk to life Instructions Dial and wait to be connected to an operator. Clearly state the incident. Indicate how many people require help and if any weapons or dangerous substances are involved Indicate your location and explain how to reach you. Answer all the questions asked and follow the operator’s advice. Do not hang up until you are told to do so. Try to keep your phone free after hanging up, as they may try to call back. See below for phrases Heimwegtelefon A service you can call at night if you feel uncomfortable on your way home. A volunteer will speak to you on the phone until you are safely home. They can dispatch emergency services if needed. You can use it from Sunday to Thursday from 21:00 until 24:00 and from Friday to Saturday from 22:00 until 02:00 the next morning. Save the number on your phone – 030 12074182. This is a Berlin-based landline number, but it works throughout Germany and is a free service. You do, however, pay for the call costs Other import numbers Number Information Website 116 117 Non-emergency medical (doctor on call) 116117.de +49 3019 240 Poison control centre at Charite in Berlin. In emergencies call 112 First aid for poisoning 030 / 206 29 8212 Alcoholics Anonymous. For local numbers see a list here anonyme-alkoholiker.de 0711 70 10 70 Air rescue (Luftrettung) drf-luftrettung.de 0800 111 01 11 or 116 123 Suicide hotline telefonseelsorge.de 0800 111 03 33 Kids and youth hotline / Kinder- und Jugendtelefon nummergegenkummer.de 0800 111 05 50 Parental hotline / Elterntelefon nummergegenkummer.de 0180 331 94 11 AIDS hotline aidshilfe.de 116 111 Hotline for Children to use nummergegenkummer.de 030 12074182 Heimwegtelefon – Speak to someone while walking home alone Heimwegtelefon 116 016 Helpline for violence against women hilfetelefon.de German emergency phrases English German Example (German) Translation I need a doctor Ich brauche einen Arzt. Ich brauche dringend einen Arzt! I urgently need a doctor! I need a hospital Ich brauche ein Krankenhaus. Können Sie mir den Weg zum Krankenhaus zeigen? Can you show me the way to the hospital? Call an ambulance! Rufen Sie einen Krankenwagen! Bitte, rufen Sie sofort einen Krankenwagen! Please call an ambulance immediately! There’s been an accident Es gab einen Unfall. Es gab einen Unfall auf der Straße. There’s been an accident on the road. It’s an emergency Es ist ein Notfall. Das ist ein medizinischer Notfall. This is a medical emergency. I am in danger Ich bin in Gefahr. Ich fühle mich bedroht – ich bin in Gefahr. I feel threatened – I am in danger. I’m feeling sick Mir ist schlecht. Mir ist plötzlich sehr schlecht geworden. I suddenly felt very sick. I’m in pain Ich habe Schmerzen. Ich habe starke Schmerzen im Bauch. I have severe stomach pain. Can you help me? Können Sie mir helfen? Entschuldigung, können Sie mir helfen? Excuse me, can you help me? Police die Polizei Ich brauche die Polizei! I need the police! Fire service die Feuerwehr Rufen Sie die Feuerwehr, es brennt! Call the fire service, it’s burning! Rescue service der Rettungsdienst Der Rettungsdienst ist unterwegs. The emergency service is on the way. Ambulance der Krankenwagen Der Krankenwagen ist angekommen. The ambulance has arrived. Pharmacy die Apotheke Wo ist die nächste Apotheke? Where is the nearest pharmacy? Hospital das Krankenhaus Ich fahre ins Krankenhaus. I’m going to the hospital. Medicine die Medizin Ich brauche meine Medizin. I need my medicine. Poisoning die Vergiftung Ich glaube, ich habe eine Vergiftung. I think I have poisoning. Heart attack der Herzinfarkt Er hat möglicherweise einen Herzinfarkt. He may be having a heart attack. Stroke der Schlaganfall Sie zeigt Symptome eines Schlaganfalls. She is showing signs of a stroke. Choking Ich habe mich verschluckt. Hilfe! Ich habe mich verschluckt! Help! I’m choking! Difficulty breathing Atemnot Ich bekomme keine Luft. I can’t breathe. Wounded verletzt Er ist schwer verletzt. He is seriously wounded. Wound die Wunde Die Wunde blutet stark. The wound is bleeding heavily. Bleeding die Blutung Ich habe eine starke Blutung. I have heavy bleeding. Concussion die Gehirnerschütterung Ich glaube, ich habe eine Gehirnerschütterung. I think I have a concussion. Diabetic der Diabetiker / die Diabetikerin Ich bin Diabetiker und brauche Insulin. I am diabetic and need insulin. Give birth ein Kind bekommen Meine Frau bekommt ein Kind! My wife is giving birth! Unconscious bewusstlos Er ist bewusstlos – atmet aber noch. He is unconscious but still breathing. Related content Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email

Kitas

Kita is a German abbreviation for “Kindertagesstätte,” which translates to “daycare centre” in English. In Germany, Kita is a term used to refer to preschool or early childhood education facilities that offer care and education for children aged 0-6 years old. These facilities are usually run by the government, religious or private organizations and follow a structured curriculum aimed at promoting children’s learning and development.It is not mandatory to send your child to a Kita. Types of Kitas Nurseries or Kinderkrippe – for children between the ages of 1 and 3 years Kindergarten – Children between the ages of 3 and 6 years Tagesmutter After-school – Primary school children after-school care Finding a place at a Kita When you have legal residence in Germany, and are registered at your Town (Bürgeramt Meldepflight), your children between the ages of 1 and 6 years, have a legal right to a childcare placement. Although this is the law, there is a serious shortage of available childcare placements. The city has 3 months to find a placement for your child. If they fail to do so, you can sue them for the costs of a Tagesmutter or other costs incurred for day care. You can also sue for the loss of income if you are unable to work because you cannot find a placement for your child at a Kita. There are companies who specialise in assisting you with this. One such company is KeinKitaPlatz. Please note that you also have a responsibility to apply for a placement well in advanceTo find a Kita close to you, look on the following websites: Jugendämter Familien Portal Kita.de Kindergarten-Vergleich You can also look on church websites or official town or Federal state websites. Alternatively, search Kita + “your town” on the internet.Here are some examples Kitas Stuttgart Kindertageseinrichtungen in Baden-Württemberg Evangelische Kindertageseinrichtungen in Stuttgart Kitas Hamburg Kita Finder München Kita navigator Berlin Find a childcare place in Frankfurt Your options for finding a placement while still outside of Germany are very limited. You can ask for assistance at the Migration Centre in your area. To find a centre close to you look on the The Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge (BAMF) website. Another option is to contact the Jugendmigrationsdienste (JMD), which assists young people with a migration background aged between 12 and 27 with their integration process in Germany. If you cannot find a place for your child, or would rather have your child looked after in a small group or separately, you can also hire a childminder (Tagesmutter), a surrogate granny/grandpa (Leih-Oma/Leih-Opa) or an au pair to look after your child. However, childminders, surrogate grannies/grandpas and au pairs are usually not trained in childcare. A childminder usually looks after several children at the same time at his or her home. As with a Kita place, you can receive financial support for the service provided by a childminder. You can contact your Youth Welfare Office or the local administration and ask them to help you find a suitable place. You will also find the application forms for financial support on the site. Another option is to find a “surrogate grandmother” or “Leih-Oma”. A “Leih-Oma” is an elderly woman who takes care of a family’s children -usually as a mini-job. A surrogate grandmother is often involved in family life like a real one, and her service is usually more affordable than a childminder. There are, of course, also surrogate grandfathers or “Leih-Opas”.An au pair is a young person from abroad who comes to Germany for a few months to get to know the language and the country. An Au Pair lives with you and helps you in the household, including in child care. You can search for a childminder, surrogate grandmothers/ grandfathers and au pairs for your children on www.betreut.de, where you can register and search for a suitable option for free. Fees and subsidies The costs of daycare depend on the following factors: How many hours will your child spend in daycare? The family’s income – the more you earn, the more you have to pay. The number of siblings in daycare – Discounts are offered when you have more than one child in daycare. Day-care centres that are run or sponsored by municipalities are usually cheaper compared to private day-care centres. State subsidies apply in some of the Federal states. If you cannot afford the fees, you can apply for a Kita Gutschein at the Jugendamt or Youth Welfare office. School information Related content

Mental health support

Mental health support Moving can be such an exciting experience, but leaving your familiar surroundings and support networks behind can also be quite unnerving and stressful.It is very important to find or set up your support structures as soon as possible.Try to keep in contact with your mental health care professionals in South Africa, at least in the transition period. Most will offer online sessions.Make sure you have enough medication with you for at least three months before moving to Germany.As soon as you are settled in, find a mental health care professional in Germany. Waiting times can be very long, so the sooner you find someone, the better. Make sure you get your medication prescriptions as soon as possible. Finding a doctor can be challenging, especially if you are seeking an English-speaking physician. The following websites can help in your search. Jameda Med kolleg Doctolib – can also book your appointment here Therapyroute – Find Psychotherapists, Counsellors, Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Psychoanalysts, Mental Health Clinics, etc. near you. Therapie.de – Search by location and language We suggest you contact every practice close to you and see where you can get the earliest appointment. We do have medical professionals, with a South African background, listed on our website. See the links below 💊 Need Advice on Medication in Germany?If you have questions about the medication available in Germany, check out our Contact a Pharmacist service on our website. You can send your questions directly to a South African pharmacist working in Germany. Getting an appointment/help faster You may face long waiting times if you are on public medical aid in Germany. This is because a practice must pay large sums to get a “Kassensitz” license to be allowed to bill the public health system. It is easier to get an appointment when you are on private medical aid. Some suggestions on how to get an appointment faster: Go to your house doctor (Hausartz) and get a referral to a specialist (Facharzt) Ask that he add a “Dringlichkeitscode” Call 116117, they will ask for this code to organise an appointment with a specialist. You can also do it online When you use this service, you cannot choose the specialist Where to find help Telefonseelsorge Hotline Germany Suicide Hotline 0 800 181 0771 Caritas TelefonSeelsorge Berlin und Brandenburg Deutsche Gesellschaft für Suizidprävention Search for Zentrum für Psychiatrie Expat Therapist in Germany BetterHelp Instahelp – Psychologische Beratung Online TeleClinic online Arzt Trova Health – A digital health and wellness company created specifically for expats, providing mental health and remote care services worldwide. Loniness Network – Loneliness Network Germany (KNE) addresses the causes and consequences of loneliness and promotes the development and exchange of knowledge on possible prevention and intervention measures in Germany. Listed on our website Apps In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining mental health is crucial. Apps can help you take proactive steps towards a healthier mind. For example, some apps can offer guided meditations and soothing sounds to reduce stress and improve sleep. You also get apps that connect you with licensed therapists for online counselling, and apps that track your emotional health and offer insights. Here are some suggestions: Sanvello On-demand help for stress, anxiety and depression Wysa – Everyday Mental Health Hey Happy Tips Chat with friends and family at least twice a week, make fixed appointments if needed Deep breathing techniques Colouring in Have a gratitude list Have a list of things you can do that cheer you up and take your mind off things Exercise is excellent to help fight depression and anxiety. Get out in nature as often as possible Sunshine If you are so inclined, religious support groups and prayer Resources on the web Mental Health in Germany – Expatica Headroom – Online Mental Well-Being Platform in South Africa. They offer online sessions Support from fellow South Africans Ladies Table – South African Ladies in Germany Facebook Group We have a support group on our website, you need to be a member to use it, membership is free We have a Whatsapp group that you can join. To join the Whatsapp group please see the links on our Facebook page, or you can contact us via email Vocabulary Downloadable file with English and German Terms – Mental health Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email

School Information

School Information The German school system is quite unique and stands apart from the South African model in several key ways. With its early career streaming, a strong emphasis on vocational training, and a federal structure where each state sets its own education policies, navigating the system can feel like stepping into a whole new world. SA vs German School System The German School system is unique and distinguishes itself from the South African models in several ways Category South Africa Germany School Term Starts in January Starts in September School Uniform Compulsory Public schools do not require school uniforms Home Schooling Allowed Not allowed, school attendance is compulsory School Fees Fees payable depending on income and school Public schools are free of charge. Private schools charge fees Primary School Grade 1 to Grade 7Compulsory from age 6 Grade 1 to Grade 4Compulsory from age 6 Secondary School Grade 8 to Grade 12.Compulsory up to Grade 10 From Grade 5. See more info in the Secondary School section.Compulsory until the age of 15 for a Gymnasium, else 16 years Schulpflicht In Germany, Schulpflicht (compulsory schooling) requires children to attend school, ensuring they receive a structured education. In Germany, there is no unified national school law, and the Grundgesetz (Basic Law) does not explicitly regulate Schulpflicht (compulsory schooling). Instead, each Bundesland (federal state) determines its own rules regarding the duration and starting age of compulsory education. Generally, children must start school at the age of six, but the exact cutoff date varies, meaning some children may begin between the ages of five and seven.Compulsory schooling is typically divided into two phases: full-time compulsory education and part-time (vocational) education. The full-time phase includes Grundschule (primary school) and secondary education (Hauptschule, Realschule, Gesamtschule, or Gymnasium) and lasts between nine and ten years, depending on the state. After this period, students who do not continue in school but start vocational training are required to attend a Berufsschule (vocational school). This part-time schooling obligation usually lasts three years, aligning with the duration of an apprenticeship. As a result, in most federal states, compulsory education extends beyond a student’s 18th birthday, lasting until the end of the school year or the completion of vocational training. Homeschooling is not permitted in Germany, as education laws mandate attendance at an officially recognized school. The legal foundation for Schulpflicht is found in Article 7 of the Basic Law (Grundgesetz) and detailed further in each state’s Schulgesetz (School Law). Parents who fail to comply may face fines or legal consequences. For specific regulations, refer to the Schulgesetze of the respective Bundesland or the German Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs (KMK): Types of schools Germany offers a variety of schooling options, though the foundation of the system is its strong public school network. The German public education system is renowned for its well-structured, inclusive approach, ensuring that children from all backgrounds have access to free, high-quality education. Beyond public schools, families can also explore a range of alternative education models and independent institutions: Montessori schools — following a child-centered approach that encourages independence and hands-on learning. Waldorf schools — based on Rudolf Steiner’s anthroposophical principles. These are state-approved or state-recognised independent schools with a holistic educational philosophy. Jenaplan schools — emphasizing community, creativity, and cooperation over rigid structures. The Catholic Church also runs a large network of faith-based schools across the country. International schools — found in most major cities, offering bilingual or foreign-language curricula for globally minded families. Finding a school Your local Bürgeramt (citizens’ office) can provide up-to-date information about schools in your area, including enrollment procedures and regional education options. If you’re looking for international schools, the following directories are a good place to start: AGIS – Association of German International Schools Welcome Center Germany – International Schools in Germany Germany’s education system Article 7 of the Grundgesetz (Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany) states the following: The entire school system shall be under the supervision of the state. Parents and guardians shall have the right to decide whether children shall receive religious instruction. Religious instruction shall form part of the regular curriculum in state schools, with the exception of non-denominational schools. Without prejudice to the state’s right of supervision, religious instruction shall be given in accordance with the tenets of the religious community concerned. Teachers may not be obliged against their will to give religious instruction. The right to establish private schools shall be guaranteed. Private schools that serve as alternatives to state schools shall require the approval of the state and shall be subject to the laws of the Länder. Such approval shall be given when private schools are not inferior to the state schools in terms of their educational aims, their facilities or the professional training of their teaching staff and when segregation of pupils according to the means of their parents will not be encouraged thereby. Approval shall be withheld if the economic and legal position of the teaching staff is not adequately assured. A private elementary school shall be approved only if the education authority finds that it serves a special educational interest or if, on the application of parents or guardians, it is to be established as a denominational or interdenominational school or as a school based on a particular philosophy and no state elementary school of that type exists in the municipality. Preparatory schools shall remain abolished. Education is primarily the responsibility of the individual Federal States (Bundesländer). Each state has its own Ministry of Education which are responsible for the education policies and legislation. This includes the curriculum and teacher qualification requirements. The School Stages The German education system has 5 Stages. The Secondary School Stage In Germany, children are placed into different educational paths at a relatively early age, meaning important academic decisions come sooner than many parents might expect. One of the most significant milestones is choosing the right secondary school. This choice can shape not only a student’s academic and career prospects but also their personal and social