Moving to a new country is exciting, but starting school can feel overwhelming—for both parents and children.
The good news is that Germany has a well-established education system with support for international families. Every year, thousands of children who speak little or no German successfully join German schools and make the transition into everyday school life.
This guide walks you through the process step by step, from preparing your documents before you leave home to enrolling your child, understanding Welcome Classes, and knowing what to expect during those important first months.
Understanding the German School System 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
Preparing for your child’s move to a new school in Germany begins long before you board the plane. Taking a little time to gather important documents, research your local school options, and understand how the enrolment process works will make settling in much easier. While every German federal state (Bundesland) has its own education system and procedures, the basic steps are similar across the country. The more organised you are before you leave South Africa, the smoother your child’s transition into their new school is likely to be.
Documents to bring to Germany What you’ll need in Germany isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your visa, your family setup, your job, and whether studies are part of your journey. But one thing is certain—Germany runs on paperwork, and being underprepared can slow you down fast. We’ve put together a thorough list of documents you’re likely to need, based on real experiences from those who’ve made the move before you. Think of it as your
☐ Obtain your child’s last two or three school reports
☐ Request a school leaving letter or transfer letter (if applicable)
☐ Collect vaccination records (Impfpass if you already have one)
☐ Bring the original birth certificate
☐ Ensure passports and visas are valid
☐ Gather any educational assessments or learning support reports
☐ Bring medical records for ongoing conditions
☐ Research the German state (Bundesland) you’ll be moving to
☐ Keep digital copies of all important documents
☐ If possible, have key documents translated into German (or be prepared to arrange certified translations after arrival)
Once you’ve arrived in Germany and registered your address, it’s time to enrol your child in school.
The exact process depends on the Bundesland (federal state) where you live, but in most cases you’ll either contact your local school directly or the local education authority (Schulamt), which will advise you which school your child should attend.
If your child does not speak German or has recently moved from abroad, the education authority may first arrange an assessment before recommending a school or a language support programme. Don’t worry—this is a normal part of the process and helps ensure your child receives the support they need.
Schools are used to welcoming international families, so don’t hesitate to ask questions if you’re unsure about the next steps.
💡 Unlike South Africa, you generally cannot simply choose any public school. Most children attend the public school responsible for the area where they live (catchment area). If another school would be a better fit—for example, because of language support or a specific programme—the local education authority will advise you of your options.
Checklist after arriving in Germany Your first days in Germany can feel like landing in a country that speaks fluent paperwork. Forms, appointments, rules, deadlines — all at once. What you need to do depends on why you’re here: a student’s checklist looks different from someone arriving for work, family reunification, or retirement. That said, some things apply to everyone. This page brings together the essential steps most newcomers need to take, in roughly the
When enrolling your child in a German school, you’ll be asked to provide several documents to help the school confirm your child’s identity, previous education, and any support they may need.
The exact requirements vary between federal states (Bundesländer) and schools, so you may be asked to provide additional documents. If you’re unsure, contact your local school or Schulamt before your appointment.
Depending on your family’s circumstances, the school may also ask for:
This is one of the first questions parents ask—and fortunately, your child won’t be the first to face this challenge.
Every year, thousands of children from around the world start school in Germany with little or no German.
Schools are experienced in helping international pupils settle into their new environment, learn the language, and gradually become part of everyday school life.
While the first few weeks can feel overwhelming, children often adapt far more quickly than adults expect.
Many federal states offer special language support programmes for newly arrived pupils.
These may be called:
The name varies by Bundesland, but the goal is the same: helping children learn German while preparing them to join regular classes.
Children receive intensive German language tuition while becoming familiar with German school life.
Depending on the school, they may also join mainstream classes for subjects such as sport, music, art, technology, or other class activities and excursions.
This helps children make friends and become part of the school community while building their language skills.
It’s completely normal for parents to worry about this.
Children often need time to adjust—not only to a new language but also to a new culture, teaching style, and school environment.
During the first few months, progress may seem slow. However, children are remarkably adaptable, and many become conversational in German within their first year. Academic subjects usually become much easier as their language skills improve.
You don’t need to be fluent in German to support your child.
Simple things can make a big difference:
The most important thing is to remain patient and encouraging. Learning a new language takes time, and every child’s journey is different.
💡 Children usually learn spoken German much faster than adults. It’s common for children to start understanding conversations within a few months, while developing strong reading and writing skills takes longer. Don’t be discouraged if the adjustment isn’t immediate—steady progress is what matters.
There isn’t a simple conversion from South African grades to German school years. Instead, the school or local education authority will decide on the most appropriate placement based on your child’s individual circumstances.
The aim is to place your child in an environment where they can succeed academically while also having the best opportunity to develop their German language skills.
The school may take the following into account:
No single factor determines placement. Schools look at the overall picture to make the best decision for your child.
Many children are placed with classmates of a similar age. However, some may be placed in a lower year group, particularly if they need additional time to learn German or adjust to a different curriculum.
This should not be seen as a setback. The goal is to give your child the best possible chance to succeed and build confidence in their new learning environment.
If you have concerns or feel that a different class would better suit your child, discuss them with the school.
Schools are usually happy to explain how they reached their decision and will consider any relevant information you provide, such as previous school reports, educational assessments or recommendations from your child’s former teachers.
💡 Every child’s journey is different. It isn’t unusual for children to spend some time in a Welcome Class or receive additional German language support before moving fully into mainstream lessons. Progress is based on your child’s development rather than a fixed timetable.
For teenagers, placement may involve additional discussions about their future educational pathway.
Depending on their age, previous schooling, academic goals and language skills, the school may recommend different routes, including:
Older students often receive individual guidance to help them choose the pathway that best suits their strengths and future plans.
Germany has a number of international schools offering education in English and other languages, often following the International Baccalaureate (IB), British, American, or other international curricula.
For some families, an international school can make the transition to life in Germany easier. However, they’re not the right choice for everyone.
✅ You expect to live in Germany for only a few years before moving to another country.
✅ Your child is preparing for international qualifications such as the IB Diploma.
✅ Your employer is covering the school fees.
✅ Your child would benefit from continuing their education primarily in English.
✅ Your child is joining an older year group and changing both language and curriculum at the same time would be particularly challenging.
✅ You plan to settle in Germany permanently.
✅ You want your child to become fluent in German.
✅ You would like your child to make local friends and integrate into the community.
✅ You want your child to have access to the full range of German education and career opportunities.
Public schools are generally free and provide support for children learning German as a second language.
Unlike public schools, international schools usually charge tuition fees.
Fees vary considerably depending on the school and year group, and may also include registration fees, capital levies, transport, school meals, uniforms or technology costs.
If your employer is not paying the fees, it’s worth requesting a full breakdown of costs before making a decision.
Unlike many countries, there is no single national timetable for schools in Germany. School hours are determined by each Bundesland (federal state) and can also vary between schools.
In general, the school day starts earlier than in South Africa and often finishes much earlier, especially for younger children.
School term dates and holidays are not the same across Germany.
Each of the 16 federal states (Bundesländer) sets its own school calendar, which means the start and end dates of terms, as well as school holidays, can vary depending on where you live. The staggered holiday dates also help reduce congestion on roads and at popular holiday destinations during peak travel periods.
To find the latest school term and holiday dates for your Bundesland, visit: Schulferien.org
The website provides current and future school holiday calendars for all 16 federal states, making it a useful resource for planning family holidays, childcare, and travel.
A government guide explaining compulsory schooling, school types, German language support, and how to find a school in your federal state. Ideal for families relocating to Germany.
Official school holiday calendars for all 16 German federal states, including future school years. Perfect for planning family holidays and childcare.
An easy-to-use calendar showing school terms and holidays for every Bundesland, including future years.
Official school holiday calendars for all 16 German federal states, including future school years. Perfect for planning family holidays and childcare.
Explains the school entry health examination (Schuleingangsuntersuchung), when it takes place, and what parents can expect before their child starts school.
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