German Education System

Germany is seen as a leader when it comes to providing quality education. Throughout the centuries, Germany has attracted students from all over Europe and beyond, many seeking to benefit from its renowned system. But what makes the German education system so good and how does it work? Five hundred years ago, the Protestant Reformation put in place the very foundations of modern schooling in Germany, which have evolved into the stellar system we know today.

The first thing to understand about the German education system is the distinction it makes between academic, university-track schooling and vocational education. While the traditional American school system is uniform from elementary, middle, and high school, all the way through college, the German system splits these stages into two main branches – one for practical, vocational training, and one for intellectual and academic studies.

At age 10, German students make a decision that will greatly determine their future. After finishing the fourth grade, they are given the choice to go either to a vocational school or a Gymnasium, which is the academic track. For teenage students deciding on their path, many factors are taken into consideration, such as the student's academic sense and current level, their interests, and the available funds for college. This can be a stressful and daunting choice, as it will determine how their future studies and career will look.

The German vocational track, known as Berufsschule, is made up of two parts: the normal vocational school time, as well as an apprenticeship where students get to do hands-on experience in the workplace related to their vocation. Many students on the vocational track end up enrolling in university courses or courses through a Fachhochschule, a special kind of higher education institution in Germany that focuses on career-oriented studies.
Henk Van der Westhuizen @ Unsplash

Students in the academic track will go to a Gymnasium, which is similar to the American high school. This track prepares students for the Abitur, or German graduation examination. After the Abitur, coming of age in Germany, students can choose to continue their studies either at a university or a Fachhochschule.

The German Abitur is known to be one of the most demanding curriculum in the world and so is the university system. Students are not just tested on their courses but also on critical thinking skills and abstract problem-solving. Universities in Germany also charge much lower tuition fees than their counterparts in the US, making them a much more attractive proposition for students.

The German education system boasts top-notch primary education, post-secondary education and professional training, guaranteeing the quality of education for all students regardless of financial resources. This has made Germany a leader in the European education system over the last five hundred years.
Waldemar @ Unsplash