EDUCATION IN

GERMANY
By: Emily Goss, Steph Leone, Billie Jo Keiser
Germany
Country in west-central Europe.





Germany

Capital: Berlin
Population: 82 million people
Has the second largest population in
Europe.
German is the only official language.
More than 99% can read and write.
Elementary Level Education
Pre-school education is optional.
It is not free.
Development is fostered through play.
There are waiting lists to attend these
schools.


Types of Elementary Level Education
Nursery and day care services: Kinderkrippe
Private child care services: Tagesmtter
Preschool education: Kindergarten
Private Childcare Services
Private nannies or childcare called Tagesmtter .
Children 8 weeks old to 3 years.
Care provided in the home to a group of 4 or 5
children.
Similar to nanny services.
Nurseries and Day-Care Services
Often called Kinderkrippe.
Children ages 1 to 3.
There is a fee for children to attend.
Resembles United States day care programs.

Kindergarten
Children age 3 to 6.
Half day: 8 am to 12 pm or 2 pm to 5 pm.
Full day
Often divided into groups by age.
Different from the formal education students
receive in primary school.
Costs
Usually based on parent income.
Kindergarten: 80 to 120 per month.
Number of children and hours required influence
the cost.
Primary Level
Grundschule
Schooling normally begins at six
Children attend grundschule for four years.
Teachers offer basic instruction to the core subjects

Secondary Level
There are three different types
Haupstschule (grades 5-9)
Realschule (grades 5-10)
Gymnasium (grades 5-10)
Hauptschule
The main objective is to prepare students for their entry
into the world of work.
All children learn English and sometimes French
Once students have obtained their leaving certificate, they
can go into practical vocational training and start working
in the public service.
Realschule
This schooling gives children a more broad general
education and expects the students to have more
independence.
With this certificate they have access to several training
options such as vocational training, work in public service
at either secretarial or executive level.
This is very popular in Germany.
Gymnasium
This is designed to provide students with an education
which will enable them to pass the Abitur exam.
8 or 9 years of school education
Secondary Level II which is the last two or three years of
Gymnasium.
Students self select courses themselves
Have to select to Leistungskurse (special subjects)

The Gesamtschule
The comprehensive school
Comibines the elements from Hauptschule, Realschule
and the Gymnasium.
6
th
to 10
th
grade

Cultural Traditions:
Planning is a big deal to them
Only close friends and relative are invited into
their homes
Work and personal lives are clearly divided
Traditional greeting consists of a quick, firm
handshake
No elbows on the table and finish your food
Fun Facts:
German have made some great discoveries!
First to adopt DST
Home of Oktoberfest
The story of the Easter bunny
German Black Forest Cake
Cake Ingredient:
Topping Ingredient:
1 cup whole milk
3 eggs
1/2 cup canola oil
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups plus 2 tablespoons all-
purpose flour
2 cups sugar
3/4 cup baking cocoa
1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon salt

2 cans pitted tart cherries
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Whipped cream

Websites
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geography_of_Germany
http://www.internations.org/germany-expats/guide/15985-family-children-
education/childcare-and-kindergartens-in-germany-15989
http://www.kids-world-travel-guide.com/germany-facts.html
http://www.expatica.com/de/education/pre_school/Preschool-options-in-
Germany_18248.html
http://www.ukgermanconnection.org/schools-german-education-system
http://www.expatica.com/de/education/school/The-ABCs-of-the-German-
school-system_11321.html?ppager=0
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/germany-country-
profile.html
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/travelnews/10223647/Twenty-things-you-
didnt-know-about-Germany.html
http://www.germany.travel/en/ms/german-originality/heritage/the-easter-
bunny-the-tale-of-the-eggs.html
http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/german-black-forest-cake