What Time Do German Schools Start And Finish?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Traditionally, the German day has

started at 8:00 a.m. and finished at 1:00 or 2:00 p.m.

– and that is often still the case. But in recent years, some schools in Germany have started offering a full day of education (Ganztagsschule).

How long does a German school day last?

The school day

The lessons last on

average for 45 minutes

and there is a break of five minutes after each lesson with regular short breaks throughout the day. Afternoon lessons are becoming more widespread throughout Germany mainly for older students.

How long is school in Germany?

What Is Considered as Compulsory Education in Germany? All Germans are obliged to attend primary and secondary education, ever since they reach the age of 6, up until they complete a 9-year full-time schooling at Gymnasium, or

10 years of full-time years for other general education

schools.

What is the German school day like?

German school children have to be at their desks between

7:30-8.15am

(depending on which part of Germany they live in). That's quite early in the morning! There are usually five or six lessons each day. School subjects are pretty similar to those you might have (Maths, Science, Music, Art, P.E etc).

What grade is a 16 year old in Germany?

High school years in Germany vary by which stream or level you choose to study at. Most schools take students until 15 or 16 years of age. The Gymnasium students end at age 18 (

grade 13

).

How long is Christmas break in Germany?

Christmas holiday (Weihnachtsferien) – usually

two weeks

. Winter holiday (Winterferien) – between a few days and two weeks. Easter holiday (Osterferien) – two to three weeks.

Is schooling free in Germany?

In 2014, Germany's 16 states abolished tuition fees for undergraduate students at all public German universities. This means that

currently both domestic and international undergraduates at public universities in Germany can study for free

, with just a small fee to cover administration and other costs per semester.

At what age do Germans start university?

The average age of German first degree university graduates has gone down in recent years, which means that students are both starting their studies and finishing them earlier, without prolonging. Currently the

average age stands at 24 years old

.

What grade is a 12 year old in Germany?

Primary school in Germany is known as Grundschule and term starts around the beginning of September. From ages six to ten, children go through four years of school at a primary level. However, some primary schools run for six years; that means your 5th-grade age would be 11 and

a 6th year student

would be 12 years old.

Is healthcare free in Germany?

Overview of healthcare in Germany

Healthcare in Germany is funded by statutory contributions,

ensuring free healthcare for all

. In addition, you can also take out private health insurance (Private Krankenversicherung or PKV) to replace or top up state cover (gesetzliche Krankenkasse or GKV).

Do German students go to school on Saturday?

In East Germany

Saturday was a school day nationwide

. Since the early 1990s most German school students, including those in Baden-Württemberg, have enjoyed a full weekend. Only a very few local schools still have Saturday classes (Samstagsunterricht).

Why is homeschooling illegal in Germany?

The court found that German authorities did not violate the parental rights of the Wunderlich family by forcing their children to attend school. Homeschooling has been illegal in Germany since 1919. … “The authorities…

have a duty to protect children

,” due to “reasonably held concerns,” the court noted.

Is German education difficult?


German is an incredibly difficult language to learn

, with a very different grammatical structure than English. … There is a very particular rhythm to writing in German, and it is hard to learn that if you did not grow up writing the language.

What time does school end in Germany?

German students at public schools normally attend school in the morning. Classes normally start between 7:30 and 8:15 a.m. and can end

between 12 noon and 1:30 p.m.

Class periods are normally 45 minutes long with a short break in between.

Do German students wear school uniform?


There is no tradition of wearing school uniforms in Germany

, and today, almost all students of state schools, private schools or universities do not wear school uniforms. … Their wearing was advocated by teachers and the students themselves and occasionally made mandatory, but never on a national or statewide level.

Is English taught in German schools?


Yes

, you can study at a German university in English. … English-taught programs at German universities are a standard and offered even at Germany's internationally top-ranked universities. Because all of these universities are public, it means that they do not charge tuition fees, even for non-EU students!

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.