EDUCATION IN GERMANYBy: 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: Tagesmütter

• Preschool education: Kindergarten

Private Childcare Services

• Private nannies or childcare called Tagesmütter .

• 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. • 6th to 10th 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