Kids and family

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German language skills for school attendance

Children and young people who are not yet able to follow lessons due to a limited knowledge of German will initially receive intensive German lessons.

Table Of Contents

Hamburg is an international city with a diversity of languages and cultures. However, lessons in schools are usually taught primarily in German. It is therefore very important that your child can understand and speak German.

 

German lessons before starting school

Children between the ages of four and a half and five and a half who do not yet speak German sufficiently well must either attend preschool before starting school or receive four hours of German lessons in the afternoon each week in addition to attending kindergarten.

 

Learning German at school

All children aged six and above are required to attend school, if they were born up to 30 June of the relevant year. Immigrant children and young people whose German language skills are not yet sufficient to attend a regular class initially receive intensive German lessons in basic classes (BK) or international preparatory classes (IVK), depending on their level of knowledge.

 

Basic classes (BK)

Immigrant children and young people who are not yet literate in the Latin alphabet first attend a basic class (BK). There they learn to read and write in German. After twelve months at the latest, they move on to an age-appropriate international preparatory class.

 

International preparatory classes (IVK)

Immigrant children and young people who are literate in the Latin alphabet first attend an international preparatory class (IVK). During the first few months, they receive intensive German language instruction.

 

How are pupils assigned to a suitable school class?

Immigrant pupils can be admitted throughout the entire school year.
 

Under 16

Children and young people up to the age of 16 are placed in a school by the School Information Center. The following documents are required for your child:

  • Valid identity card or passport (or birth certificate)
  • Hamburg registration certificate

Before assignment to a suitable class, a consultation takes place at the School Information Centre in order to take your child's previous education into account. Please make an appointment in advance.
 

Over 16 years of age

Young people aged 16 and 17 are assigned to the two-year ‘Training Preparation for Migrants – AvM Dual’ course by the Information Center of the Hamburg Institute for Vocational Education and Training (IZ-HIBB). Please make an appointment with the IZ-HIBB in good time.

 

Interpreters for parent-teacher meetings

If necessary, an interpreter can be hired for a parent-teacher meeting at your child's school. The school will cover the costs.