Kids and family

You are reading the original text

Thank you for your interest in a translation into plain language. Unfortunately, we cannot offer the article in plain language at this time. We are trying to expand the range.

Thank you for your interest in a translation into sign language. Unfortunately, we cannot offer the article in sign language at this time. We are trying to expand the range.

Hamburg school structure

In Germany, all children first attend primary school for four years. Parents then choose a secondary school for their child.

Table Of Contents

Primary school

Primary school covers the first four years of schooling. Children are taught reading and writing in German, as well as the basics of mathematics, English, music, art and sport. At the end of the fourth year, parents decide which type of secondary school their child should attend: a district school or a Gymnasium.

 

Grammar school

Grammar schools provide an in-depth general education. After a further eight years at grammar school, your child can obtain the Allgemeine Hochschulreife (Abitur) university entrance qualification. High-achieving pupils are prepared for university and receive special support in relatively homogeneous learning groups. At the end of the twelfth year, pupils take the Abitur examination. Abitur graduates can continue their education at a university, a college or in vocational training courses.

 

Comprehensive school

The district school is a special type of school in Hamburg. At district schools, pupils can obtain both the first and intermediate school leaving certificates as well as the Abitur. This means that they have the option of starting vocational training after Year 9 or 10. Alternatively, your child can also go on to university if they take the Abitur after further years at the district school. The Abitur examinations at the district school take place in the 13th school year.

 

Bilingual schools

Bilingual schools offer instruction in two languages. The proportion of foreign language instruction increases continuously over the course of the programme. In addition to subject content, intercultural communication skills are also taught. The programmes are aimed at children from bilingual families, but also at children whose mother tongue is German. In order to attend a regular bilingual class, children must have sufficient command of spoken and written German.

At some grammar schools and district schools in Hamburg, it is possible to obtain a bilingual double qualification that also entitles the holder to study at foreign universities (International Baccalaureate or AbiBac).

If you would like advice on bilingual education, you can contact the School Information Center (SIZ).

 

School leaving qualifications at a glance

Your child can obtain the following school qualifications at schools in Hamburg:

  • ‘First school leaving certificate’ after Year 9
  • ‘Extended first school leaving certificate’ is completed without examination after Year 10
  • ‘Intermediate school leaving certificate’ after Year 10
  • ‘Abitur’ at grammar school after Year 12
  • ‘Abitur’ at district school after Year 13

The various school leaving certificates open up different opportunities for further education.

Vocational training can be started with all school leaving certificates. However, there are special requirements for certain apprenticeships or further education paths:
With the first school leaving certificate or the extended first school leaving certificate, you can pursue many, but not all, apprenticeships. Some professions require an intermediate school leaving certificate or the Abitur.

In addition, the Abitur allows you to begin studying at a university or college.

Depending on the educational qualification you have achieved, there are therefore different paths for further vocational or academic qualification.

School structure in Hamburg.
© Hamburg Welcome Center

All-day services at schools in Hamburg

All state schools in Hamburg offer all-day services (in German only) from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Besides there is additional  early, late and holiday care available for a fee (see "Gebührenrechner", in German only). During all-day care, children can do their homework during school hours and take advantage of a wide range of creative activities. Children can try their hand at sports, music, crafts, art, theatre and other creative activities. Participation is voluntary at most all-day schools.

 

Further information

Detailed information on the school system in Hamburg, all-day programmes and counselling and support services for pupils can be found here (in German only). You can also use the Regional Education Atlas (in German only) to find out about educational opportunities for your child in Hamburg: here you will find an overview of the locations of kindergartens, schools and public leisure facilities for children and young people. If you have any further questions about the Hamburg school system, please contact the School Information Center.