The differences between the german and us school systems (2024)

FAQs

How is the German school system different from the US? ›

Unlike in America, the tests don't consist of multiple choice questions but of long essays most of the time. Homework is an integral part of the German education system. Students are expected to complete assignments and review their lessons at home.

In some countries, the teacher is often seen as the authority figure and the primary source of information. Students are expected to listen, take notes, and memorize information. In contrast, American students have more freedom and are encouraged to express themselves.

Germany's school system

Once your children are six years old, they are required to go to school, since school attendance is compulsory in Germany. Most German schools are run by the state and there is no charge for your children to attend. In addition, there are private and international schools which charge fees.

In the German culture, being late to a meeting or an appointment can be seen as rude; this might come as a cultural shock to foreigners living in the country. In the United States of America, punctuality and efficiency are seen as very important when dealing with other people and working.

Germany is an excellent option if you're looking for affordable and high-quality education. If you want to be in an English-speaking environment and have the opportunity to travel within America, the USA is a good choice.

Research and innovation. The curriculum in the German education system is focused on innovation and research and provides opportunities for skill development. The country offers some outstanding research opportunities for students and has even partnered with several organisations to foster application-oriented research ...

The main reason for the difference is that high schools in Europe don't have gymnasiums or athletic fields. Actually in Europe, high schools are only a building and everything is in it. In Europe school days are a bit longer than American school days. In the United States school starts around 8am and ends around 2pm.

Despite being recognized as the greatest economic nation in the world, America's public schools fall short in comparison to European school system. On the other hand, the country's universities are some of the best in the world. Public schools in America face a host of problems not faced by European school systems.

World-class education and research

Germany's higher education system is renowned for its emphasis on academic freedom, practical relevance, and strong research infrastructure. The country has a long and rich history of education, dating back to the Middle Ages when the first German universities were established.

How many hours a day do Germans go to school? ›

So, according to the law of this country, pupils from 6 to 15 years old must go to school. A school day in Germany occurs from 4 to 5 hours (starting at 7:30 am and finishing at 1:30 pm). Therefore, parents can teach their children at home for the rest of the time if they want.

Germany uses a 5- or 6-point grading scale (GPA) to evaluate academic performance for the youngest to the oldest students. Grades vary from 1 (excellent, sehr gut) to 5 (resp. 6) (insufficient, nicht genügend).

Breaks are more than just time between lessons - they allow students to move freely and socialize. This is in contrast to the more formal atmosphere I know from Germany. Another aspect is the different grading systems. Whereas in the USA, grades range from A to F, in Germany the grades range from 1 to 6.

Drinking alcohol in public without hiding the bottle, can, whatever in a brown paper bag. Prostitution (I know, it's not illegal everywhere in the states). Lying to a federal agent (In Germany you are allowed to lie {except about who you are} if you're accused of a crime).

German-Americans (Deutschamerikaner) can be described as citizens of the United States with German ancestry, or people from Germany who have since become naturalized US citizens. Such people have a duel identity, with traditions steeped heavily in Germanic language and culture.

Students at elementary school start pretty early, from 8 a.m., and stay on until 1 or 2 p.m. For older kids in lower secondary education, these hours may be extended until about 4 p.m. German students in upper secondary education might even stay until 5 p.m. during their last school year.

Another main difference is the number of years that students spend in high school. While in America it is always four, in Europe students start high school in 7th grade and end in 12th grade. They spend a total of six years in high school, and school is only mandatory up to 10th grade.

Time Spent in School

In contrast, German schools keep students until 1pm, when they go home for lunch. Students do not return to school after lunch; instead, they stay at home and do homework. This homework load is intense—often taking two or more hours each day to complete.

In Germany, kindergarten is typically for children aged three to six years old, while American preschools usually accept children between the ages of two and five years old. In Germany, the ages are most often mixed as well.