Education in Berlin

In the school directory you will find all Berlin schools by district, school type or foreign language offering. You can also inquire about switching schools to Berlin or find schools and daycare centres near you. School systemWeitere Informationen

Overview of Berlin's educational pathways: from elementary school to secondary school or Gymnasium (grammar school). You will also find information on how to continue with vocational training after general school education. Educational pathwaysWeitere Informationen

The transition to secondary school follows after the one- to three-year initial phase of school education and generally four more years in a primary school. This transition is also possible after four years if that appropriate levels of performance have been achieved. Berlin's school systemWeitere Informationen

Learning in the first years of its life is of great importance for your child's future life. Child education, parenting and care of your child in your family is supplemented and supported in daycare centres and day care. Early Education in Daycare CentresWeitere Informationen

The continuous improvement of the teaching and learning culture is a focus of Berlin’s primary schools. All-day school offerings create time to change educational offerings in terms of content and method and to support all students individually. Primary schoolWeitere Informationen

In the sixth school year children and their parents have to make an important decision: choosing a secondary school. Primary schools help parents make this decision because every child should attend the school that best suits their skills and abilities. Where to go after primary school?Weitere Informationen

After primary school, students can go to an integrated secondary school (ISS) or a Gymnasium. The integrated secondary schools emerged from the previous secondary school (5-9), intermediate school and comprehensive schools during the school structure reform. Integrated Secondary SchoolWeitere Informationen

Those who attend a Gymnasium can obtain the Abitur after 12 school years and are thus entitled to study at a university or higher education institution. Many Gymnasiums have pedagogical focuses, e.g., with regard to science, music, sports and language. GymnasiumWeitere Informationen

The Comprehensive school was set up as a pilot project during the 2008/2009 school year. Since 2018 the Comprehensive school has been firmly incorporated in the School Act as a type of school that includes all school levels. Comprehensive schoolWeitere Informationen

In a school with a special educational focus, also known as a special needs centre or special needs school in common usage, only children and young people are taught who have special educational needs. Schools with a Special Educational FocusWeitere Informationen

The time after completing school is often initially an orientation phase. School leavers are faced with the transition to work, or they may want to go to university after finishing school. You might still have a number of questions. What subject should I study? After leaving schoolWeitere Informationen

After general school education, many students continue with vocational preparation and vocational training. Here you will find information on vocational training programmes and the opportunities to obtain an entrance qualification for universities of applied science. Vocational trainingWeitere Informationen

The Berlin education system offers the opportunity to develop personally through lifelong learning and to respond to the changing demands of professional life. Second-chance EducationWeitere Informationen

Students are supported in their career and study orientation, starting at school. Dual learning therefore offers all students, both those with learning difficulties and those with special interests, good prospects for a career path. Career and study orientationWeitere Informationen

Those who cannot read and write or can only read and write with great difficulty are excluded from many opportunities to understand the world and to participate in shaping society. Literacy and Basic EducationWeitere Informationen

The framework concept for cultural education defines the central areas of activity for cultural education in the State of Berlin. Cultural EducationWeitere Informationen

All students should finish their school career successfully with the best possible qualification. The first qualifications are awarded after Year 9 and 10. Those who continue can take the school leaving examination ("Abitur") after Year 12 or 13. Examinations and qualificationsWeitere Informationen