Lehramts

Lehramt is the term used in German-speaking countries for the professional pathway to become a teacher. It covers the academic studies, practical training, and official licensure required to teach in state schools. The plural form Lehrämter is used when referring to the different official teaching assignments for various school types, such as primary and secondary education.

A typical Lehramt pathway combines university-level subject study with education science and practical teaching experience. Students usually specialize in one or two subject areas (for example German, mathematics, or the natural sciences) while also studying pedagogy, psychology of education, and assessment methods. Practical school experience is integrated through internships and a supervised teaching period in partner schools.

Graduates pursue a formal licensure process that varies by country and state. In many systems this includes a state examination or equivalent qualification, and a teacher traineeship or Referendariat after the university phase. Attaining the final teaching license enables graduates to teach in public schools. In some regions the pathway has evolved with Bologna-style bachelor’s and master’s degrees, but the professional licensing step remains a key component in most jurisdictions.

Different Lehramt tracks exist for different school types, such as Grundschule (primary school) and Sekundarstufen I and II (lower and upper secondary schools), as well as tracks combining subjects with special education or vocational education. The specific requirements, duration, and examinations depend on the country and its states or cantons.

Lehramt remains a central element of teacher education, balancing disciplinary expertise with pedagogical skills and classroom practice to prepare teachers for public education systems.