Lerntage

Lerntage is a term used in German-speaking educational contexts to denote dedicated days set aside for learning activities outside the standard daily curriculum. The concept emphasizes extended or intensive learning experiences, often focused on project-based work, inquiry, collaboration, or self-directed study. The term translates literally as “learning days” and is not tied to a single national policy, but varies in implementation across schools, districts, and organizations.

In schools, Lerntage may be scheduled as periodic or occasional days during which regular timetables are suspended in favor of thematic projects, labs, field trips, or mentorship sessions. Teachers act as mentors or facilitators, guiding students through structured tasks rather than delivering conventional lessons. The aim is to deepen understanding, promote transferable skills, and increase student ownership of learning.

In corporate or adult education contexts, Lerntage can refer to dedicated training days or off-site workshops designed to build competencies, encourage collaborative problem solving, and connect learning to work tasks. Formats vary from hands-on workshops to blended learning with asynchronous components, and participation may be voluntary or required by an organization.

Benefits commonly associated with Lerntage include increased engagement, practical application of knowledge, and opportunities for differentiated instruction. Criticisms focus on resource demands, scheduling complexity, and uneven quality across implementations. As with related concepts such as study days or professional development days, Lerntage reflects a trend toward immersive, learner-centered approaches that complement regular instruction and training.