Schulformen

Schulformen are the defined types of schools and educational tracks within the German-speaking education systems. They describe the main structural forms that students may attend and the qualifications they can obtain. Because education is organized at the state level, the exact forms and names can vary by German state (Länder), though the principal concepts are common across Germany, Austria, and parts of Switzerland.

Grundschule, or primary school, typically lasts four years and focuses on core skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and general knowledge.

Sekundarstufe I covers the first phase after Grundschule and includes Hauptschule, Realschule, Gymnasium, and, in many places, Gesamtschule. Hauptschule leads to a lower secondary certificate and practical qualifications; Realschule yields the intermediate qualification; Gymnasium prepares for university entrance with the Abitur; Gesamtschule combines tracks and allows different certificates within one school.

Sekundarstufe II comprises the upper secondary phase. The most common pathway is the dual Berufsausbildung, which combines apprenticeship with vocational schooling at the Berufsschule. Other options include Fachoberschulen (FOS) and Berufsoberschulen (BOS), which lead to the Fachhochschulreife or the general university entrance qualification, as well as full-time vocational schools or specialized technical gymnasia.

Special education and inclusion: Förderschulen or Förderzentren serve learners with special educational needs, though inclusion in mainstream schools has increased in many regions.

Private and alternative forms exist alongside public schools, sometimes with different pedagogical approaches while generally following official curricula.

Diplomas and certificates from these forms determine transitions to apprenticeships, higher vocational education, or university studies.