The German School System…

My School: die Evangelische Schule Frohnau

Since I am enrolled in an academic exchange program, I am required to be a full time student at a local Gymnasium. So far, after only two weeks, I have noticed quite a few differences between American and German schools. However, before I start talking about my personal experience, let me first explain the basic German school system.

From the 1st through the 4th grade, all German students must attend a Grundschule (elementary.) After the 4th grade they are separated into three different schools based on their “academic potential” (measured by a test, and input from the teachers and parents.) The three schools are Hauptschule, Realschule and Gymnasium.

Hauptschule lasts until the 10th grade, and is geared towards the Handarbeiters (literally hand workers: craftsmen, factory workers, etc.) Realschule also runs until the 10th grade, but it is more for shop/restaurant/hotel owners, and other “everyday” jobs. In order to graduate from a Realschule, one has to take the MSA Prüfung (a large test consisting of Math, German writing, English writing, English verbal, and a research presentation.) Even though we are attending a Gymnasium, my class (the 10th grade) and I will also take the MSA this spring (just as a backup in case someone cannot finish the Gymnasium requirements.) The third school and final school is the Gymnasium. Gymnasium goes until the 13th year, after which the students take their Abitur (another huge test.) Because of cost cuts, however, the German government is cutting the “13th year” and combining the 11th and 12th grades (the first year for this change will be 2012 for Berlin, which “my grade”.) After school, a student can attend a trade school (needed to become a nurse, electrician, shop keeper, etc.) If they have very good Abitur scores, then they can attend a University.

I am going to the Evangelische Schule Frohnau, a private, Protestant school located in an economically wealthier part of western Berlin. Each grade is divided into two classes, with around 30 students per class. I take all of my classes with the same students, so it has been pretty easy to make friends. I have also joined the chorus and a pick-up basketball “team”, both of which are made up of older (10th-13th grade) students.

All of the differences listed below are based solely on my personal experience, and therefore do not accurately represent all German schools.

First of all, let’s talk about grading. In Germany, your grade is separated into two parts: class participation (60%) and two tests per semester (20% each.) Unlike the US, class participation simply means how many times you “meld” yourself, or raise your hand in class. Because of this, whenever a question is asked (like the answer to a homework problem or a personal opinion on a topic) all of the students immediately raise their arms and put one finger in the air. When the question is really easy, all of the students start impatiently shaking their finger and lean forwards in their seats. I always struggle not to laugh when they do this, because it looks like they are all trying to claw the teacher =) Another difference between US class participation and “melding yourself”, is that in Germany (from my personal observation) the content of your answer does not seem to matter. You could repeat the exact same thing that someone else said before you (which happens a lot) and still receive a “point.” As I am sure you can imagine, some of our class discussions can very repetitive.

Another thing odd about German schools is that homework is not collected. Instead, the teacher will ask who wants to answer a problem and the students will raise their hands (or claw at the air.) The thing that I don’t like about this system is that if a student is struggling in a subject or did not understand the homework, then the teacher will never be able to see this and give him or her the extra help they need. A perfect example of this is my host sister. Right now she is having difficulty understanding the math homework. However, I do not think that the teacher realizes this, or will realize this, until after our test.

The relationship between student and adults (teachers and parents) is also different in Germany. It seems that even though children use the “Sie” (formal) when speaking to an elder, the respect and politeness in their words and tone is lacking. Students argue and correct their teachers all the time. Also, children will push past adults on the bus or train. I was quite shocked by this, and am hoping that it is just a “Berlin thing” and not the way typical Germans behave.

But enough with the “negatives,” there are many things that I like about German schools. First of all, I love their language programs. All students must take two languages (most take three). They all take English starting in the 5th grade, and then either French or Latin starting in the 7th grade. Classes are all taught in the foreign language, and their books too, are mostly in written in English (or French). Also, instead of defining a word in German, the teacher will use different words to explain it (for example, instead of saying “school” means “Schule”, they will say “school” is a place were students go to learn…) I think that this way of teaching really engulfs the students in the language, and forces them to learn.

I also like how German schools are split starting in the 5th grade. Not everyone is mentally able to attend a University (or even finish high school for that matter.) Hauptschule, I believe, would be a wonderful addition to the American school system in that it provides an honorable alternative to those who may normally not be able to complete high school.

Again, this is all my personal opinion after only a few weeks, and does not in any way represent all German schools.