Comprehensive, secondary modern and grammar school: differences

In short: Germany has various types of secondary school with different qualifications and focuses. The exact name and structure vary by federal state.

In more detail: After primary school, the school usually recommends a school type, but the final decision often lies with the parents.

In detail

• Hauptschule: Usually leads to the basic secondary qualification, often with a stronger practical focus.
• Realschule: Usually ends with the intermediate secondary qualification.
• Gymnasium: Leads to the Abitur and specifically prepares for university.
• Gesamtschule (comprehensive school): Combines several educational paths under one roof, the qualification depends on individual performance.
• Permeability: Switching between school types is possible in principle but often organisationally demanding.
• Regional differences: Some federal states have additional or different school types.
• Decision criteria: Learning ability, interests and later career plans should influence the choice (hochschularten-im-vergleich).