EDUCATION
Most schools and kindergartens are the responsibility of the states,
not of the federal government. Th erefore, though the overall structure
is basically the same, it is diffi cult for a pupil to transfer from
one school to another. German teachers are civil servants. Th ey
are required to have a teaching degree and are paid according to
a uniform salary scale. Attendance at all public schools and universities
is free.
Children start school aft er their sixth birthday and are required
to attend on a full-time basis for nine or ten years, depending on
the state of residence. Aft er four years of primary or elementary
school (Grundschule), students choose from three types of secondary
school. Th e best pupils go to a gymnasium, which prepares
them for the university matriculation examination, or abitur. A
second option is the realschule, leading to technical job training
and middle-management employment. Th e third type is the
hauptschule, or general school.
However, a network of correspondence courses has developed,
geared for those who wish to continue their studies while working.
In Germany, vocational training is the rule. On-the-job training in
an authorized company is combined with instruction in a vocational
school. Vocational training is concluded by taking a theoretical
and practical examination before a Board of the Chamber,
and those who pass are given a certifi cate. Th is system of vocational
training has clearly reduced youth unemployment.
In 2001, nearly all children between the ages of three and fi ve
were enrolled in some type of preschool program. Primary school
enrollment has been estimated at about 84% of age-eligible students.
In 2003, secondary school enrollment was about 88% of
age-eligible students. Nearly all students complete their primary
education. Th e student-to-teacher ratio for primary school was at
about 14:1 in 2003; the ratio for secondary school was also about
14:1.
Higher education is represented by three types of institutions:
universities (technische universitäten), colleges of art and music,
and universities of applied sciences (fachhochscchulen). Th ere are
also several fachschulen, which off er continuing vocational training
for adults. In 2003, about 51% of the tertiary age population
were enrolled in some type of higher education program. Th e
adult literacy rate has been estimated at about 99%.
As of 2003, public expenditure on education was estimated at
4.8% of GDP, or 9.5% of total government expenditures.