Globe Classroom

American schools and German schools have many notable differences. Anke Jahn, one of our volunteers, recently sat down with Isabel Schueppel, a 16 year old student who has attended both American and German schools to discuss differences between the two systems.

The Subjects Taught
In the United States, students customize much of their education, especially at higher grade levels. They must study “core curriculum,” like math, English, and science, but also can choose what language they take, whether they take art classes or shop class, and so forth. They make decisions about what interests they wish to explore, and they can change that decision if they discover they do not care for it.

German students have a much more prescribed curriculum and are not able to explore as many of their own interests in the classroom. German students learn many of the same basics as American students, but their education paths diverge earlier than students in the US. Starting in 6th grade, students are divided into those who go to Gymnasium, Realschule, or Hauptschule. Each of these has its own focus and curriculum, which is pre-determined for the students.

One of the differences Isabel noticed in her time within the American and German school systems is the difference in practicality with what is taught. For example, most U.S. students take Spanish as their second language because it has real-world applications. In contrast, German schools teach Latin and Greek, two disused languages whose cultural value is undeniable, but whose practical value is limited, especially in the real world.

Leaving School

Time Spent in School
In the United States, students go to school for extended periods of time, sometimes coming home from a regular school day as late at 4 or 5pm. Lunches are scheduled into the day as a regular feature, and many students arrive so early that they eat their breakfasts at school.

In contrast, German schools keep students until 1pm, when they go home for lunch. Students do not return to school after lunch; instead, they stay at home and do homework. This homework load is intense—often taking two or more hours each day to complete. Students have to structure homework time into their afternoons to ensure they do well in school.

Summer vacation functions differently in Germany and the U.S. as well. While U.S. students have 8-9 weeks of summer vacation, German students have 6 weeks off.

Isabel believes that the overall time spent in school is the biggest difference between American and German schools. It has notable effects on students, both in terms of personal freedoms and personal responsibilities, especially after school.

Coffee Shop

After School
When American students are dismissed from school, they either have after school activities or go straight home. When they leave school property, they are typically escorted by an adult—either the school bus driver or their parents themselves—and are seldom on their own. They do not have much freedom to explore the city or hang out with friends without a parent accompanying them.

In contrast, German students tend to have more personal freedom after school. While students must account for time needed to complete homework, they are also able to spend much of their time the way they wish to (with their parents’ permission, of course). The German public transportation system makes it safe and easy for everyone, even children, to get around, so German students will often meet up with friends for homework sessions, or to enjoy coffee or shopping after school.

 

The German and American school systems both have their pros and cons, and each produces well-rounded students. While the two systems do certainly have their differences, any student would be lucky to attend either.