Structure of the German Gymnasium
The Gymnasium is the most demanding secondary path, designed for students who intend to go on to university.
It generally covers the final years of compulsory education and culminates in the Abitur, the diploma that grants university access.
The Gymnasium lasts between 8 and 9 years depending on the Land (federal state). The last two years, the Qualifikationsphase, are devoted to preparing for the Abitur and involve a credit system and specialisation subjects.









