GERMANY

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Germany

Germany combines extraordinary cultural diversity, a fascinating history and a modern, innovative society. That makes it an ideal destination for anyone who wants to broaden their personal and academic horizons.

One of the main advantages of living in Germany is immersing yourself in a culture that values efficiency, organisation and creativity. German cities offer a variety of experiences, from lively Berlin with its art and culture scene to the calm of towns such as Heidelberg or Freiburg, surrounded by nature.

Living in Germany means adopting a balanced lifestyle that harmonises work and free time. German culture values respect for nature, the quality of local food and a sustainable approach to everyday life.

Germany

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.

SUBJECTS OF STUDY

The Gymnasium curriculum is broad and includes:

German language and literature

Mathematics

Natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics)

History and geography

Foreign languages (usually English plus a second language such as French, Latin or Spanish)

Art and music

Civic education and religion/ethics

Physical education

In the final years students can choose specialisation subjects, which carry more weight in the Abitur examination.

SCHOOL CALENDAR

The German school year usually starts in mid-August or early September and ends between June and July, with slight variations between Länder.

It is divided into two semesters, with several breaks through the year: autumn, Christmas, winter and Easter holidays, plus the longer summer break.

Lessons run Monday to Friday, generally from 8:00 until between 13:00 and 16:00 depending on the workload.

ASSESSMENT AND DIPLOMAS

Marks use a numeric scale from 1 (excellent) to 6 (fail).

The Abitur combines marks earned during the year with final written and oral exams. The final Abitur score is decisive for university admission and runs from 1.0 (best) to 4.0 (pass).

STUDENT LIFE

Student life is particularly lively. Schools promote extracurricular activities such as sports clubs, cultural events and workshops. German cities are well organised and offer excellent facilities for young people, from efficient public transport to modern social spaces. Students can also travel easily across Europe thanks to the country's central position.

INCLUSIVITY AND SUPPORT

Germany is known for its commitment to inclusivity and support for international students. Many schools offer dedicated services such as academic tutoring and cultural orientation to help newcomers settle in.

German society is generally open and welcoming, which helps students feel at home even far from their own country.

COMPARED WITH THE ITALIAN SYSTEM

Unlike the Italian system, which divides upper secondary school into tracks such as classical, scientific and technical, the German Gymnasium offers a single path with greater freedom in choosing specialisation subjects. The German school calendar is also slightly longer than the Italian one.

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