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> Isn't one of the drawbacks to the German system that you're directed down one particular path very early in your education? Yes, and it's one of the sillier

> Isn't one of the drawbacks to the German system that you're directed down one particular path very early in your education? Yes, and it's one of the sillier parts of the German educational system. That said, recent school reforms have at least started to mitigate it a bit. The problem here is not some form of tracking as such – not everyone has the same talents – but that it happens so early (after fourth grade) and that the differences between school types are so huge. That said, these days it's at least less of a permanent decision. For example, my niece initially finished school after 10th grade ("Mittlere Reife"), then did an apprenticeship, then went back to school, working on her abitur now and will likely go to college afterwards. Depending on where you live, children may also be able to join one of the comprehensive schools and bypass the traditional system.

refurb 12y ago
Thanks! I don't know that much about it so it's interesting to hear actual experiences with it.
- eru 12y ago
  In addition, the education system is in the hands of the states in Germany. So expect some regional differences.
  - lsiebert 12y ago
    Oh there's a lot of the states having their hands on education in the United States too.
ma2rten 12y ago
For example, my niece initially finished school after 10th grade ("Mittlere Reife"), then did an apprenticeship, then went back to school, working on her abitur now and will likely go to college afterwards. Yeah, but only few have the discipline to go back to school after having earned "real money" already. The international equivalent would be graduating, getting some work experience and then going back to grad school. I don't think many people manage to do that either. But in this case it's even more difficult because you have to go back to high school basically.
- Semaphor 12y ago
  We also have "Abendschule" (night school) which is a somewhat popular way to make your "Abitur" without giving up your job.
- vacri 12y ago
  I've got several friends who spent a short time in industry before going back to get their Masters as full-time students. It doesn't seem that unusual to me. Mind you, these aren't people with mortgages or children.

refurb 12y ago

Thanks! I don't know that much about it so it's interesting to hear actual experiences with it.

eru 12y ago
In addition, the education system is in the hands of the states in Germany. So expect some regional differences.
- lsiebert 12y ago
  Oh there's a lot of the states having their hands on education in the United States too.

ma2rten 12y ago

For example, my niece initially finished school after 10th grade ("Mittlere Reife"), then did an apprenticeship, then went back to school, working on her abitur now and will likely go to college afterwards. Yeah, but only few have the discipline to go back to school after having earned "real money" already. The international equivalent would be graduating, getting some work experience and then going back to grad school. I don't think many people manage to do that either. But in this case it's even more difficult because you have to go back to high school basically.

Semaphor 12y ago
We also have "Abendschule" (night school) which is a somewhat popular way to make your "Abitur" without giving up your job.
vacri 12y ago
I've got several friends who spent a short time in industry before going back to get their Masters as full-time students. It doesn't seem that unusual to me. Mind you, these aren't people with mortgages or children.