Heatwave rules: Who decides when it's too hot for school in Germany?

With temperatures set to reach near 40C in parts of Germany this week, the conditions in some schools could become unbearable.

When this happens, German schools often declare Hitzefrei (literally 'heat free'), which means that pupils are released to take the rest of the day off due to excessive heat. Alternatively, lessons might simply be shortened.

A report by ZDF this week suggested that classes at some locations where school is back in session could be restricted right away due to excessive heat.

There is no nationwide temperature limit above which "heat-free" days are automatically granted for pupils in Germany.

The final decision usually rests with the school administration, but there are some guidelines they have to follow.

While the exact rules vary from region to region in Germany, as a general rule it's the heads of individual schools who decide whether to cancel or shorten lessons – not the state or district authorities. 

School administrations are expected to make their decision based on the facilities and amenities available to them. School buildings that can maintain comfortable temperatures even in the middle of a heat wave may continue with lessons as usual, whereas classes in buildings that get hot need to be excused much more quickly.

READ ALSO: EXPLAINED - Germany's rules for working during heatwaves

Broadly, schools will take action when "lessons are impaired by the high temperatures". This is generally when the temperature reaches 25C to 27C or higher in classrooms.

Different rules for different ages

Primary school children are more likely to be sent home because of excessive temperatures than secondary school children.

Pupils at secondary school will rarely be sent home unless there is a clear health risk for the children.  When possible secondary school administrations will more often curtail lessons or move students to cooler rooms and give pupils longer breaks instead of calling off an entire day of lessons.

Teachers are advised that class tests should be avoided for all age groups on days when the heat is too much.

Parents of primary school children are more likely to be affected by Hitzefrei, potentially needing to take time off work if their kids are sent home early. Instead of sending children home, primary school administrations can also choose to relocate lessons to cooler places or take the students on short excursions.

READ ALSO: Hitzefrei - Is it ever legally too hot to go to work or school in Germany?

Duty of care remains

Even when "heat-free" days are granted, schools must ensure that supervision and lunch (if applicable) are provided for younger students, especially if their parents can’t leave work immediately or the students are unable to return home for any other reason.  

Not enough teachers?

It’s no secret that many schools in Germany are struggling to attract enough teachers, meaning that some schools may struggle to find available coverage if too many teachers call out (which can be a problem on hot days).

The number of sick days due to heat-related illness is rising steadily in Germany, according to the country’s Ministry of Social Affairs.

READ ALSO: The official German advice for how to stay safe in a heatwave

In 2023, it stood at around 92,700 – a 12 percent increase on the previous high, recorded in 2018. The figures include days of incapacity to work due to heatstroke, sunstroke, and similar diagnoses.

Can parents decide to keep their children at home?

In a word, no.

Germany takes its Schulpflicht (compulsory attendance) very seriously and parents are not entitled to keep their children at home because of hot weather unless the school has decided to close.

Of course, exceptions will be made if your child can't attend school in particularly hot or humid conditions because of a health condition, such as circulatory problems.

Under these circumstances, the normal rules on absences from school apply. Parents are obliged to inform the school and may be asked to provide a doctor's note.