What's changing in German schools this year?

Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg, which always take their summer breaks last, have just begun their school year this week. So children are now back at school across every state in Germany. 

The start of the 2025/26 academic year has brought some updates worth noting. Some states – including Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Berlin – have made significant reforms, while others have introduced smaller updates.

A few couple common threads seen in states across the Bundesrepublik: a shortage of teachers is driving up the number of students in each class, and there is growing concern about mobile phone use on school grounds.

Here's an overview of the major changes come to schools in Germany this year.

Baden-Württemberg

The state of Baden-Württemberg has officially returned to a nine-year Gymnasium (G9) track this year, replacing the eight-year model that had previously been adopted.

But the old system is returning in a modernised form, with extra lessons in German, mathematics, and the first foreign language.

Also, additional support for German language learners is being rolled out at primary schools and Kitas. Going forward "junior classes" (Juniorklassen) are to be offered for children who do not speak enough German to join in a standard first grade class. The state plans to double the number of these classes available within the next two years.

READ ALSO: What do children actually learn at school in Germany?

Bavaria

The new school year brings several key changes for students in Bavaria, including a mandatory additional half hour of daily exercise for children in grades 1 to 4, alongside regular physical education lessons. Another new requirement is that secondary students must visit a memorial to victims of the Nazis.

To boost media literacy, students in the state will now take courses titled “tablet compass,” “AI compass,” and “social media compass”.

There had been discussions about abolishing surprise tests known as Exen, but these tests remain in place.

Berlin

Changes in Berlin include extending the compulsory schooling period by one year to a total of 11 years to help prepare students for vocational training or further education.

READ ALSO: How German schools are including more and more AI

Another major change affects the transition from primary to secondary school, where the previous system of a “trial year” at grammar schools (Gymnasium) is being replaced with standardised trial lessons in the final year of primary school designed to test academic aptitude before the switch to secondary education.

These trial lessons will include written tests in German and maths, and assessments of interdisciplinary skills such as problem-solving and teamwork.

Registration for the trial lessons is based on teacher recommendations and grades. 

Brandenburg

Brandenburg has introduced a ban on mobile phones during lessons in primary schools to reduce distractions and improve students’ focus in class.

Bremen

Like Brandenburg, Bremen enforces a strict ban on mobile phone use during primary school lessons. Teachers are authorised to confiscate phones if necessary to maintain a distraction-free learning environment.

READ ALSO: What are the rules in Germany on students having phones at school?

Hamburg

In Hamburg, there is a new emphasis on reducing homework assignments and encouraging the use of digital learning tools aimed at supporting students’ mental health and individualised learning progress.

Hesse

Hesse has introduced a ban on mobile phone use during lessons across schools.

At the same time, it has expanded media literacy education, designed to help students to understand and critically engage with digital media effectively.

Lower Saxony

Lower Saxony continues to face growth in student numbers, with approximately 82,000 first graders starting school this year. To address teacher shortages, about 1,600 new teaching posts have been added.

The Education Act has also been updated to enhance transparency and quality assurance for private schools, including clearer obligations regarding teacher qualifications and monitoring.

Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

The north-eastern state is focusing on expanding all-day schooling and improving digital infrastructure in schools. New inclusivity initiatives aim to support diverse student needs and ensure access to quality education for all.

North Rhine-Westphalia

North Rhine-Westphalia is continuing its transition to the nine-year Gymnasium (G9) system, phasing out the eight-year model.

READ ALSO: Why Germany’s most populous state is bringing back nine years of school

Curriculum reforms emphasise digital education, environmental topics, and support for students’ mental well-being.

Rhineland-Palatinate

New investments are being made in renovating school buildings and introducing modern digital learning platforms to update classroom environments and enhance learning experiences.

Saarland

Saarland has passed new legislation focused on expanding digital education by better integrating technology into classrooms and promoting innovative teaching methods.

Saxony

Saxony has adopted a new school law to improve educational equity and significantly increase support for students with special educational needs.

Saxony-Anhalt

Curriculum updates are being made to promote practical skills and improve career orientation. State officials say they are designed to help students make a smoother transition to work or further training after school.

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Schleswig-Holstein

Schleswig-Holstein is continuing to develop digital education, increase support for inclusive schooling, and enhance teacher training to meet modern challenges in education.

Thuringia

Thuringia has introduced initiatives to strengthen language support for migrant children and improve school infrastructure for a better learning environment.