How the German education system works — and what it costs (almost nothing).
Grundschule, Gymnasium & co: how German schooling worksSchool is compulsory (Schulpflicht) from around age six, and public schools are free. After primary school, children branch into different secondary tracks — a structure that surprises most newcomer parents.
Ausbildung — earn while you trainGermany's dual vocational training combines paid work in a company with school-based theory over 2–3.5 years. It is a recognised immigration route and leads to qualifications employers genuinely value.
Studying in Germany: what it really costsPublic universities charge no tuition for most programmes — you pay only a Semesterbeitrag of roughly €150–400 that usually includes a public transport ticket. Admission and language rules are the real hurdles.
BAföG: state funding for students and traineesBAföG supports students and some school pupils with up to ~€992/month — half grant, half interest-free loan capped at €10,010 repayment. Many long-term foreign residents qualify, not just Germans.