In most German schools, students have classes only in the morning (between 8am and 3am). It should be pointed out that there are a growing number of schools offering extended hours in the afternoon (Ganztagsschulen), however this is not yet general practice.

The average lesson lasts 45 minutes, which is shorter than in France for example. Afternoons are often devoted to extra-curricular activities (sports, music…), or to helping with homework.

In Germany, teachers are trained to teach two subjects. The disciplines are not necessarily related (for example, some teachers teach math and sport). This dual specialization is quite rare in European countries.

To evaluate their students, German teachers use a grading system that ranges from 1 to 6, with 1 being the best grade. However, German pupils have fewer written tests than their French neighbors, for example. Grades are of less importance in the German educational system. For teachers, it’s important that students have time to develop themselves through extra-curricular activities. This is why students have few written assessments, never several on the same day, and why they have exercises as homework and not long take-home assignments like in France.