Start your search 6–12 months in advance! This is the greatest challenge in larger cities.
Step 2: Registration and application (Die Anmeldung) You can apply through a central city portal or directly to the Kita via email. Documents for the application (for everyone):
(For migrants!) Valid residence permit for the child and parents.
Step 3: Receiving a place and signing the contract (Der Vertrag)
You will receive a place offer (Kita-Platz) from the Youth Welfare Office or directly from the Kita.
You sign a contract with the Kita.
Important for migrants: Ensure that the contract specifies the conditions if your child speaks little German. Many Kitas have language support programs, a mandatory area of action in the KiTa-Qualitätsgesetz 2025/2026.
Step 4: Medical examination and settling-in period (Eingewöhnung)
The child must undergo a standard medical check-up (U-check-up with the pediatrician) and obtain a vaccination certificate. Vaccinations are mandatory (measles protection since March 2020).
Eingewöhnung is a gentle settling-in period (2–4 weeks) where a parent stays with the child at the Kita. This is a mandatory and crucial part of the process.
Part 2: School (Schule)School System Basics
Compulsory education: School attendance is mandatory from age 6 (in some federal states from August 1 of the year the child turns 6) and lasts 9–10 years . Education at public schools is free of charge. Grundschule (primary school): 4 years in most federal states, 6 years in Berlin and Brandenburg. Willkommensklasse: A special preparatory class for children who have recently arrived in Germany and do not yet have sufficient German language skills for regular classes. These classes are called different names in different states: Willkommensklasse (Berlin), Vorbereitungsklasse (VKL) (Baden-Württemberg), Deutschklasse (Bavaria), or Internationale Klasse.
Step 1: Receiving Notification from School (Anmeldung zur Schule) For locals: 1–1.5 years before school starts, you will automatically receive a notification by post from your local primary school (spring of the year before school starts). However, note that new regulations in some federal states (like the "reformed school entry examination") are shifting the timing of medical checks to the year before that. For migrants: You need to act independently! Once you have completed your address registration (Anmeldung), contact the Education Authority (Schulamt) of your city or go directly to the nearest primary school at any time. Do not wait for letters!.
Step 2: Enrolling in School (Schulanmeldung) You go to the assigned school (for locals) or the school specified by the Education Authority (for migrants) and fill out the enrollment application.
Documents for school enrollment (for everyone):
Enrollment application form (Anmeldebogen der Schule)
Child's medical card with recent vaccinations (Impfpass) and a medical examination certificate (often required)
Note on school entry examinations: In 2026, a reformed school entry examination (rSEU) is being introduced in several federal states. The examination now takes place one year earlier (when children are between 4 and 5 years old) to allow more time for early support. This is a mandatory examination organized by the health department.
Step 3: Language Assessment and Placement (Sprachstandsfeststellung) This is a key step for migrant children. Before enrollment, the child's German language skills will be assessed.
If the language level is sufficient, the child goes to a regular class.
If the language level is weak, the child will be placed in a preparatory class:
Willkommensklasse or Vorbereitungsklasse (different names depending on the federal state)
Duration is typically 1–2 years of intensive German language learning
The goal is to transition to a regular class as soon as possible
The transition decision is made jointly by the teacher, school administration, and the Education Authority, based on language level (target roughly A2-B1), age, and overall readiness
This is free and mandatory
Step 4: Preparation for the First Day (Der erste Schultag)
Purchase a school cone (Schultüte – a traditional German gift for first graders).
Purchase the required school supplies (the school will provide a list).
Complete the medical examination by the school doctor (Schularzt / Gesundheitsamt).
Часть 2: Школа (Schule)
Обязательное образование: с 6 лет (в некоторых землях с 1 августа года, когда исполняется 6). Длится 9–10 лет. Grundschule — 4 года (в Берлине/Бранденбурге 6 лет). Для неговорящих — Willkommensklasse (1–2 года), потом в Regelklasse.
Шаг 1: Получение уведомления от школы (Anmeldung zur Schule)
Для местных: За 1-1,5 года до начала обучения вы автоматически получите по почте извещение от Grundschule (начальной школы) по вашему адресу (весна года перед школой).
Для мигрантов: Вам нужно действовать самостоятельно! Как только вы сделали Anmeldung, обратитесь в Управление образованием (Schulamt) вашего города или напрямую в ближайшую Grundschule в любое время года. Не ждите писем!
Шаг 2: Запись в школу (Schulanmeldung)
Вы идете в назначенную школу (для местных) или в школу, которую вам указал Schulamt (для мигрантов), и заполняете заявление на зачисление.
Документы для записи в школу (для всех):
Заявление на зачисление (Anmeldebogen der Schule).
Свидетельство о рождении ребенка (оригинал и копия).
Подтверждение регистрации по месту жительства (Meldebescheinigung) ребенка.
Медкарта ребенка с последними прививками (Impfpass) и справка о медосмотре (часто требуется).
Шаг 3: Языковая проверка и распределение (Sprachstandfeststellung) Это ключевое отличие для детей-мигрантов. Перед зачислением ребенка проверят на знание немецкого языка. Если уровень достаточный, ребенок идет в обычный класс. Если уровень слабый, ребенка обязательно направят в специальный подготовительный класс — Willkommensklasse или Vorbereitungsklasse. Там он будет интенсивно учить немецкий (обычно 1-2 года), прежде чем перейти в обычный класс. Это бесплатно и обязательно.
Шаг 4: Подготовка к первому дню (Der erste Schultag)
Купить школьный портфель (Schultüte).
Приобрести необходимые школьные принадлежности (список дадут в школе).
