🎓 School System Comparison
G8 or G9, diplomas, school types — the 16 states at a glance.
G8/G9
years to Abitur
16
different systems
3
school types after primary
🗺 Abitur years by state
| State | G-model | Years to Abi |
|---|---|---|
| Bayern | G9 | 13 |
| Baden-Württemberg | G8 | 12 |
| Berlin | G8 | 12 |
| Nordrhein-Westfalen | G8/G9 | 12–13 |
| Hessen | G9 | 13 |
| Sachsen | G8 | 12 |
| Niedersachsen | G9 | 13 |
| Rheinland-Pfalz | G9 | 13 |
| Schleswig-Holstein | G8/G9 | 12–13 |
| Thüringen | G8 | 12 |
| Brandenburg | G9 | 13 |
| Mecklenburg-Vorpommern | G8 | 12 |
| Sachsen-Anhalt | G8 | 12 |
| Saarland | G9 | 13 |
| Hamburg | G8 | 12 |
| Bremen | G8/G9 | 12–13 |
🏫 School types
- Grundschule — 4 years together (6 in Berlin/Brandenburg), grades 1–4
- Hauptschule — up to grade 9/10 — basic diploma, career entry
- Realschule — up to grade 10 — intermediate diploma, training or FH entry
- Gymnasium — up to grade 12/13 — Abitur, university entrance
- Gesamtschule — all diplomas under one roof — flexible paths
G8/G9 models are changing: some states let you choose. Details at the state ministry.