What is the statutory minimum school leaving age in Germany?

The statutory minimum school leaving age is essentially set at 18. The federal Jugendarbeitsschutzgesetz (Youth Employment Protection Act) regulates the minimum employment age, which is set at 15. However, from the person's 15th to their 18th birthday, they are obliged by state law to pursue at least part-time vocational secondary education, usually within the German dual education system.

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23 Comments

Louella Wilson

Even the link does not support the answer of 18. Here is what it states. "The school leaving age in Germany is essentially set at 18. However, it does differ depending on the school type. For example, those attending a Gymnasium study for their Abitur and so leave at a later age of 18 than those for example attending a Berufsschule (16) or a Hauptschule (also 16)."

Denise Currie

I have a German friend and he says it is 15-16, however if they have an apprenticeship to go to then they may leave at 14

Albeck1994

It is 18 if you stay on at a gymnasium but however you can leave at the age of 16 if you don't stay on so statutory leaving age must be around 16. I got it right btw by accident

Richard S

the statutory minimum age is 16, not 18. The answer given is not the answer to the question posed.

Karin Johansson

kamaker, it isn't

Emm Yo

I looked it up and it was 16.

Krissie

Keith Richard Mears, maybe in South Africa, but not in Germany.

Krissie

jonbroberts, not in Germany!

Krissie

Morton Bartlett, and that has what to do with German school leaving age in 2022?

Krissie

Ron Harvey, If you can read German, you will find that 18 is in fact school leaving age in Germany. It was made by law in 2016.

Krissie

Dirk Byker, you’re wrong. Since 2016 and by law, school leaving age is 18 in Germany.

Krissie

Louella Wilson, In 2016 a school leaving age of 18 was made by law in Germany.

Dirk Byker

kids can leave at 16 after berufsschule, or 18 after Gymnasium. misleading question. Two correct answers.

Morton Bartlett

I finished, not just left, school, was still 15, straight in to employment with a major bank and when i turned 18 I volunteered for Territorial Force Volunteers (Infantry Reserves) and while I was training my job was protected by Law. "Onward" brothers, ever onward RNZIR

Silvia Levame

The answer is incorrect. The statutory minimum school leaving age is 16. There are, however, a few specific cases where young people may enter employment before the age of 16, such as employment in the parents' company, sporadic work, or young people who have left school early taking up an apprenticeship at 15, to name a few.