This will vary each day depending on the class schedule. Sometimes students will get out before the last hour at 3:15 or have a later start in the morning.
Throughout the day there are multiple breaks. There is one 15-minute break between the second and third hour for breakfast or a small snack. The second break is the Hofpause (Recess) between the fourth and fifth hour for 25 minutes where all students are required to go outside to the schoolyard and/or playground. There is then a 55-minute break for lunch between hours six and seven. Finally, there is a short five-minute break between periods 8 and 9. What would be your ideal schedule?
Another big difference between German and American schools is sports. In Germany, there are no school sports, clubs or extracurricular activities. If students want to play a sport they join the youth league in their town. Or if they want to pursue another hobby, like singing in a choir or participating in theater, they will also join local organizations.
Students also go on multiple school trips throughout their time in school. It’s common to see groups of young elementary students taking the Straßenbahn (tram) or walking around the city with their teachers as well as wearing bright orange vests. In the older grades, students will go on bigger trips like visits to local state government buildings. Klasse 10 this year visited Luxemburg for a week while studying politics.
While there are many differences between German and American schools, like chalkboards in the classroom, there are also many similarities. Students love playing Kahoot and groan at the mention of an upcoming test or quiz.
