In this article, you can find details about school holidays in Berlin for 2024-2025. In addition to information about Berlin’s education system and holiday periods, we also provide a comprehensive guide to school support programs for students during the holidays, as well as documents and important information for traveling families.
Berlin education system
In Germany’s education system, there are no major differences between the states. In fact, no matter where you go to school in Germany, you will find similar curricula and quality. Although the differences are not very big, Berlin’s school system stands out with some unique features compared to the other states of Germany.
While in most German states primary school education lasts 4 years, in Berlin it lasts 6 years, which is noteworthy in terms of providing students with a broader basic education.
Another difference can be seen in integration classes. These are called Wilkommensklassen in Berlin where many immigrant children who have arrived in Germany and whose German is still weak can attend until their language skills improve. There are similar systems in other German states, but Berlin is much more established due to its multicultural character. During school holidays in Berlin, you will be able to enjoy this character of Berlin.
After primary school, students are directed to different types of secondary schools such as Hauptschule, Realschule or Gymnasium according to their academic achievements and interests.
What to do during the holidays to support school
When the Berlin school holidays begin, there are many activities for students to make the most of their school vacation. Most of them are free programs funded by the municipalities or paid programs organized by private organizations.
FEZ-Berlin, located in a huge forest, is one of the best examples of these programs. It offers a wide range of activities for children and young people, from art to sports to science workshops. The JugendKulturService organizes cultural activities such as theater, music, dance and drama, so that students can develop their creative talents during the holidays. In addition, some municipalities in Berlin organize various sports camps and outdoor activities, giving students the opportunity to be active and have fun during the holidays.
Important details for travelers
Due to the compulsory attendance at schools in Germany, families usually plan their travel based on the school holidays in Berlin, which creates a lot of traffic during the holiday periods. As we know that the Berlin school holidays are busy, we recommend that you plan your trip as early as possible and prepare important documents before you travel to minimize the impact of the school holidays. The first days of the school holidays can be busy at airports and highways, so it may be necessary to leave early.
