My child's German is weak. Can we get support at school or outside?

At school: Berlin schools offer «Deutsch als Zweitsprache» (DaZ, German as a second language) for children whose first language is not German. Newly arrived children may first attend a welcome class (Willkommensklasse). As a first step, talk to the class teacher and ask what support the school offers.

Free tutoring (Lernförderung): If you receive Jobcenter support, Wohngeld or Kinderzuschlag, your child can get free tutoring through the Education and Participation Package (BuT). The school confirms that tutoring is needed, and you apply through the school with the berlinpass-BuT.

Outside school: Neighbourhood centres (Nachbarschaftshäuser), libraries and volunteer projects offer free homework help and German reading sessions. A children's library card is free in Berlin.

Home language: Keeping your child's Turkish strong does not harm their German; it actually helps. Some schools offer home-language classes (herkunftssprachlicher Unterricht); ask the school.

Moving on to secondary school: If your child did not get a Gymnasium recommendation because of language, remember they can also take the Abitur at an Integrierte Sekundarschule. Your district's school psychology and inclusive education counselling centre (SIBUZ) offers free advice on school paths.