How does the school system work in Germany, and what is the difference between Gymnasium and Sekundarschule?

General: The school system differs from state to state. Here we describe Berlin. State schools are free. Children who turn 6 by 30 September start school that year.

Primary school (Grundschule): In Berlin it usually lasts 6 years. The first two years (Schulanfangsphase) can take one to three years depending on the child's pace. High-achieving children can move to some Gymnasien after year 4. School lunch is free in Berlin for years 1 to 6.

Integrierte Sekundarschule (ISS): From year 7 it offers all school-leaving qualifications (the vocational qualification, the intermediate MSA and the Abitur). The Abitur usually comes after 13 years. It is an all-day school with strong career guidance. A Gemeinschaftsschule teaches all children together from year 1 to year 10 (or 13).

Gymnasium: The Abitur comes after 12 years and the pace is faster. Pupils learn at least two foreign languages. Year 7 is a trial year; if a child does not pass, they move to an ISS and can still take the Abitur there.

Choosing a school: In year 6 the school gives a recommendation based on grades (Förderprognose). Parents apply to the schools they choose; places at popular schools are limited. Go to the schools' open days.

Bilingual schools: Berlin has state schools called Staatliche Europa-Schulen, where half of the lessons are taught in another language; Turkish-German schools are among them.