The ability to speak foreign languages is an essential basis for the development of multicultural skills, especially with regard to the requirements of the Abitur. At both lower and upper secondary level, we attach particular importance to preparing students for authentic language encounters. The overarching goal is to acquire comprehensive specialist knowledge of the second foreign language. Pupils whose native language is not German and who have been exempted from taking part in lessons in the second foreign language in accordance with Section 17 Paragraph 6 of the Secondary Level I Ordinance are only obliged to continuously study their first foreign language.
For the Abitur - two foreign languages
In order to obtain the general university entrance qualification, the Abitur, it is necessary to acquire knowledge of two foreign languages. Without proof of a second foreign language at level B2 of the European Framework of Reference for Languages, secondary school graduates will not be admitted to the Abitur examinations. When choosing foreign language courses, students should ensure that they meet the following requirements at the end of their school career:
Participation in lessons in the first foreign language is required from grade 5 at the latest until entry into the upper secondary school, i.e., up to grade 10. The following conditions must be observed with regard to lessons in the second foreign language:
a) Second foreign language lessons must begin no later than in grade 7 and continue until the end of grade 10.
b) Alternatively, lessons can begin in grade 9 at the latest; in this case, participation must be guaranteed until the end of grade 12.
Recognition of the Language of Origin as a Second Foreign Language
Lower Secondary Level
The legal guardians of students whose native language is not German have the opportunity to apply to school management within the first semester after their admission to lower secondary for exemption from taking part in lessons in a second foreign language. Either a language certificate or certificates from their home country in a certified translation must be enclosed with the application.
Exemption is granted if the students cannot reasonably be expected to learn another foreign language due to inadequate knowledge of German. They must demonstrate knowledge of their native or official language of their country of origin that corresponds to at least level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. This proof can be provided through an examination in the language of origin or an official language of their country of origin or by presenting documents, particularly certificates.
Upper Secondary Level
The application for recognition of the first language and exemption from the second foreign language in accordance with Section 10 Paragraph 7 VO-GO is submitted via the school directly to the school supervisory authority. The student submits an informal application for recognition of their first language through the school they attend. Either a language certificate (Telc B1) or certificates from their home country (at least four years of intermediate school, analogous to our classes 7 to 10) in a certified translation must be enclosed with the application.