Moving to Germany? Read This Before You Plan to Homeschool

Homeschooling in Germany is generally not permitted because Germany enforces compulsory school attendance (Schulpflicht), not just “compulsory education.” In most cases, that means children are expected to attend an approved school in person.

There are limited exceptions, and they’re handled locally, so the safest approach is to plan around a legal schooling option, public, private, or international, and treat at-home learning as supplemental, not a replacement for school.

If you’re moving from the US (or already living in Germany), your best next step is to confirm the rules where you live (your Bundesland/Schulamt) and choose a schooling path that fits your child’s language needs and your expected length of stay.

In this guide, you’ll get a plain-English breakdown of what’s legal, what to avoid, and the most realistic options expat families use, plus a practical way to keep learning hands-on and screen-light at home while staying compliant.

Key Takeaways

• Germany’s default expectation is school attendance, so “traditional homeschooling” usually isn’t an option.

• Your decision usually comes down to public vs private vs international schooling, plus language support.

• Treat home learning as after-school/weekend enrichment, not a replacement for school.

• Use a verification checklist before you rely on any blog, forum, or social media claim.

Is homeschooling legal in Germany?

The key to understanding Germany’s rules is this: the system is designed around attendance, not “prove you educated your child at home.”

What does Germany mean by Schulpflicht?

Schulpflicht isn’t a curriculum requirement that you can meet in different ways. It’s an attendance framework. School is the default place where education happens, and families are expected to use an approved school pathway.

Why does this catch US families off guard?

In the US, “homeschooling” usually sits alongside public and private schools as a normal option. In Germany, that same choice set typically doesn’t exist.

That’s why advice from US-based homeschool communities can accidentally steer families wrong: they’re applying a familiar model to a different legal structure.

A clearer way to think about what’s “okay” vs. what creates risk

When families get into trouble, it’s rarely because they’re not educating their child. It’s because they’ve unintentionally crossed the line from supplemental learning to school replacement.

Use this distinction as your filter:

• Supplemental learning (generally low-risk):

  Activities that support your child’s development alongside school attendance—tutoring, reading practice, language support, hands-on projects, weekend learning, and enrichment programs.

• School replacement (higher-risk):

  Using home learning as the primary education pathway in place of school enrollment and attendance.

If you’re unsure which category you’re in, ask one question:

“If we stopped all home learning tomorrow, would our child still be meeting school attendance expectations?”

If the answer is no, you’re likely in “replacement” territory.

How to handle conflicting information online

This topic attracts a lot of confidently stated advice that doesn’t hold up when you verify it locally. Conflicts usually come from three sources:

• Anecdotes presented as rules: one family’s experience is not a general standard.

• Temporary situations presented as permanent solutions: short transitions get described as if they’re long-term options.

• Exception cases presented as common pathways: rare approvals or special circumstances get repeated as if they apply broadly.

A practical rule:

Treat any claim that sounds like “everyone does this” as unverified until you can confirm it through official local channels (your Bundesland or local school office).

What happens if you try to homeschool anyway?

Once you understand that Germany’s system is built around attendance, the next practical question is: What happens if a child isn’t enrolled or isn’t showing up?

For most families, problems don’t start with a dramatic confrontation; they start with administrative follow-up when the system shows a child as missing school.

How it usually escalates

Exact steps vary by location, but the general progression tends to look like this:

• A school or local office reaches out when a child isn’t enrolled, isn’t attending, or has repeated unexplained absences.

• Written requests follow, asking the family to resolve enrollment/attendance.

• Fines can be used if the situation continues without resolution.

• If nothing changes over time, the matter can escalate through formal channels.

The takeaway: enforcement is often triggered by attendance records, not by someone “reporting” your family.

The misunderstandings that create the biggest problems

Most expat families who run into trouble aren’t trying to be defiant; they’re making assumptions that would be reasonable in the US. These are the most common:

• “If we enroll in an online school, we’re covered.”

  Enrollment alone doesn’t automatically answer the compliance question. What matters is whether the arrangement is recognized in a way that satisfies local attendance expectations.

• “We’ll just do this at home for a few months while we settle.”

  Transition periods are where families unintentionally drift into noncompliance—because “temporary” stretches longer than planned and absences accumulate.

• “We’re doing real learning at home, so it should count.”

  The issue is usually not the quality of your learning. It’s that home learning may be viewed as parallel support, not an accepted substitute for attendance.

• “Other expats said it’s fine.”

  People often generalize from one situation (or one location) to all of Germany, or they describe a rare exception as if it’s a standard pathway.

A practical way to reduce risk while you’re figuring things out

If you’re in a transition moment (new move, school search, language adjustment), aim for a plan that keeps your child clearly connected to an approved schooling path, while using home learning as support.

In other words, treat home learning as the stability layer (language practice, reading, math fluency, projects) while enrollment and attendance stay on track.

Some families ask about exceptions. Here’s what’s realistic, and how to confirm what applies to your situation without relying on guesswork.

What “exception” usually means

Families usually ask about exceptions for a practical reason: a child’s health, anxiety, disability needs, or a short-term situation where regular attendance feels unrealistic.

The key point is that an “exception” in Germany typically does not mean broad permission to homeschool. It usually means a case-specific arrangement handled through the appropriate local process.

Situations that may be handled differently

While rules and procedures vary by location, exceptions or alternative arrangements are most often discussed in contexts like:

• Medical constraints that make in-person attendance temporarily unrealistic

• Documented special education needs where a setting change or accommodations are required

• Short-term transition issues (for example, during a move), where authorities may give guidance on interim steps

Even in these situations, the goal is usually to resolve attendance expectations in an approved way, not to approve a long-term home-based substitute.

Why exceptions aren’t a standard pathway

When alternative arrangements are considered, decisions are typically based on the child’s documented needs, what local schools can provide, and what plan exists to meet schooling expectations.

That’s why outcomes don’t generalize well from one family to another, even within the same state.

What you’ll likely be asked to clarify

If you’re exploring an exception pathway, be ready to explain:

• What’s preventing attendance right now (briefly, with documentation where relevant)

• Whether this is temporary or ongoing (and what the expected timeline is)

• What supports have already been attempted (accommodations, placement options, medical guidance)

• What is your plan next (how you’re working toward an approved, workable solution)

If you need to ask about an exception, ask like this

Instead of asking, “Can we homeschool?” ask questions that match how decisions are actually handled:

• “My child cannot attend in person due to ___ (brief reason). What documentation do you require?”

• “Is there a temporary arrangement while we resolve placement / medical constraints?”

• “What is the process and typical timeline, and which office is responsible for this case?”

If homeschooling isn’t an option for most families, the next step is choosing the right legal schooling path and picking the one that fits your child’s language needs and your expected length of stay.

Your legal schooling options in Germany

If your plan can’t be “homeschooling,” the good news is you still have clear paths forward. Most expat families do best when they choose a school option based on three things: how long they’ll stay, what language their child can learn right now, and what kind of daily commute and schedule the family can sustain.

Use the quick comparison below to shortlist the most realistic options before you start emailing schools or scheduling visits.

Schooling options in Germany for expat families

Option	Best for	Language of instruction	Typical cost	Admissions/availability	Pros	Watch-outs / questions to ask
Public school	Long-term residents, budget-conscious families, and children who can adapt to German	Mostly German	Low	Usually assigned by address; varies by city	Strong integration into local life; clear structure	What language support exists? How are newcomers placed by age/level? What’s the integration timeline?
Private school	Families wanting a specific educational approach or a smaller setting	German or mixed (varies)	Medium–High	Application-based; varies widely	More choice in approach and environment	What’s recognized/approved locally? What are tuition + hidden fees? What language support is offered?
International school	Short-to-medium stays, families, prioritizing English continuity, frequent relocations	Often English (or bilingual)	High	Limited seats; deadlines, waitlists are common	Smooth academic continuity; expat-friendly transitions	What curriculum (IB/US/UK) and grade placement rules? How competitive is entry? What’s commute like?
Bilingual program/track (where available)	Families wanting German integration without full immersion on day one	German + another language (varies)	Low–Medium	Highly location-dependent	Can ease language transition	Is it a true bilingual track or just extra language instruction? What support exists for beginners?
Transition supports (language/integration help)	Newly arrived families needing a bridge into school routines	German support around the school	Low–Medium	Offered locally; varies by school/region	Helps children enter school more confidently	What’s the official pathway for newcomers? Is there an integration class? What’s the expected duration?

Tip: Availability varies by region. The goal isn’t to find “the perfect option” on day one; it’s to pick one primary path and one backup, then start outreach.

What to expect from each option

1. Public school

Public school is often the default for resident families. The make-or-break factor for expats is usually language support: how newcomers are placed, what support is offered, and how quickly children are expected to participate in German.

2. Private school

Private schools can mean many different things in Germany. Some are German-language schools with a specific philosophy; others are more internationally oriented. Always confirm the language of instruction, what’s included in tuition, and whether there’s structured support for newcomers.

3. International school

International schools work well when you need continuity (especially for shorter stays), or your child doesn’t yet have German. The trade-offs tend to be cost, competitive admissions, and commute.

4. Bilingual pathways

“Bilingual” can mean a true two-language track, or it can mean “German school with enhanced language classes.” Ask exactly how much instruction happens in each language, and what happens if your child starts as a beginner.

5. Transition supports

This is what many families need in the first 3–12 months, especially if your child is starting German from scratch. Transition support can include integration classes, language scaffolding, newcomer placement processes, or school-based support that helps children join mainstream classes more confidently.

What to clarify when you ask about transition support:

• Is there a dedicated newcomer or integration class/program?

• How long does support typically last? (weeks vs months vs longer)

• Does it affect grade placement or daily schedule?

• How is progress measured, and when do students transition into full mainstream classes?

• What support exists for parents (communication, school-language barriers, meetings)?

If your child is anxious, overwhelmed, or new to German, this category often matters more than the “type of school” at the beginning because it determines how smooth the first months feel.

The 5 “fit factors” that make the decision easier

If you’re torn, use these to decide quickly:

• Length of stay: Shorter stays favor continuity; longer stays increase the value of local integration.

• Child’s age: Younger children often adapt faster to language immersion; older children may need more structured support.

• Language readiness: Beginner vs intermediate changes what “best option” means.

• Budget: Include tuition + transport + required activities/materials, not just headline tuition.

• Commute + schedule: A great option becomes unrealistic if it consumes the day.

To keep learning consistent while you sort school logistics, here’s how to build a legal at-home learning routine that supports school (without crossing into “replacement”).

Keep learning consistent at home (legally): after-school, weekends, and travel periods

You can still do meaningful learning at home in Germany; you just want it to function as support, not a replacement for school attendance.

The goal is continuity: keeping skills moving forward (especially language, reading, and math) while giving your child a steady rhythm during a big transition.

Below is a simple, compliant way to think about at-home learning, plus Germany-friendly hands-on ideas that work even if your schedule changes week to week.

A “supplemental learning” plan that stays realistic

Think in three layers. You don’t need all three every week, just enough to stay consistent.

Layer 1: Daily (10–25 minutes), keep the basics moving

• Language practice: vocabulary, speaking, listening, or read-alouds (German or bilingual, depending on your child’s level)

• Reading: a short read-aloud + one “tell me about it” prompt

• Math fluency: quick practice (number sense, mental math, basic facts)

Layer 2: Weekly (1–2 sessions), deeper learning without overload

• One hands-on project: build, cook, design, experiment, create

• One writing or reflection task: a paragraph, a labeled drawing, or a short “what we did / what we noticed” entry

• One “life skills” task: budgeting, planning a route, grocery math, cooking measurements

Layer 3: Flex days (travel weeks / chaotic weeks), continuity without pressure

• Micro-learning: 10 minutes of reading + 10 minutes of math + one walk-and-notice activity

• Language in the real world: practice ordering, asking directions, reading signs, listening for keywords

If your child is exhausted from school adjustment, prioritize short, predictable learning over big assignments. Consistency matters more than intensity.

Germany-friendly hands-on learning ideas

These work well in Germany because they use what’s already around you, public spaces, transit, markets, and nature access.

Museums and cultural stops (easy project fuel)

• Pick one exhibit/topic and do a 15-minute extension at home: a sketch, a mini-poster, or a “3 things I learned” note.

• Great for: history, science, art vocabulary, and observation skills.

Transit math and real-world numbers (especially in cities)

• Compare routes: shortest time vs fewest transfers vs lowest cost.

• Estimate and check: “How long will it take?” “How many stops?” “What time will we arrive?”

• Great for: time, estimation, data, problem-solving.

Local markets and grocery learning

• Price comparisons, unit pricing, weights (grams/kg), budgeting, and meal planning.

• Bonus language: food vocabulary, polite phrases, and reading labels.

• Great for: math + language + life skills in one activity.

Nature walks and outdoor science

• Simple prompts: “Find 3 living things,” “What changed since last week?” “Sketch one leaf and label details.”

• Great for: biology, observation, descriptive language, and calm regulation.

Home projects that don’t require special supplies

• Cooking: fractions, sequencing, measurement, vocabulary

• Building: engineering thinking (“design, test, adjust”)

• Story-based projects: read a story, then build/draw/act it out

Light recordkeeping that helps during moves

Even if you’re not “homeschooling,” a light record trail is useful for transitions, especially if you move countries again, switch schools, or need to show what your child worked on during travel periods.

Keep one simple folder (digital is fine) with:

• Reading log: title + date (one line each)

• Work samples: 2–5 photos a week (projects, writing, drawings, math pages)

• Monthly snapshot: 5 bullets on what improved, what was hard, and what you’ll focus on next month

This takes 10–15 minutes a week and saves a lot of stress later.

Screen-light options that still feel structured

If you’re trying to keep screens low, these work well:

• Printables for short skills practice (math, handwriting, vocabulary)

• Read-aloud + discussion prompts (oral responses count)

• Real-world tasks (shopping, cooking, planning trips) as learning time

• Hands-on projects and storytelling (build, draw, role-play, explain)

Your child doesn’t need more screen time to keep learning and moving; they need short routines + real-world practice.

Now let’s make this actionable with a verification + decision checklist you can run before you commit to a plan.

Verification + decision checklist for US families moving to Germany

If you want to avoid last-minute stress, treat this like a short project: verify the right local rules, choose a schooling path, and gather the documents schools will actually ask for. This checklist is designed for families who are either moving soon or trying to stabilize their plan this month.

Step 1: Confirm where you’ll be governed

Before you make decisions based on general advice, get clear on:

• Which Bundesland will you live in (rules and processes are administered at the state level)

• Which local school authority or office handles enrollment/attendance in your area

• Which school does your address route to (if public school assignment is based on residence)

What to ask (keep it short and practical):

• “What is the enrollment process for a newly arrived child in our area?”

• “What language support exists for students new to German?”

• “What documents do you require for placement and registration?”

Step 2: Make the “decision triad” once, then stick to it

Most families get stuck because they keep re-deciding everything weekly. Make one decision using these three factors:

• Length of stay: short-term vs multi-year changes what “best fit” means

• Language needs: beginner vs intermediate German changes, which schools are realistic now

• Budget + availability: what you can afford and what has seats within your timeline

If you’re torn between two options, choose:

• One primary path (your default plan)

• One backup path (if waitlists or placement don’t work out)

Step 3: Gather the documents that usually slow families down

Document requirements vary, but these are the items that commonly cause delays when they’re missing or hard to access:

• Prior school records (report cards, transcripts, grade placement info)

• Any learning support documentation (IEP/504 equivalents, evaluations, therapy notes if relevant)

• Identity and residency items that schools may request (as required locally)

• Immunization records (if applicable to your school’s requirements)

• Translations of key records if needed (ask schools what they accept before paying for translation)

Tip: Create a single digital folder with scans/photos so you’re not chasing paperwork during enrollment week.

Step 4: Ask schools the questions that prevent surprises later

When comparing public, private, international, or bilingual options, ask for specifics, not marketing language.

Admissions and logistics

• “What is your admissions timeline, and how long do decisions usually take?”

• “Are there waitlists for this grade, and what are the realistic next steps if so?”

• “What does the weekly schedule look like, and what time does the day actually end?”

Language and support

• “What structured language support exists for newcomers?”

• “How are students assessed and placed—by age, level, or both?”

• “How do you communicate with parents who don’t speak German fluently yet?”

Attendance expectations

• “What counts as an excused absence?”

• “What happens during transition periods or adjustment phases?”

• “What support exists if a child is struggling to settle?”

Step 5: Red flags to avoid

These aren’t “opinions”, they’re warning signs that you’re being sold certainty where none exists:

• Anyone promising guaranteed loopholes or “everyone does this” solutions

• Vague claims that can’t be tied to your location, and an official process

• A plan that depends on staying ambiguous about enrollment/attendance expectations

• Advice that discourages you from getting requirements in writing or confirmed through proper channels

If you’ve verified your local requirements and your plan is “school attendance + supplemental learning,” the next challenge is consistency, keeping skills moving forward without spending every night hunting for resources or rebuilding plans from scratch.

Make At-Home Learning Consistent Without Extra Prep with TSHA

The School House Anywhere (TSHA) is a Pre-K–6 homeschool, micro-school, and traveler program built around its American Emergent Curriculum (AEC). It’s designed to keep learning hands-on and screen-light for kids, with a clear structure for the adults guiding learning. 

Here’s what TSHA gives you that makes at-home learning easier to run consistently:

• 6-week learning sessions that create rhythm. Instead of piecing things together week by week, TSHA organizes learning into focused six-week sessions that are meant to be easy to follow and implement. 

• Ready-to-use materials that reduce prep. You get custom AEC printables/worksheets and an instructional film library that supports parents and educators with “how to teach” guidance. 

• A hands-on approach (not student screen time). TSHA emphasizes real-world activities, projects, and storytelling tech is used to support planning/organization for adults, not to shift learning onto screens for children. 

• Progress tracking and portfolio-friendly organization. TSHA offers record-keeping and portfolio support through a customized Transparent Classroom setup, which helps you log learning and organize evidence without building a complicated system from scratch. 

• Ongoing human support so you’re not troubleshooting alone. TSHA offers scheduled office hours and live educator/founder gatherings for guidance as you implement and adjust. 

If you want a structured plan you can run at home, start by reviewing TSHA’s curriculum samples and “How It Works” overview. If you have questions about pacing, multi-age use, or keeping it screen-light, bring those questions to a live Q&A or office hour. 

Conclusion

Homeschooling in Germany can feel confusing at first, especially for US families who expect home education to be a normal option. The most practical way forward is to anchor your plan in what Germany requires school attendance and then build a simple, supplemental learning routine at home that supports your child’s language growth, confidence, and steady progress.

If you take one thing from this guide, let it be this: verify your local requirements early, choose a legal schooling path based on your length of stay and language needs, and keep home learning short, hands-on, and consistent so it helps, without creating compliance risk or burning you out.

And if you want a structured, screen-light way to keep learning moving after school, on weekends, or during travel periods, TSHA can provide a clear rhythm and ready-to-use resources for Pre-K–6 that make at-home learning easier to sustain.

FAQs

Q. Is homeschooling legal in Germany?

In most cases, no, Germany generally requires compulsory school attendance (not just “compulsory education”), meaning children are expected to attend a recognized school. Only limited exceptions may apply in specific situations (for example, prolonged illness). 

Q. Why is homeschooling illegal in Germany?

Germany’s education system is structured around Schulpflicht (mandatory attendance), and courts have upheld the state’s ability to require attendance at approved schools rather than allowing home education as a substitute. 

Q. What happens if parents homeschool in Germany anyway?

Violations of compulsory schooling are typically treated as an administrative offence, often starting with official contact and potentially escalating to fines; enforcement and process vary by state (Bundesland). 

Q. Can expats homeschool their kids in Germany?

The rules apply broadly—children living in Germany are generally required to attend school, regardless of nationality, and “home education” is only mentioned as possible in exceptional cases. 

Q. Does online school count as homeschooling in Germany?

Not automatically. What matters is whether a child is meeting local compulsory attendance requirements through a recognized pathway; assuming an online program “counts” can create compliance risk.