Preparation for regular classes

If your child has no or only very limited knowledge of German, this will be noted at the public administration office upon registration, or at the immigration office in the Office for Community Education Management (Büro für Kommunales Bildungsmanagement). Since 2015, this office designates which school new immigrants are to attend when they have no knowledge of the German language. Depending on their age and type of school, children receive either a placement in a preparatory class (VKL – Vorbereitungsklasse) or in a pre-qualification year for work / profession with a focus on acquiring German language proficiency (VABO). The preparatory classes are designed to equip the children to be able to take part in the classroom and successfully complete their education. This school placement service is available for both families immigrating from EU member states and for families who have come from non-EU member states.