In one of Europe’s most advanced education systems, a troubling gap persists—migrant children in Germany are not receiving the support they need to thrive in school. The OECD’s director for education and skills, Andreas Schleicher, has voiced concern over the persistent structural disadvantages migrant children face in the German school system.
Despite Germany’s significant economic resources and a robust public education system, disparities in educational outcomes between native and migrant students remain stark. With nearly 40% of young children in Germany now having a migration background, the urgency of the problem cannot be ignored.
This article explores the OECD’s critique, examines the structural flaws in the German education system, highlights the real-life experiences of students and teachers, and considers what reforms are necessary to ensure equal opportunity for all.
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A Closer Look at the OECD’s Warning
During a recent press briefing, Andreas Schleicher warned that migrant students in Germany are often left behind due to a lack of targeted support and a rigid education system that exacerbates existing inequalities. Schleicher emphasized that:
“Germany continues to underperform in integrating migrant students, especially when compared to other OECD countries. The education system still too often reflects and reinforces social disparities rather than correcting them.”
This statement wasn’t made lightly. It came in the wake of several OECD reports, including the latest Education at a Glance and PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) results, which highlighted Germany’s struggles in providing equal opportunities to migrant learners.
Understanding Germany’s Migrant Population
Germany has long been a top destination for migrants, including economic migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. The influx intensified with the 2015 refugee crisis, during which over a million migrants, many from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan, arrived in Germany.
As a result, classrooms have become more diverse, linguistically and culturally. According to the Federal Statistical Office of Germany, nearly 40% of children under the age of five have a migration background. This demographic shift presents both an opportunity for multicultural enrichment and a challenge for inclusive education.
Challenges Migrant Children Face in German Schools
Language Barriers
One of the most pressing issues migrant students face is the lack of adequate language support. Many children enter school without proficiency in German, yet language instruction is often minimal or poorly integrated. Without strong language foundations, students struggle to keep up in core subjects.
Early Academic Tracking
Germany’s education system separates students into different tracks (e.g., Hauptschule, Realschule, Gymnasium) as early as age 10. This early tracking can disadvantage migrant children who may need more time to adapt and develop academically. Once placed in a lower track, it’s hard to switch to a more academic pathway.
Socioeconomic Disadvantages
Migrant families often face economic hardship, overcrowded housing, and limited access to educational resources like books, tutoring, or digital devices—all of which can hinder academic achievement.
Lack of Culturally Responsive Teaching
Teachers are often not trained in intercultural competencies. Curriculum and teaching practices may ignore or marginalize the experiences of migrant children, leaving them disengaged or feeling excluded.
Segregation in Urban Areas
Some German cities have schools where the majority of students are from migrant backgrounds. These schools tend to be under-resourced and are perceived as “problem schools,” creating a vicious cycle of inequality and stigmatization.
What the OECD Recommends
The OECD recommends several steps to help Germany close the education gap between native and migrant students:
- Universal Language Support: Integrate high-quality German as a second language programs, starting in early childhood education.
- Delayed Academic Tracking: Postpone academic sorting to later school years to allow all children a fair chance to adapt and thrive.
- Teacher Training: Mandate training in intercultural pedagogy and diversity management for all educators.
- Equitable School Funding: Allocate more resources to schools serving disadvantaged and migrant-heavy communities.
- Parental Engagement: Invest in outreach programs that support migrant families in navigating the school system.
Comparisons with Other Countries
In contrast to Germany, countries like Canada and Sweden have been more successful in integrating migrant students into mainstream classrooms. Canada, for instance, places a strong emphasis on inclusion and bilingual education, allowing migrant children to maintain their mother tongue while mastering English or French.
Sweden has implemented individualized learning plans and offers special training for teachers working in multilingual environments. These measures have proven effective in reducing performance gaps.
Voices from the Classroom
Teachers and parents across Germany are echoing the OECD’s concerns. Maria Becker, a primary school teacher in Berlin-Neukölln, said:
- “We see potential in every child, but the system doesn’t give us the flexibility or resources to meet them where they are. We have to work twice as hard to keep our migrant students from falling behind.”
- Fatima El-Sayed, a Syrian mother whose children attend a public school in Hamburg, shared her frustrations:
- “My son wants to be a doctor, but he was put in a lower track school. They said his German wasn’t strong enough, but they don’t offer any real support. How can he prove himself if they don’t give him the chance?”
Efforts Already Underway
To Germany’s credit, some local and federal initiatives are trying to address these challenges:
- “Integration Courses” for Young Migrants: These include intensive German language instruction and cultural orientation.
- All-Day Schools (Ganztagsschulen): Intended to provide additional learning support and extracurricular activities.
- Intercultural Mentoring Programs: Pair migrant students with older peers or community members to help them navigate school life.
- Digital Learning Platforms: Some states are piloting online platforms to provide language and subject-specific support tailored to migrant learners.
While these programs are steps in the right direction, the OECD believes they remain too fragmented and inconsistently implemented across the country.
Political and Public Response
The OECD’s findings have reignited public debate in Germany. Education ministers from several states have acknowledged the problems but are cautious about overhauling the system. Critics argue that systemic reform is long overdue.
Some conservative voices, however, maintain that the responsibility lies with families to integrate and that lowering standards to accommodate migrant students could backfire.
Nonetheless, most education experts agree that an inclusive approach not only benefits migrant children but strengthens society as a whole.
The Way Forward
To truly close the education gap, Germany must treat this issue as a national priority. Policymakers, educators, communities, and families all have a role to play. This includes:
- Policy Reform: Restructuring the early tracking system and implementing nationwide language programs.
- Investment: Increased funding for schools in disadvantaged areas, particularly those with high migrant populations.
- Community Involvement: Encouraging NGOs, local leaders, and parent associations to support integration efforts.
- Continuous Evaluation: Tracking educational outcomes by background to assess the effectiveness of interventions.
Without decisive action, the risks are clear: a generation of young people left behind, social tensions, and a lost opportunity for economic inclusion.
Frequently Asked Question
Why is the OECD criticizing Germany’s education system regarding migrant children?
The OECD argues that Germany’s school system does not provide adequate support for migrant children. It highlights language barriers, early academic tracking, and socioeconomic disadvantages as key reasons for poor performance and integration of these students.
How does early academic tracking impact migrant students?
Germany sorts students into different educational tracks at around age 10. Migrant children, who may still be adjusting linguistically and culturally, often end up in lower-tier schools, limiting their future opportunities and reinforcing inequality.
What does the OECD recommend Germany do to improve support for migrant children?
The OECD suggests delaying academic tracking, investing in comprehensive language programs, training teachers in cultural sensitivity, and allocating more resources to underprivileged schools with large migrant populations.
Are there any successful examples Germany can learn from?
Yes. Countries like Canada and Sweden have better integrated migrant students by promoting inclusion, bilingual education, individualized learning plans, and specialized teacher training.
What efforts are currently underway in Germany to address these issues?
Some states have implemented integration courses, mentoring programs, and digital platforms. However, these efforts remain inconsistent and limited in scope compared to what the OECD recommends.
How has the public in Germany reacted to the OECD’s findings?
Public and political reactions are mixed. Some call for urgent reform, while others argue migrant families should do more to adapt. Education ministers acknowledge the issues but have yet to propose nationwide reforms.
What are the long-term consequences if Germany fails to act?
Failing to adequately support migrant students could lead to higher dropout rates, unemployment, social division, and economic costs. It also risks alienating a significant and growing segment of Germany’s population.
Conclusion
The OECD’s warning is clear: Germany’s schools must do more to support migrant children. While the country has taken steps toward improvement, the pace and scope of reform remain insufficient. Language access, equity in academic tracking, and targeted resources are not luxuries—they are necessities. If Germany aspires to a truly inclusive and forward-thinking society, its classrooms must reflect that vision.
