Volume: 17  Number: 2&3  Page: 179–190

Home Education in Germany: An Overview of the Contemporary Situation

Thomas Spiegler Department of Sociology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg D-35032, Germany

This paper gives an overview of the situation of home education in Germany. The first results from a predominantly qualitative research project are presented. This combines participant observation, content analysis and qualitative interviews for a thorough sociological analysis of the German home education movement. Compulsory school attendance exists in Germany and home education is not allowed. Contraventions are regarded as an administrative or an indictable offence. Nevertheless, about 500 children are home educated. This takes place in secret, with tacit toleration by the local authorities or with legal consequences, ranging from a fine to partial loss of child custody, or even the possibility of a prison sentence. The parents who educate their children at home differ concerning their sociodemographic characteristics, reasons and learning concepts. Several networks exist which are either in their initial stages or expanding. This paper gives insight into the legal position, describes how home education in Germany is practised and explains the existing main areas of tension. In the conclusion it is pointed out, why, even if the conditions do not change, the field of home education is expected to grow.

Keywords: home education, Germany, compulsory school attendance

© 2003 T. Spiegler

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