General information for parents. It cannot replace an assessment by a doctor or psychotherapist. If a life is in danger, call 112.
School problems: who helps at a German school
Problems often become visible at school first. School is also where a lot of free help sits, and many families never hear of it because nobody explains the German system to them.
The people to talk to
- Class teacher (Klassenlehrerin or Klassenlehrer): start here. Ask for a proper appointment instead of a quick word at the door.
- School social work (Schulsozialarbeit): social workers based at many schools. Free and confidential, for children and parents.
- Counselling teacher (Beratungslehrkraft or Vertrauenslehrkraft): a teacher with extra training for these conversations.
- School psychology service (Schulpsychologischer Dienst): psychologists of the education authority. Free. You can call them yourself, without going through the school.
Preparing the meeting with the teacher
Bring two or three concrete situations, for example: “Since the autumn holidays he cries before every maths test.” That opens a better conversation than “he is unhappy”. Ask what the teacher sees in class. Agree on one next step and a date to talk again.
If your German is not enough for this meeting, ask the school to arrange an interpreter (Sprachmittler or Dolmetscher). Many cities run interpreter services for schools. You can also bring someone you trust.
Nachteilsausgleich: adjustments in exams
If a health condition makes exams harder, the school can grant a compensation for disadvantages (Nachteilsausgleich): more time, a quiet room, extra breaks, an oral task instead of a written one. The expected level of work stays the same. Each federal state (Bundesland) has its own rules. Apply in writing at the school, ideally with a statement from a doctor or psychotherapist.
When your child stops going to school
Stomach aches every morning, panic at the school gate, more and more missed days. In German this is called Schulvermeidung or Schulabsentismus. School attendance is compulsory in Germany (Schulpflicht), and unexcused absence can lead to fines under the school law of the federal state.
Act early, because every week at home makes the way back harder. Tell the school on the same day. When your child is ill, get a sick note (Attest) from the paediatrician. Ask the school psychology service for a plan with small steps back into class. If fear or low mood is behind it, book a Sprechstunde.
A school assistant through the Jugendamt
Some children only manage school with an adult at their side, for example with severe anxiety, autism or ADHD. This school assistant (Schulbegleitung, also called Schulassistenz or Integrationshelfer) can be paid as integration support (Eingliederungshilfe) under § 35a SGB VIII when a mental health condition limits the child’s participation in school life.
You apply in writing at the youth welfare office (Jugendamt). It needs a statement from a child and adolescent psychiatrist or psychotherapist. Many parents from abroad are afraid of the Jugendamt. Help like this only starts when you apply for it yourself.
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