Economy Would you like to know more about the German economy? On this page, you can learn more about the defining characteristics of Germany’s economic activity. German industry generates high earnings Despite major cyclical fluctuations, earnings have risen in most economic sectors over the past few years. The sectors focussing on export play a crucial role in this. The automotive industry remains the leader: it posted earnings of 564 billion euros in 2023. As an innovation leader, it is an important contributor to growth and prosperity. Vehicle manufacturing also secures earnings for other sectors, as it has close links with companies in the chemical, electrical engineering, steel, metal and textile industries. The German success model When reporting on Germany’s successful economy, Time magazine recently remarked that many German companies have specialised in the “unsexy side of the industrial spectrum: not smartphones or iPads but machinery and other heavy equipment”. Some German companies, such as carmakers and the world’s third-largest software supplier, might disagree and insist that their products are very much on the “sexy side” of the industry. Yet the analysis is essentially correct: highly specialised industrial companies producing highly specialised goods are the engine of growth in the German economy. Following the much-lauded era of virtual wealth creation on the financial markets, the following principle is to be kept in mind: the industry has always been a

School system & compulsory education Germany is known worldwide for its education system. Here you can find out more about the German school system. Germany's school system Your children need to attend school from the age of six, as school attendance is compulsory in Germany. The majority of schools in Germany are run by the state and offer free education. You also have the option of sending your children to fee-paying private and international schools. Home education is only allowed in exceptional cases, such as when children are ill and unable to attend school for a prolonged period. As a parent, you will receive an invitation from the relevant school authority with details of the exact dates and registration procedures. You can also obtain information on compulsory school attendance from the competent Ministry of Education. Education policy is the responsibility of Germany’s federal states. Searching the websites of the ministries in the relevant federal state is therefore the most effective way of finding a suitable school for your child. You can filter by region, school type and internationality. For more information about specialisations, all-day education and how to register, please visit the schools’ own websites. School search Websites for the school search by federal state Baden-Württemberg Bavaria Berlin Brandenburg Bremen Hamburg Hesse Mecklenburg-West Pomerania Lower Saxony North Rhine-Westphalia Rhineland-Palatinate Saarland Saxony Saxony-Anhalt Schleswig-Holstein

Health insurance In Germany, health insurance protects you in case you need medical care. Here you will find an overview of the types of health insurance and what they cover. On this page On this page Statutory health insurance Private health insurance Health insurance without an employer In Germany, you are required to take out health insurance. There are two main types: statutory health insurance and private health insurance. The two systems differ in what they cover and in the requirements you need to meet. Switching from one to the other is not always possible. If you are employed, contributions to your health insurance are usually deducted directly from your salary. Health insurance cover from the first day in Germany Take out travel health insurance in your home country to cover the period between your arrival and the start of your employment. Check in advance with the relevant German mission abroad which requirements your travel health insurance must meet. Make sure you have continuous insurance cover, particularly for the period between your arrival in Germany and the start of your regular health insurance. Depending on the purpose of your stay, you will then either have insurance cover through your employer or training company, or you will need to arrange it by yourself. Statutory health insurance Most employees in Germany have statutory health insurance. If you have statutory health insurance, you can choose from a wide range of health insurance providers to find