The current edition of the national education report “Education in Germany 2026” describes the German education system in a phase of profound social and demographic changes: declining birth rates, shortage of skilled workers, changing immigration patterns and growing demands for equal opportunities and integration now shape all areas of education – from early childhood education to adult education.
For the eleventh time, the federal and state governments, together with the DIPF | Leibniz Institute for Educational Research and Educational Information, have presented the national education report "Education in Germany 2026." The report makes it clear that developments in the education system often only become apparent in the medium and long term and therefore must be considered over several reporting cycles. At the same time, the report describes numerous measures and expansion processes with which the federal and state governments are responding to the challenges in the education system. For example, early childhood education and all-day educational and care programs have been significantly expanded, educational participation has been further increased, and language support and language diagnostics have been strengthened in many states. Multiprofessional support structures in schools have also been expanded
Social policy is increasingly contributing to securing skilled workers
The report also describes progress in the educational participation of second-generation immigrants and a long-term trend toward higher educational qualifications. At the same time, the labor force participation of mothers has continued to rise in recent years. The report thus makes it clear that education policy is increasingly contributing to securing skilled workers. The integration of immigrants into education and the labor market, the better utilization of existing employment potential, and the strengthening of lifelong learning are therefore gaining in importance.
- Federal Education Minister Karin Prien: “Good education begins long before school. The report shows how strongly early development and educational opportunities shape a person's future educational path. That's why the federal and state governments are investing specifically in early education, language support, and better transitions within the education system. Our goal is an education system that identifies talents early, strengthens potential, and opens up opportunities for advancement – regardless of origin or social background. Here, too, the following applies: Sustainable change doesn't happen in the short term, but through reliable and long-term education policies implemented jointly by the federal, state, and local governments.”
- Katharina Günther-Wünsch, Senator for Education, Youth and Family of the State of Berlin, explains on behalf of the German states: “The education report clearly shows that education determines life chances. Therefore, the federal and state governments are investing specifically in early childhood education, all-day schooling, language support, and improved educational transitions. A child's background should not determine their future. Our goal is for every child to have the opportunity to develop their talents and abilities to the fullest. However, it is also clear that educational policy reforms don't work overnight. They require reliability and perseverance. Because good education doesn't arise from short-term measures, but from consistent work on quality and equal opportunities.”
Strengthening basic skills remains a key task for the future
In the area of education, the report continues to describe declining skill development, particularly in mathematics and computer and information literacy. The report makes it clear that strengthening basic skills remains a key task for the future. At the same time, the report points out that social background continues to have a significant impact on educational success and participation, and that educational inequalities often emerge even before children start school. According to the report, clear social differences are already evident at the age of two, for example, in children's vocabulary.
Educational inequalities often arise before starting school
Early childhood education remains a key area of focus: in 2025, the number of daycare centers reached a new record high of over 57,000. At the same time, significant shortages of childcare, particularly for children under three, persist in some regions. The report points out that educational inequalities often begin even before children start school and can continue throughout their education. Therefore, in recent years, the federal and state governments have intensified their efforts to promote equal opportunities – including investments in early childhood education, language support, all-day programs, and the "Startchancen" (Starting Opportunities) program, which provides targeted support to schools in challenging social circumstances.
Declining birth rates and the retirement of the "boomers" are changing the education system in the long term
The report points, among other things, to the significant decline in birth rates since 2022. With approximately 677,000 births, the number in 2024 was back at the level of the early 2010s. At the same time, the large birth cohorts of the last century are now reaching retirement age. The report makes it clear that these developments will change the education system in the long term and bring with them new demands on planning, management, and educational offerings.
In conclusion: Challenges in the education sector cannot be solved in the short term
The report also makes it clear that the challenges in the education sector cannot be solved in the short term. Equal opportunities, securing skilled workers, integration, and digitalization remain long-term tasks that can only be tackled jointly by the federal government, states, and municipalities.
Background to the education report “Education in Germany”
The national education report "Education in Germany" is compiled by an independent group of authors on behalf of the federal and state governments and coordinated by the DIPF | Leibniz Institute for Educational Research and Educational Information. Published every two years since 2006, it examines the development of the German education system across all educational sectors. Participating institutions include the German Institute for Adult Education – Leibniz Centre for Lifelong Learning (DIE), the German Youth Institute (DJI), the German Centre for Higher Education Research and Science Studies (DZHW), the Leibniz Institute for Educational Trajectories (LIfBi), the Göttingen Institute for Sociological Research (SOFI), and the Federal and State Statistical Offices.
The report, as well as further materials and information, can be found at www.bildungsbericht.de.
Source: Federal Ministry of Education, Family, Senior Citizens, Women and Youth, Press Release, June 15, 2026
