A type of school in the German education system that combines the educational tracks of Hauptschule, Realschule, and Gymnasium under one roof and allows students to learn together for longer.
example
An der Gesamtschule können Schüler je nach Leistung den Hauptschulabschluss, die Mittlere Reife oder das Abitur machen.
At the comprehensive school, students can earn the Hauptschulabschluss, the Mittlere Reife, or the Abitur, depending on their performance.
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is made up of 'gesamt' (whole, complete) and 'Schule' (school). It therefore describes a school that combines 'all' or 'several' school types under one roof.
EXAMPLE
In einer Gesamtschule lernen Kinder mit unterschiedlichen Begabungen zusammen.
In a comprehensive school, children with different abilities learn together.
German education system
The term 'Gesamtschule' (comprehensive school) is specific to the education system in Germany. In other countries, there are often different names for similar school concepts.
EXAMPLE
Wenn man nach Deutschland zieht, muss man sich mit den verschiedenen Schulformen wie der Gesamtschule vertraut machen.
When you move to Germany, you have to familiarize yourself with the different types of schools, such as the comprehensive school.
Typical prepositions
To describe school attendance, the prepositions 'auf' or 'in' are used. So you say 'ein Kind geht auf die Gesamtschule' (a child goes to comprehensive school) or 'es ist in der Gesamtschule' (he/she is at the comprehensive school).
EXAMPLE
Meine Tochter geht seit diesem Jahr auf die Gesamtschule.
My daughter has been going to the comprehensive school since this year.
Compare with
confusable
Gesamtschule vs Gymnasium
Gymnasium
'das Gymnasium' and 'die Gesamtschule' are both types of school attended after primary school. They can be confused because both belong to the German school system, and a higher qualification may be possible at both schools. However, 'das Gymnasium' is its own type of school, which normally prepares students directly for the Abitur. 'die Gesamtschule' combines several educational tracks under one roof, for example Hauptschule, Realschule, and Gymnasium. If you specifically mean the path to the Abitur, 'Gymnasium' often fits. If different school pathways are offered together in one school, 'Gesamtschule' fits.
Gesamtschule
Lena besucht eine Gesamtschule, weil dort verschiedene Abschlüsse möglich sind.
Lena attends a comprehensive school because different qualifications are possible there.
Gymnasium
Nach der vierten Klasse wechselt mein Freund auf das Gymnasium.
After fourth grade, my friend transfers to the Gymnasium.
