Overview

German Religious Instruction in Public Schools

Overview

The German constitution guarantees the state's oversight of education and the rights of parents in matters of religious instruction.

Religion as an Ordinary Subject

Religion is an ordinary subject in all public schools, except for those that are non-denominational.

Constitutional Basis

The central constitutional provision for religious instruction is Article 7 of the Basic Law, which guarantees the right to "conscientious upbringing" in accordance with the parents' religious or philosophical convictions.

Bekenntnisorientierter Religionsunterricht

Bekenntnisorientierter Religionsunterricht is a form of religious instruction that is based on the beliefs of a particular religious community and is taught by certified teachers appointed by the religious authorities.