Does your child need help with German, reading or maths? You want to help, but you're not sure who to contact or what support is available. At the bottom of this page, you'll find a free PDF with ready-to-use German and English email templates and five questions to help you get a clear next step.
“My child can explain the answer aloud, but struggles to understand the written task” gives the school something specific to work with.
Some support is organised by the school. Financial help and disability-related assistance may require separate applications. The available support and application process depend on your child's needs and where you live.
Sprachförderung / DaZ
Ask how the school assesses your child's German and what language support is available. Include reading, understanding instructions and subject vocabulary, even if your child speaks German fluently.
First contact: Class teacher, language-support coordinator or school leadership.
Individuelle Förderung / Förderplan
Ask for clear learning goals, concrete support measures, a responsible person and a review date. Whether a formal written Förderplan is required depends on the state rules and identified need.
First contact: Class or subject teacher and school leadership.
Nachteilsausgleich
Depending on the need and applicable rules, adjustments may include extra time or suitable aids. Ask which conditions and evidence apply. Rules for children learning German vary by state. Notenschutz, where available, is a separate change to assessment rules.
First contact: School leadership and the relevant school decision-making body.
Schulpsychologie / Schulsozialarbeit
School psychological counselling and school social work can help clarify difficulties and plan next steps. These services have different roles from medical diagnosis or therapy.
First contact: School counselling staff, school social worker or regional school psychological service.
Sonderpädagogische Unterstützung / Schulbegleitung
Special educational provision and an individual school assistant follow different procedures. Ask which assessment and application route applies.
First contact: School and inclusion advisers for educational support; Jugendamt or the responsible Eingliederungshilfe authority for assistance funding.
Bildung und Teilhabe
Eligible families may receive help with school supplies, trips, shared lunches, transport and necessary learning support. Financial eligibility and additional conditions apply. Confirm funding arrangements before booking paid support.
First contact: Usually the Jobcenter for SGB II households; otherwise the responsible city or district service. Local arrangements must be confirmed.
Ganztag / Hort
Ask about available places, applications and fee reductions. Availability and conditions vary locally. After-school care does not automatically include individual tutoring.
First contact: School, care provider or local authority responsible for school-age childcare.
Choose your Bundesland to find the school authority and advice services. School contacts usually follow the school's location; financial-support contacts usually follow your home address.
Choose your state to see the school authority, advice services and official links for where you live.
Which authority and named contact can decide on this particular issue? If this is not your responsibility, please provide the correct contact.
Which options are available for my child's situation, what conditions must be met and which rules apply?
Which forms and evidence are required, who must issue them and are translations or specialist reports necessary?
Where and how should I submit the request, what deadlines apply and when can I expect a response or decision?
What help can start while we wait, who will coordinate it and when will progress be reviewed? If a formal application is refused, how do I receive a written decision and information about review or appeal?
All five questions as a printable PDF, with ready-to-use email templates in German and English. PDF file · 2 pages · no registration.
Have your child's school, grade, town, one concrete example and a short record of support already tried ready. Ask for the exact document checklist before arranging reports or translations.
Download the five practical questions and ready-to-use email templates in German and English. Replace the brackets, describe your child's situation and send the email to the school or responsible authority.
Download PDFFree PDF · 2 pages · German + English · No registration required
Tell me what your child is finding difficult, and I can help you clarify your next step.
Contact me: team@aykengerman.com