The children of expatriates living in Germany are eligible to attend German schools free of charge, although they must be able to understand and speak German. In the German educational system, which is largely the responsibility of state governments, children attend school from the age of 6, and must complete at least nine years of education. After elementary school they are split into three different types of school depending on academic ability, teacher recommendation and parental preference. The Gymnasium focuses on academic study and leads to a university education, the Realschule focuses more on vocational education still leading to higher qualifications, and the Hauptschule caters for those who wish to move into vocational training courses and early entry to the workforce. Some states have now introduced the Gesamtschule, or comprehensive school.

German schools offer few extra-curricular activities and the school day is quite short, ending around lunchtime or early afternoon.

Many of the children of English-speaking expatriates in Germany attend one of the many international schools which can be found in most of Germany's main cities. The fees for these are high, reportedly up to EUR11,000 per year, but many expatriate employees have these fees paid as part of their contract. Depending on the school, students usually study for the International Baccalaureate, the American high school diploma or the German Abitur.