Login/Create Account
Realschulabschluss Exams in Germany
(Final exams at the end of 10th grade – Mittlerer Schulabschluss)
What are these exams?
The Realschulabschluss exams are centralized final exams that students take at the end of 10th grade (10. Klasse) in a Realschule or in comprehensive schools (Gesamtschule) to obtain the Mittlerer Schulabschluss (intermediate school-leaving certificate). This certificate is an important qualification for entering vocational training or moving on to higher educational pathways.
Which subjects do the exams include?
Details vary slightly by federal state (Bundesland), but in general they include:
| Subject | Exam type | Components |
|---|---|---|
| German (Deutsch) | written | - Reading comprehension (Leseverstehen) Written composition (Erörterung/Erzählung) Grammar and language (Grammatik) |
| Mathematics (Mathematik) | written | - Arithmetic Algebra Geometry Real-life applications Use of a scientific calculator |
| English (Englisch) (or a foreign language) | written + oral (in some states) | - Text comprehension Writing texts (E-Mail, Story...) Grammar and vocabulary Oral conversation (Dialog / Interview) |
In some states, a fourth optional subject (such as Biology or History) can be taken as a project or an additional oral exam.
How to prepare effectively for the exams
-
Understand the official requirements
-
Ask the school or teachers for a list of the areas emphasized in the exams.
-
Review previous years’ exam samples (Zentrale Prüfungen Muster).
-
Organize a revision schedule
-
Divide subjects across days and weeks.
-
Allocate enough time for exercises and mock exams.
-
Practical training
-
In math: practice using the calculator and solve a variety of problems.
-
In German: practice writing different types of essays and train reading and text analysis.
-
In English: listen to dialogues, speak with classmates, and practice writing.
-
Make use of support lessons
-
Join remedial/support classes (Förderunterricht) if available.
-
Do not hesitate to ask teachers for additional explanations in difficult subjects.
-
Take care of sleep and nutrition
-
Maintain a regular sleep schedule and healthy meals before exam days.
-
Avoid studying late into the night before the exam.
Passing and assessment
-
Passing is calculated from yearly grades + final exam results.
-
A result of at least “4 – Ausreichend” is required in each core subject.
-
If you fail one subject, it can be compensated by good performance in another subject (Ausgleich).
-
Some schools offer a compensatory oral exam (mündliche Nachprüfung) to improve the result.
What comes after the Realschulabschluss?
| Next option | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Fachoberschule (FOS) | Good average and Realschule certificate |
| Gymnasiale Oberstufe | Strong grades and school approval |
| ️ Ausbildung (advanced vocational training) | Available for most professional fields |
| Berufsfachschule | For theoretical or practical vocational specializations |
Final tips:
-
Don’t worry about the exams—prepare with confidence and a clear method.
-
Practice with friends through conversation and mutual explanation.
-
Rest well the night before the exam and go in confident in your abilities.
ـ* The team of writers and editors at the website strives to provide accurate information through extensive research and reviewing multiple sources when writing articles. However, some errors may appear or some information may be unconfirmed. Therefore, please consider the information in the articles as an initial reference and always consult the competent authorities for confirmed information.
