Catalogue question 242 · Question catalogue in force since 2024-07-01

In Germany, who decides whether a child attends kindergarten?

Why — for every option

1. A — Unlike compulsory schooling, attending kindergarten is not mandated by the state in Germany.
2. B — The federal states do regulate the legal framework (e.g. the right to a childcare place), but do not decide in individual cases whether a particular child attends.
3. C — Correct: attending kindergarten is voluntary in Germany; the parents or legal guardians decide whether their child goes.
4. D — Schools are responsible for compulsory schooling, not for the kindergarten decision, which comes before school age.

Source: www.bmfsfj.de