Hardly speak any German

44 first-graders remain seated at elementary school

At a German elementary school in Ludwigshafen-Hemshof (Rhineland-Palatinate), 44 out of 149 first-graders have been left behind this year. Their German language skills are too poor and they have to repeat the school year.

The problem has existed for a long time. 98 percent of pupils at the Gräfenauschule have a migrant background, usually do not learn German at home, but then need it at school.

Last year, the percentage of children who failed to attend school was even higher. 39 out of 126 had to repeat the school year.

Lack of nursery places is the main problem
According to the school management, this is also a problem: nursery places are rare and only a fraction of the children manage to get one. Many toddlers only come into contact with the German language at school.

Many parents, on the other hand, identify a fundamental problem with integration - politicians are doing too little to introduce children to culture and language.

The Gräfenauschule Ludwigshafen

(Bild: Google Streetview (Screenshot))

Ministry of Education "surprised"
 However, the Ministry of Education and the school inspectorate had "always kept an eye on the situation at Gräfenau elementary school in particular and had taken numerous measures to improve the situation there", said a spokesperson for the ministry.

However, they were "surprised" that despite the "massive support" - which was also expanded last year - "more children are having to repeat first grade again".