Supplementary education in germany: History and present developments

The chapter examines the attendance, cost, structure and nature of demand for supplementary education in Germany.

This chapter reviews a variety of secondary sources.

Between 20 and 30 percent of German students use “Nachhilfe” (supplementary education). This chapter argues that a complex combination of perceptions of poor school quality and parents’ fears push German students and their parents into the supplementary education sector. It also finds that Nachhilfe providers have very effectively altered the nature of their services in light of these demands.

This chapter articulates the underlying “push” and “pull” factors that shape the nature and popularity of supplementary education in Germany.