Realschule
The English phrase "middle school" can be translated into German as Realschule.
The term refers to a school that contains both primary and secondary level students.
Meaning: school containing both primary and secondary students (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Bavaria, the term Die Mittelschule is commonly used to refer to middle school.
Did you know?
- The word Realschule has nothing to do with the English word 'real' or being 'realistic'. It stems from the Latin 'res', meaning 'thing' or 'matter', originally referring to teaching practical subjects.
- In Germany, students are often tracked into different school types, such as Realschule or Gymnasium, as early as age ten. This means children are separated by perceived academic ability before they even reach the age most English speakers associate with middle school.
- The term Realschule historically emerged as a challenge to the classical Gymnasium, which focused heavily on Greek and Latin. The Realschule was created for those who wanted a modern education without the dead languages.
Example conversation
Two siblings talking about their education.
- JuliaJulian, gehst du nächstes Jahr in die Realschule?Julian, are you going to middle school next year?
- JulianJa, ich freue mich schon sehr darauf.Yes, I am really looking forward to it.
- JuliaDie Realschule ist viel größer als deine Grundschule.The middle school is much larger than your primary school.
- JulianDas stimmt, aber das ist auch spannend.That is true, but that is also exciting.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Realschule, CC BY-SA 4.0.
