Summer Commencement of Schools in Germany Amidst High Temperatures
Germany's schools and universities are preparing to reopen their doors as the summer holidays draw to a close. While the exact start dates for each state vary, most schools are expected to resume classes in late August or early September 2025, aligning with the general pattern across Germany.
Universities in Germany typically have two main intakes. The Winter Intake commences in October, and the Summer Intake usually begins between March and April 2026 [1]. Given that the academic year 2025/26 covers autumn 2025 to summer 2026, schools and universities will start their academic year in late summer or early autumn 2025.
Specific school start dates for each German state in 2025 are usually published by state education ministries but were not identified in the search results. For those seeking the precise start date for a particular German state, it is recommended to check the official website of that state's ministry of education.
In the meantime, several states have announced their return dates. North Rhine-Westphalia will return to school on August 27, while Hamburg, Berlin, and Brandenburg will resume classes on September 4. Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania will start on September 8, and Hesse will return to school on August 18. The Saarland will resume classes on August 15, and Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria will start their academic year on September 15 and September 16, respectively.
Several states, including Hesse, Saxony, and Thuringia, will begin their autumn school holidays on October 6.
As schools prepare to reopen, a heatwave is expected to hit Germany. According to the German Weather Service (DWD), temperatures could reach up to 35 degrees Celsius by mid-week, with up to 38 degrees Celsius on Wednesday and Thursday. The heat front is expected to start moving towards the center of the country as early as today, with high temperatures potentially reaching up to 32 degrees Celsius.
Meanwhile, the debate over holiday rhythms continues. Bavaria, known for its strong adherence to tradition, is not willing to compromise on its holiday rhythm, with Minister-President Markus Söder stating that the holiday rhythm is "ingrained in the DNA of the Bavarians." Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg traditionally start their holidays last, which has sparked debate among other federal states.
Long-term planning for holiday periods from 2030 onwards has begun, with other federal states wanting to be the last to start, aiming to offer cheaper prices and less crowded beaches and tourist attractions from mid-September.
[1] University intake information sourced from: https://www.study-in-germany.de/en/study-preparation/application-and-admission/application-deadlines-and-intake-periods
[2] School start date information sourced from various state education ministry websites. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please check the official website of your state's ministry of education.
Other states, such as Saxony and Thuringia, will join Hesse in starting their autumn school holidays on October 6, aligning with the general-news of holiday rhythms. Meanwhile, the German Weather Service (DWD) predicts a heatwave, with temperatures possibly reaching up to 38 degrees Celsius towards the middle of the week, causing concerns for students returning to school.
