German word

Gesamtschule

Pronunciation

IPA/gəˈzamtˌʃuːlə/

Meaning

  • feminine nouncomprehensive school

Example

Die Gesamtschule beginnt um acht Uhr.

The comprehensive school begins at eight o'clock.

Illustration for Gesamtschule (comprehensive school)

More examples

Viele Eltern entscheiden sich für eine Gesamtschule, weil sie verschiedene Bildungswege bietet.

Many parents choose a comprehensive school because it offers various educational pathways.

Core concept

Different levels of secondary schooling share one institutional roof while pupils can follow distinct academic routes within it.

Common phrases

  • auf die Gesamtschule gehen

    attend a comprehensive school

  • an der Gesamtschule unterrichten

    teach at a comprehensive school

  • an der Gesamtschule den Abschluss machen

    graduate from a comprehensive school

Similar words

Gymnasium: A secondary school with an academic track aimed chiefly at university entrance.
Realschule: A middle-level secondary school blending practical studies with general education.
Hauptschule: A lower-level secondary school emphasizing practical subjects and vocational pathways.
Gemeinschaftsschule: An integrated school where pupils of different academic levels learn together.

Definition in German

Gesamtschule bezeichnet eine weiterführende Schule, die Hauptschule, Realschule und Gymnasium nicht strikt trennt.

Word origin

Gesamtschule is a German compound of Gesamt and Schule; Gesamt derives from the sense 'whole', while Schule is the German noun for a school.

Usage tips

  • Gesamtschule refers to a school type, but its exact organization can vary between German federal states, so local usage may require context.

Opposites

Related words

  • Gesamtschulabschlusscomprehensive school leaving certificatenoun
  • Gesamtschulwesencomprehensive school systemnoun

Word lists with this word