Germany: Assessment and identification
How parents can prepare for assessment or identification of additional educational needs and understand the evidence being considered.
Use this guide to prepare questions and evidence, then confirm current requirements with the school and the responsible national, regional or local education authority.
Clarify the purpose
Ask what decision the assessment is intended to inform and who is responsible for making that decision.
Bring multiple sources
Collect school reports, examples of work, attendance, prior interventions, professional reports and the child’s and family’s views.
Ask about participation
Find out how the child and parents can contribute and how conclusions will be communicated.
Request the outcome in writing
Keep the decision, reasons, recommendations and any next steps together in the child’s evidence file.
Check the current framework
The European Agency for Special Needs and Inclusive Education provides country information, national contacts and links to current policy sources. Rules and terminology can change and may differ within a country.
How to choose a suitable educational assessment in Germany
Education rules vary by Land (federal state). Begin with the school teacher and its support or counselling team. Ask what question needs answering and which state school authority or school psychological service (Schulpsychologischer Dienst) is responsible for assessment and support decisions.
Is a private learning-disability test necessary?
Not always. Public school-based or school-psychological routes may be available. A private assessment does not automatically determine formal special educational support eligibility. Check the relevant Land's process before paying.
How can I compare assessments?
Ask whether the assessment covers the child's language background, classroom functioning, learning profile and accessibility needs; who administers it; whether it is recognised by the relevant school authority; and what written recommendations the school can act on.
See why the federal state matters and the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education (KMK).