The education level in Germany has significantly declined in recent years, and school tests indicate that the problem is likely to continue. While the average education level in Germany has been improving over the past few decades, a recent report by the Institute of German Economy in Cologne reveals that the trend has reversed, and education levels are now decreasing. In 2022, 21% of 25-64 year-olds did not have a vocational or academic qualification, up from 16% in 2014. The number of young unskilled workers between the ages of 20 and 34 has also reached a record high of 2.64 million in 2021, according to the Federal Government’s Vocational Education Report. The authors of the report predict that this problem is likely to continue in the coming years.
Various educational studies, including the Iglu survey on the reading performance of fourth-grade primary school students, have recently revealed that the percentage of students with significant learning difficulties has increased. According to the study, this also reduces the likelihood of these students obtaining a vocational qualification. While approximately 20% of 25-35 year-olds are currently higher qualified than their parents, there is a declining trend among 35-44 year-olds, whose education level is typically considered final. The IW study shows that while the percentage of people who have achieved higher education than their parents has only marginally decreased from 22.5% to 21.8% since 2000, there has been a significant increase in the percentage of people who have achieved a lower education level than their parents. Within 20 years, this percentage has multiplied from just over three to more than 15%. Additionally, men seem to experience a decline in education level compared to their parents more often than women.
The decline in education levels in Germany is a concerning trend that needs to be addressed. The government and educational institutions must work together to find solutions to this problem and ensure that future generations have access to quality education. It is essential to invest in education and provide support to students who are struggling to keep up with their studies. By doing so, we can ensure that Germany remains a competitive and prosperous nation in the years to come.
