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noun

die Mittelschule, -n

middle school

Eine Schule für ältere Kinder, die zwischen der Grundschule und einer höheren Ausbildung liegt und auf das Berufsleben oder weitere Abschlüsse vorbereitet.

Definition & meaning

The term Mittelschule refers to a type of secondary school in the German-speaking education system, though its exact definition varies depending on the country or the specific German federal state.

  1. In Germany (Bavaria and Saxony): It is a type of school that provides a basic general education and prepares students for vocational training. It typically covers grades 5 through 9 or 10. It replaced the former in these regions, often offering additional branches for more advanced students to obtain a medium-level school-leaving certificate (Mittlere Reife).
  2. In Austria: The Neue Mittelschule (now often just called Mittelschule) is the standard secondary school for children aged 10 to 14. It is designed to provide a common educational path before students decide between vocational paths or higher academic schools.
  3. General Context: Historically or in a broader sense, it refers to any school that occupies the "middle" position between primary education and higher academic or vocational education.

Grammar & Word origin

The word is a feminine compound noun: die Mittelschule (singular) and die Mittelschulen (plural).

It consists of two parts:

  • mittel: Meaning "middle" or "central."
  • Schule: Meaning "school."

The term emerged to describe an educational institution that sits between the elementary level () and the high school level () or vocational specialization.

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms: Depending on the specific region and the exact educational level, synonyms include:

  • : The traditional term for the basic secondary school track in Germany.
  • : A general term used in several federal states for schools covering the secondary level.
  • : While slightly different in academic level, it is often grouped as a "middle" path school.
  • : Used in some states like Saxony or Lower Saxony for similar school formats.

Antonyms:

  • : The primary school attended before entering a Mittelschule.
  • : The higher-level secondary school that leads to university entrance qualifications.
  • : An institution of higher education or university.

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Examples

Viele Kinder gehen nach der Grundschule in die Mittelschule.noun

Many children go to middle school after elementary school.

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