Sharp Increase in Fines for School Absenteeism in Germany

Germany is experiencing a significant rise in the number of school absenteeism cases, prompting authorities to impose fines on parents. Data gathered from various federal states and municipalities indicates a troubling trend in unexcused absences among children and adolescents.

In North Rhine-Westphalia, for instance, the number of penalty proceedings surged to 8,076 in 2024, up from 7,505 the previous year and just 5,573 in 2020. This marks a staggering 45% increase over five years. The growing number of procedures is just the tip of the iceberg, as fines are typically imposed only after teachers and school administrators exhaust all other options with chronic truants.

Other states are witnessing similar patterns. In Saxony-Anhalt, the Landesschulamt reported 1,945 violations of compulsory schooling in the 2023/24 academic year, representing a 31% increase compared to the 2018/19 school year. Meanwhile, in Thüringen, the capital city of Erfurt initiated 113 proceedings in 2024, a 57% rise from the previous year, with one case resulting in a record fine of EUR1,305.

Furthermore, in Bavaria, Munich alone imposed fines totaling approximately EUR600,000 last year, with 2,766 proceedings recorded--a 15% increase from 2023. Similarly, in Niedersachsen, the city of Hannover reported 2,880 cases, reflecting a 21% jump from the 2,383 cases the year prior, leading to revenue of EUR468,540 from fines.

Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has also seen an increase, with 372 cases in the last academic year, a 21% rise from the previous year's 306. Hamburg reported an 18% increase over two years, with the number of fines escalating from 1,474 in 2022 to 1,736 in 2024.

In Bremen, the figures have stabilized between 615 and 718 annually since a low of 386 in the 2019/20 school year. In Hessen, the Ministry of Education states there are nearly 5,000 administrative offense proceedings each year. In Brandenburg, the trend appears to be continuing into the current academic year, with 132 cases reported in the first half of 2024/25--almost matching the total of the previous year.

The reasons behind these rising absenteeism rates are multifaceted. Education ministries attribute the trends to factors such as anxiety surrounding exams, bullying, violence, lack of motivation, and various family issues. In some instances, parents themselves contribute to the problem by rejecting the education system, particularly among groups like the Reichsbürger movement.

Additionally, increased travel opportunities around school holidays are a factor. A spokesperson from Augsburg noted that parents are often tempted to take advantage of lower flight prices before and after holidays, leading to missed classes. In Berlin-Neukölln, a study by the district's school attendance team revealed that 70% of the absenteeism cases stem from family-related issues, including lack of daily structure, social isolation, precarious parental situations, and even childcare responsibilities. Mental health issues accounted for 15% of the cases.

For repeat offenders, penalties can reach up to EUR1,000 in states like Niedersachsen, Bremen, Hamburg, Hessen, and several others. In Sachsen, fines can go up to EUR1,250, while Thüringen and Rheinland-Pfalz can impose fines of up to EUR1,500. In some regions, including Brandenburg, Berlin, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, fines can exceed EUR2,500.