The proportion of early school leavers, as they are called, amounted to 10.4% in Germany in 2012.

The European Union (EU) defines early school leavers as people aged 18 to 24 who have not gained an upper secondary qualification (e.g. university entrance qualification or successful completion of the dual system) and who are currently not attending (continuing) education.

The Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) also reports that Germany has nearly reached the relevant EU target, namely to reduce the EU early school leaving rate to less than 10% by 2020.

In 2012, the average rate across the EU Member States was 13.5%.

For further information:
Hans-Werner Freitag,
tel: (+49-611) 75-4158,
www.destatis.de/contact

https://www.destatis.de/EN/PressServices/Press/pr/2014/09/PE14_326_217.html