Bavaria Implements Mandatory Preschool Language Screening

The new statewide program aims to identify and address German language deficiencies in children before they start school.

Bavaria has introduced mandatory German language tests for all children 1.5 years before their scheduled school enrollment to ensure readiness for school.
Children identified with language deficiencies will be required to attend a kindergarten with an integrated 240-hour German language course.
Approximately one-third of children tested so far have shown a need for language support, with urban areas reporting higher rates of deficiencies.
Parents have expressed initial concerns about the testing process, though officials believe these worries will diminish as the program becomes routine.
Children attending state-certified kindergartens with sufficient language assessments or special preparatory institutions are exempt from the tests.