Berlin Signals Rethink of Plan to Make DDR History Optional in Upper Secondary

Overview

• Berlin’s draft framework would cut mandatory history from four to two semesters, keeping revolutions and National Socialism required while making DDR history and memory culture optional.
• The Verband der Geschichtslehrer and the Federal Foundation for the Study of the SED Dictatorship issued an open letter calling the change a serious mistake.
• The education senator’s office acknowledged the letter and said the concerns will prompt a fresh review of the regulation.
• Some reports say the senator has agreed to keep DDR history mandatory, though an official confirmation from the education authority has not been published.
• The changes were slated for 2026/27, and critics cite limited lower‑secondary history time and frequent non‑specialist teaching as reasons a mandatory upper‑level DDR semester is essential; Brandenburg is retaining four required semesters.