Overview

• In 2024, district governments launched 9,034 proceedings for school attendance violations across NRW, including more than 1,000 related to early or extended vacations.
• A Schulministerium directive bars leave immediately before or after official breaks when chosen to lengthen holidays or secure cheaper travel.
• Parents and students can be fined up to €1,000 for unexcused absences, and pupils aged 14 and over face direct penalties alongside guardians.
• Düsseldorf led with 3,719 fines last year, while Münster recorded 2,062 proceedings and had already opened 139 vacation-related cases by June 2025.
• District authorities handle cases for secondary schools, while municipal school offices oversee fines for primary and special schools in their jurisdictions.