Nuremberg School Sees Success with €5 Fine for Chronic Tardiness

The Dürer-Gymnasium's controversial policy has reduced lateness and drawn interest from other schools, though experts highlight deeper systemic issues.

The Dürer-Gymnasium in Nuremberg introduced a €5 fine for students in grades 9–11 who are repeatedly late without valid excuses, aiming to address chronic tardiness.
The policy, implemented after extensive interventions like parent meetings and counseling, has only been enforced in isolated cases but has significantly reduced lateness overall.
School officials report that the measure has increased awareness of the issue among students and teachers, with digital tracking now used to monitor attendance more closely.
Experts attribute some attendance issues to broader factors, including the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health struggles, and lack of engagement with traditional schooling methods.
Other schools and regions, such as Berlin, are considering or have implemented stricter measures to address tardiness and absenteeism, reflecting a growing concern over the issue.