Overview

• North Rhine-Westphalia recorded 8,076 truancy fine cases in 2024, marking a 45% increase since 2020, the highest rise among German states.
• Hannover saw a 21% increase in truancy fines in 2024, generating over €468,000, while Saxony-Anhalt reported a 31% jump in cases over five years.
• Fines for repeat offenders vary by state, with penalties reaching up to €2,500 in Berlin, Brandenburg, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
• Family-related issues, such as lack of daily structure or care obligations, account for 70% of truancy cases in Berlin-Neukölln, according to local authorities.
• Other factors contributing to absenteeism include exam anxiety, bullying, and some parents extending vacations beyond school holidays.