Kindergarten (literally translated: a garden or yard for kids) is not a part of the regular public school system and is not required or free. Tuition is normally based on income. Even though it's not mandatory, over 67% of 3 to 6 year olds attend them. (Many more children would attend if it weren't for the limited space) The Kindergartens are usually run by churches, organizations and private companies.

From the age of 6 through 9 all children must attend Grundschule or primary school. Here they one teacher that will teach them the basic skills like reading, writing and math and religion. They also have a class called "Heimat and Sachunterricht" which is where they learn about local history, geography and biology. In addition to their base teacher, they go to separate teachers for music and PE

This is also the time where children are evaluated for the next level of schooling. In the 5th and 6th grades (the "orientation grades:) it is decided which track the student will go to next. The decision is based on the students ability, speed of learning, intelligence and/or preference.
The lowest track in the German education system is the Hauptschule (General school). It's starts with 5th grade and goes up through the 9th grade. A Hauptschule is a school where the students prepare for occupations that require training. They also continue learning basic subjects as well as English. After a student graduates a Haupschule they can go on to a vocational school which lasts about 2 years.
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