The intermediate school (Realschule) is positioned between the secondary general school and the grammar school (Gymnasium) and imparts a more comprehensive general education to its pupils. As a rule, it encompasses six years of schooling, grades 5 through 10, and leads to an intermediate school certificate qualifying the recipient to continue his or her education at upper level schools such as a full-time vocational school (Berufsfachschule) or a vocationally oriented upper secondary school (Fachoberschule). In 1995 about 40 percent of all school leavers earned an intermediate school certificate.

The grammar school (Gymnasium), which is generally a nine-year secondary school, imparts a comprehen sive general education to its pupils. In the upper stage of the grammar school, which encompasses grades 11 through 13 (in four states grades 10 through 12 or grades 11 and 12), a course system has replaced the conventional classes. Although certain subjects or groups of subjects are still compulsory, the wide range of available courses affords pupils in the upper stage of the grammar school ample opportunity to individually structure their coursework to emphasize certain fields. Subjects are divided into three general categories: language, literature and art; the social sciences; and mathematics, science and technology.