Another type of school offering stage I secondary education is the comprehensive school (Gesamtschule), which as a rule provides instruction for pupils in grades 5 through 10. Some comprehensive schools have an upper secondary stage of their own that is structured along the lines of the upper stage of the grammar school. The comprehensive school can take two forms: In a “cooperative” comprehensive school, the traditional types of schools - secondary general school, intermediate school and grammar school -continue to exist but on the same premises, under joint administration and with curricula so harmonized as to facilitate pupil transfer from one kind of school to another.

In an “integrated” comprehensive school, by contrast, the three types of schools are combined into one under a single administration and all pupils are taught together; beginning in grade 7, certain subjects are taught in courses structured according to at least two standards of difficulty geared to the certificate to be awarded at the end of grade 9 or 10 (secondary general or intermediate school certificate, qualification to attend upper-stage grammar school classes).

Children and young people with disabilities whose needs cannot be adequately met at general education schools receive instruction at special schools (Sonder-schulen). The compulsory education requirement applies to them as well, and without restriction.

The “second educational route” offers people the opportunity to earn school-leaving certificates later in life. Qualified adults who work during the day, for instance, can take coursework at an evening grammar school to prepare for the Abitur examination.