The German School Shanghai is one of the largest German schools abroad worldwide. It is officially recognised by the Federal Office for Foreign Affairs and the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs of the Länder in the Federal Republic of Germany, and has received several prestigious awards. Since 2011, the school has held the quality seal “Excellent German School Abroad”. Since 2012, it has also been authorised to award the CertiLingua Excellence Label. The DSS has been certified as an “MINT-Friendly School” (STEM-Friendly School) three times, most recently in 2025.
A Whole-School Approach to Language Development from Kindergarten Onwards
Language helps children discover the world, express themselves and build social relationships. German is the main language at the German School Shanghai’s Kindergarten, making German language acquisition essential from the earliest years. It is a central part of our educational approach, supporting children’s social and cultural participation and preparing them holistically for entry into a German primary school. Our children are cared for by German-speaking educators, and activities are conducted primarily in German. In addition, children aged three and above can explore English and/or Chinese through a range of play-based activities led by native speakers and integrated into the weekly schedule.
We're learning German! Our German Language Support Programmes (DaF and DaZ)
We offer free, tiered language support programmes for children who join our Kindergarten with little or no knowledge of German, as well as those who wish to further develop their existing skills. Our intensive DaF programme (German as a Foreign Language) helps children build the language skills they need to express themselves confidently and participate actively in kindergarten and school life. The complementary DaZ programme (German as a Second Language) builds on existing knowledge, helping children deepen and consolidate their skills. It comprises three levels – BASIC, MEDIUM and MAXIMUM – and supports children step by step until they can follow lessons in German primary school confidently and without language barriers.
Language Development Through Everyday Activities
Our activities are conducted in German, with group leaders acting as language role models and encouraging all children to speak German actively. Through daily immersion in the language, children acquire and internalise German naturally and holistically.
Learning Through Play in Small Groups
From the age of four, children receive targeted language support in small groups led by our language development team. Based on the scientifically established programmes “KonLab” and “Hans Hase”, children continuously develop their language skills through singing, describing and explaining, helping them strengthen their German proficiency over time.
Regular Language Assessments
Children’s individual language skills are assessed when they enter the relevant support programme and are screened twice a year thereafter. These assessments help our language specialists determine how best to tailor and refine each child’s ongoing support and further develop their German skills.
Learning German Together
Parents play an important role in supporting their children’s language development. German-language books, audiobooks, films and regular holiday stays in German-speaking countries can all help strengthen language skills over time. Regular communication with the language support specialist ensures that learning at home is well supported and complements the programme at kindergarten.
Discovering Foreign Languages Through Play
From the regular kindergarten groups onwards, children begin exploring English in a fun and engaging way. Primary school teachers, all native English speakers, visit the Kindergarten for a dedicated session built into the weekly schedule, filled with stories, songs and games. In this familiar setting, children become acquainted with English naturally and enjoyably, almost without realising they are learning. Our Chinese assistants also introduce children to their language in a natural, playful way. Once a week, morning circle takes place in Chinese. Throughout everyday activities, including preparations for celebrations, children also enjoy Chinese songs, dances, games, stories and role-play. This multisensory approach allows them to experience language in a lively, meaningful way and discover new words almost effortlessly.
Continuing Language Development Throughout School
Our comprehensive approach to language development begins in early childhood and continues throughout the school years. Depending on students’ choices, the range of languages expands to include French, Latin or Spanish, complemented by bilingual subject teaching and additional options such as Chinese as a local language or as a foreign language introduced at a later stage. Students can also prepare for internationally recognised language certificates, with some examinations available directly at the German School Shanghai.