Leisure + family

If you have travelled to Germany as a skilled worker from a third country, your family members are entitled to family reunification under certain legal conditions.

If your children are older than six, they have to go to school, as school attendance is compulsory in Germany. Most schools are state-run, so attendance is free of charge. Home schooling is only permitted in exceptional cases, for example in the event of prolonged illness.

Basic structure

• Primary school: There is at least one primary school in every municipality. This comprises grades 1 to 4 and forms the common basis for all children in the education system.
• Secondary schools: In most larger cities, there are all types of lower and upper secondary schools (Hauptschule, Realschule, Gymnasium, Gesamtschule, Sekundarschule). In smaller municipalities, not all school types are always available.
• School-leaving qualifications: At all types of school, pupils can obtain both the Hauptschulabschluss after years 9 and 10 and the Mittlerer Schulabschluss (Fachoberschulreife) or equivalent qualifications. As a rule, the programme leading to the Abitur takes eight years at grammar schools and nine years at comprehensive schools and secondary schools.
• Travelling to school and bus connections: If there is no suitable secondary school in your own town, there are usually organised school bus or public transport connections to the nearest school.

You can finddetailed information on the different types of school as well as a flyer in various languages on the website of the Ministry of Schools and Education of North Rhine-Westphalia. On the YouTube channel "Schulen im Team" you can find clear explanatory videos on the school system after primary school in several languages.

Making contacts - especially in rural areas

• Use daycare centres and schools as social centres: Parent networks develop almost automatically at drop-off and pick-up times, at parents' evenings or parties. Actively approach others ("How long have you been here?"), arrange play dates or small outings. Stable friendships often develop as a result - and not just for children.
• Consciously experience your neighbourhood: Neighbourhoods are often closer in the countryside than in the city. Actively introduce yourself if you are new - a short visit, a friendly ring or a homemade cake open doors and work wonders.
• Take part in neighbourhood events: Whether it's a street party, barbecue evening or joint clean-up - such events are perfect opportunities to strike up a casual conversation. If there is nothing organised yet, why not initiate something yourself (e.g. "Summer barbecue for the street").
• Make contacts through club memberships: Club memberships offer an excellent opportunity to make new contacts in Münsterland. The regional club culture is diverse and lively, with numerous active clubs in areas such as sport, music, culture, customs and social commitment. Shooting clubs in particular play an important role by organising competitions, festivals and events that strengthen the sense of community. Clubs in the Münsterland region are often central meeting places for community activities and contribute to regional identity. By participating in club activities, members can easily make new acquaintances and build friendships. Shared interests provide an ideal basis for socialising and networking. In this way, club membership becomes not only a leisure activity, but also a valuable social network. Information on clubs and international communities can be obtained from the Citizens' Office, and you can gain interesting insights into people's regional customs here.
• Make targeted use of local meeting places: The bakery, weekly market or village shop are social hotspots. Take time for small talk instead of just doing a quick shop, as recurring encounters often lead to real contacts.
• Show commitment: Volunteering (e.g. at festivals, in the church or at campaigns) makes you visible and brings you into contact with many people at the same time.
• Make hobbies visible: Actively look for like-minded people (e.g. running groups, handicraft circles, gaming groups) or start something yourself.
• Use digital channels locally: WhatsApp groups, Facebook groups or apps such as Nebenan help you to make connections quickly - especially for initial contacts or information about events.
• Show openness & keep at it: Especially in rural areas, relationships sometimes take a little longer. Regularity, reliability and genuine interest are crucial.
• See children as bridge builders: Playgrounds, sports or birthdays automatically bring people together. Make active use of these opportunities instead of just standing on the sidelines.

A final tip: You can obtain information on clubs and international communities from your local citizens' office.