Germany's education system is facing growing pressure as dropout rates rise and achievement levels fall.

New figures show that around 40% of students lack some basic reading, writing and math skills, with strong links to social background.

More than 64,000 young people left school without a diploma in the 2024/25 school year. Experts warn of long-term impacts, from skills shortages to higher welfare costs.

But at the same time, alternative education and vocational training programs are offering new creative paths into the workforce.