Q
Can I take my child out of school one day early for a cheaper holiday flight?
A
No. Under the strict Schulpflicht law, children must attend every single day. Taking them out early without a signed Beurlaubung (leave of absence) is an administrative offense.
Tips
If you have a valid reason (e.g., a family wedding abroad), submit a written Antrag auf Beurlaubung to the principal at least 2-4 weeks in advance. Note that cheap flights or avoiding traffic are never accepted as valid reasons.
Real Talk
長期休暇の前後に、フランクフルトやミュンヘン等の主要空港で警察による学童期の子供を対象とした一斉検問が実施される。学校の正式な休暇許可書（Beurlaubung）を提示できない場合、地方自治体（Schulamt）に通報され、州によっては子供1人あたり最大2,500ユーロの罰金が科される。