This booklet provides a brief description of secondary education in Germany. The publication is part of a series that seeks to make the public aware of the education systems and traditions in all signatory states to the European Cultural Convention and to outline the essential problems these systems presently are facing. This short booklet contains four sections. Part 1, "The Social and Political Context," contains: (1) "Compulsory Schooling"; (2) "Secondary Education"; and (3) "New Political Orientations and Legislative Measures in Education since 1990." Part 2, "Issues Section," includes: (1) "Responsibilities, Administration and Financing in Education"; (2) "Main Programs and Curricula of Secondary Schools"; (3) "New Educational Curricula--Aims, Content, and Methods"; (4)"Secondary Education Research and Evaluation"; and (5) "Initial Teacher Training and Working Conditions for Teachers." Part 3, "The Efficiency and Performance of Secondary Education," examines: (1) "Quantitative Developments"; (2) "Qualitative Developments"; (3) "General Education Schools--School-Leavers According to Type of Qualification"; (4) "Admission to Higher Education Institutions," and (5) "Restrictions in Admittance to Higher Education Institutions." Part 4 examines "Challenges, Problems and Prospects." An appendix provides a "Basic Structure of the Educational System." (EH)