Germany’s education reforms axe long division, sparking fierce backlash from teachers
Education reforms in Germany have sparked fresh controversy after Hamburg’s Kultusministerin Julia Willie Hamburg announced the removal of traditional long division from primary school curricula. Starting in the 2026/2027 academic year, the method will be replaced by a simpler, step-by-step approach—part of a broader push by the Department of Education to modernise teaching standards. Critics, including teachers and opposition politicians, argue the changes risk lowering academic quality in both maths and literature classes. The decision to scrap long division came after the Department of Education cited research suggesting the traditional method was overly complex and error-prone. Instead, primary pupils will use the halbschriftliche (semi-written) technique, breaking large numbers into smaller, more manageable parts. The Department of Education framed this as a pedagogically sound shift to improve learning outcomes. Teachers’ associations quickly pushed back. Stefan Düll, president of the German Teachers’ Association, warned that removing long division would leave students ill-prepared for secondary school maths. He stressed that mastering multiple problem-solving methods is crucial for later academic success. In Lower Saxony, similar reforms have faced resistance, with the CDU’s Sebastian Lechner accusing the Department of Education of harming children’s futures by lowering standards. Meanwhile, in Berlin, high schools are adopting simplified versions of classic literature, including works by Goethe, Schiller, and Lessing. The changes aim to make texts more accessible, particularly for students with migrant backgrounds. Orçun Ilter, Berlin’s state student representative, noted that many pupils struggle to engage with complex originals like Faust. Yet Robert Radecke-Rauh, a teacher and instructor, argued that such adaptations strip away the depth and beauty of the original works, undermining the purpose of a rigorous education. The reforms in Hamburg and Berlin reflect a growing trend toward adapting curricula for accessibility and modern learning styles. However, opposition from educators and political groups highlights concerns over academic rigour. With long division set to disappear from primary schools and classic literature being streamlined, the debate over balancing inclusivity and educational standards is likely to continue.
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