Lessons on war and defense may be introduced in German schools.

11:56 / 14.11.2025 68

German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt believes that schoolchildren should be better prepared for war and disasters. He considers this a reasonable precautionary measure, while others view it as fear-mongering and causing panic.

The proposed curriculum includes evacuation and first aid drills, as well as simulations of emergencies such as floods, cyberattacks, or power outages.

German schools have long studied the topic of disasters and war, mainly from a theoretical perspective. Now, Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt is proposing to conduct practical preparedness exercises for such situations in schools as well. This includes everything from using fire extinguishers to practicing how to assist injured students.

"My proposal is that an extended lesson on various threat scenarios and preparation for them should be held for high school students every academic year," he said in an interview with the Handelsblatt newspaper. He stated that preparing for war should become a regular part of school life.

The minister's view aligns with the position of many observers, including Chancellor Friedrich Merz. He said, "We are not at war, but we are not at peace either." This statement was linked to perceived threats from Russia.

Teachers support the new initiative

The Minister's proposal was warmly received by the Teachers' Association, which represents about 165,000 German teachers.

"The war has, in fact, already arrived. Such training sessions teach people how to act during wartime, which enhances young people's competencies," said the association's leader, Stefan Düll, in an interview with one media outlet.

Quentin Gertner, Secretary General of the School Students' Council, said that during his school years, there were no war or defense exercises, and he only remembers the usual fire safety instructions.

He believes that such activities "increase the resilience" of society - especially during wartime. They also help people stay calm and reduce stress during times of conflict.

Opposition party leader Nicole Gohlke believes this is clearly aimed at instilling fear. She said that it is unacceptable to increase such fear among children and young people.

The German government can only make recommendations; final decisions on the school curriculum are made solely by the education ministries of individual states.

What is the experience of other countries?

Disaster preparedness has been central to Japan's education system for years. Starting from preschool, students learn to prepare for earthquakes, storms, and even North Korean threats.

In Poland, however, the approach is even stricter. For students aged 14-15, there are mandatory classes on handling weapons. In such lessons, children are taught to assemble weapons and load ammunition. Many Polish parents and teachers support this activity.

It should be noted that in Uzbekistan, starting from the 2025/2026 academic year, practical classes on "Tactical and Technical Characteristics of Firearms and Pneumatic Sports Weapons" are planned to be introduced within the curricula of pre-conscription initial training in general secondary educational institutions. A procedure has been established for schoolchildren to undergo practical training in firearms, and schools have been allowed to use military training grounds.