Christian Dürr, the leader of the Free Democratic Party (FDP), urged that children with inadequate German language skills attend a compulsory summer school. He told “Focus” that this targeted holiday shortening must take place in all 16 German states.
Dürr emphasized that good German is the foundation for integration, genuine participation, and real chances for upward mobility for children. While he acknowledges multilingualism as a valuable enrichment, he warns that too many children are still placed into school systems where they ultimately do not acquire the language well enough. A diverse society, he says, needs a common language – and for Germany that is German.
In addition, Dürr demands that all children undergo mandatory language tests no later than two years before they start school.
Regarding funding, he argues that instead of continuing to waste money on bureaucratic subsidies, education expenditures should be increased to at least 1.5 % of Germany’s GDP. “That is an essential part of the FDP’s promise of progress” he added.