Hamburg Celebrates Decade-High in Abitur Graduates and Improved Average Grades
Hamburg, July 7 – The number of Abitur graduates in Hamburg has reached its highest level in ten years. According to School Senator Ksenija Bekeris (SPD), nearly 9,600 students successfully completed their Abitur, an increase of over 300 compared to the previous year. This positive trend was announced during a state press conference.
Furthermore, the average Abitur grade improved for the third consecutive time, now standing at 2.34. The proportion of students who passed the Abitur also rose from 94.5 percent last year to 95.8 percent. Notably, more than 60 percent of the particularly good Abitur grades were achieved by female students.
Concerns Over ESA Results in German and Mathematics
Despite the successes in the Abitur, the school authorities expressed concern over the poor performance in German and mathematics in the first general education school leaving certificate (ESA). On average, students achieved grades worse than four in these subjects. The school authority recognizes the need for action and plans to continue working on improving educational opportunities for children and their German language skills through the ‘Startchancen’ program.
The Debate on School Grades and Support for Students
The discussion around the usefulness of school grades continues, with some arguing that grades can lead to frustration and pressure. Alternatives are being explored, and two Hamburg residents shared their opinions on this matter in a segment titled ‘Hamburg controversial: How useful are school grades?’
As the summer holidays begin, support hotlines are available for students and parents dealing with concerns and anxieties related to poor grades. The ‘Zeugnistelefon’ provides assistance to those in need.
Other News from Hamburg
In other news from Hamburg, the closure of the Hamburg Sternbrücke has been extended from four to six weeks by Deutsche Bahn, affecting the route from Hamburg Central Station via Dammtor to Altona.
Police violence in Hamburg is also in the spotlight, as a police dog handler has been indicted for dangerous bodily harm in office. She allegedly unleashed a police dog on a man three and a half years ago.
The number of mentally ill prisoners in Hamburg has increased, according to the 2025 annual report of the National Agency for the Prevention of Torture. A key criticism in the report concerns the housing of mentally ill prisoners in solitary confinement.
In sports, Hamburg’s tennis professional Zverev reached the quarterfinals at Wimbledon for the first time, winning against Jiri Lehecka. He is now set to face his formidable opponent.
Additionally, the first canoes are being removed from the Alster-Ufer.
Outlook and Further Information
The school authority’s focus remains on addressing the challenges identified in the ESA results while celebrating the achievements in the Abitur. The ‘Startchancen’ program is expected to play a crucial role in improving educational outcomes for all students in Hamburg.
For more information on the Abitur results and educational initiatives, further details will be provided by the school authorities.
Source: NDR.de
