Federal states argue for summer holidays: a fairer system required!

Federal states argue for summer holidays: a fairer system required!

Bayern, Deutschland - The discussion about the summer holiday dates in Germany is increasingly gaining driving. On July 17, 2025, a CDU politician expressed that equalization and flexibility of the summer vacation was urgently necessary. The proposal provides for the holidays to start at the beginning of June and only end in mid -September. According to the politician, a rotation of the holiday dates among federal states could enable more justice and variety. The summer vacation in 14 federal states is currently starting at different times, which often leads to overcrowded travel destinations and traffic jams. Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg in particular traditionally start at the end of July or early August and only end in mid-September. This regulation ensures considerable criticism from Saxony, Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia that want a uniform system.

The dispute over the summer holiday dates is not new and is further complicated by the federal structure of Germany. Education is a national matter, so that the holiday dates are determined by each federal state itself. Even if the Hamburg Agreement of 1964 forms a basis that divides countries into five groups that alternate at the holiday dates, there are always conflicts. Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg do not adhere to this rolling system and act as the last federal states that go into the summer vacation. So these two countries represent a special feature of the regulation.

criticism and demands for change

The discussion about the summer vacation is not just a question of scheduling. Educational politicians like North Rhine-Westphalia's Minister of Education Dorothee Feller are calling for an equal regulation for all countries. The current situation is also denounced from Lower Saxony, Thuringia and Hamburg. Thuringia even demands a modern, fair system. In particular, strategic considerations, such as examination times and teaching phases, play a role in planning the holiday dates.

units among the federal states are important to create a fair distribution and planning. In addition, the period for the summer vacation, which is currently ranging from June 20 to September 15, should be kept in mind. Some countries, such as Berlin and Hamburg, also use that the summer holidays do not start before July 1st. The resistance to a narrowing of the holiday corridor comes mainly from coastal countries and the tourism industry, which are primarily dependent on a fair distribution and uniform utilization of the offers.

Opinions about the summer vacation in Germany are diverse. While some advocate a clear regulation, the question remains how the needs of students and families can be reconciled in the best possible way. The debate shows that the summer vacation period is a central topic that affects many aspects of the educational landscape.