>I decided to live on a train when I was 16 years old. My school days were behind me and the whole world was open to me.
That alone is amazing. Is 16 normal in Germany or did this guy graduate years earlier than normal?
Answering my own question, seems maybe they went to a "Realschule"? If I understand it correctly kind of a trade or technical school for those whose path leads into a job right away. Otherwise it's Gymnasium (funny sounding to English speakers) a regular school path that leads to University.
In Germany, you usually start school at 6 years old, with 4 years of primary. After that, you have three options:
- Hauptschule, which takes 5 years and only gives a basic degree (sufficient for working in the trades)
- Realschule, which takes 6 years and gives you a more advanced degree for apprenticeships
- Gymnasium, which takes 8 years and gives the highest degree necessary for University
With each, you also have the option to continue afterwards and work towards a higher degree. He most likely finished Realschule, although it would be possible to skip classes and finish Gymnasium by 16 (but this is exceptionally rare).
back when i left school (2010) i was 16, there was no requirement to stay in further education in UK, so wouldn't be surprised if it was similar elsewhere. i believe it has changed in UK since then though.
This is correct; one must be in full time education up to the age of 18 now. However, this does not need to be at school; apprenticeships, correspondence courses and other kind of educational programmes count too. School leaving age (for those who are not educated at home) is still 16.
That alone is amazing. Is 16 normal in Germany or did this guy graduate years earlier than normal?
Answering my own question, seems maybe they went to a "Realschule"? If I understand it correctly kind of a trade or technical school for those whose path leads into a job right away. Otherwise it's Gymnasium (funny sounding to English speakers) a regular school path that leads to University.