ZENTRALE KLASSENARBEITEN (ZKA)
& MITTLERER SCHULABSCHLUSS (MSA)

The German Zentrale Klassenarbeiten (ZKA) are a series of standardised assessments that are an integral part of the German educational system. It is conducted annually in the subjects of German, Mathematics, and English, and serves as a means to evaluate students’ knowledge and skills in these key areas. The ZKA aims to provide a consistent measurement of student performance, allowing for fair and objective evaluation across the German Schools Abroad. Additionally, the ZKA plays a crucial role in determining students’ eligibility for the Mittlerer Schulabschluss (MSA), also known as the Realschule, which is an intermediate school leaving qualification. The MSA is an important milestone for students in their educational journey, as it certifies their completion of the Secondary level of education and acts as a prerequisite for further academic pursuits. Through the ZKA and MSA, the German education system ensures a comprehensive assessment of students’ abilities while providing them with valuable qualifications for their future endeavours.

Zentrale Klassenarbeiten (ZKA)
K10

As part of K10, the final stage in preparing Secondary students for the German International Abitur (DIA) requires the following:

Three written ZKAs (135 minutes each) - German, Mathematics and English

Each ZKA counts as one third of the subject grade

Mittlerer Schulabschluss (MSA)
K10

In the German education system, the MSA provides a more practical and vocational-oriented education for interested Secondary students. This requires the following:

Two written exams (120-135 minutes each) - German and Mathematics or English

Two oral exams

Each written ZKA counts as half of the subject grade

MSA Graduates can attend the DIA programme