Germany awaits release of PISA 2025 assessment results

The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2025 surveyed about 6,700 German 15‑year‑olds from roughly 250 schools in the spring of 2025. The study emphasised scientific competence, model‑based problem solving and, for the first time, English language skills, alongside the core domains of reading, mathematics and science. Results are expected to be presented on 8 September, when the international ranking of participating states will be released.

PISA does not test rote knowledge of curricula; instead it measures whether students can apply what they have learned to everyday and workplace situations. Experts warn that weak PISA scores are often misinterpreted as direct evidence of poor school teaching, while the assessment actually gauges functional basic education and broader competencies. Prof. Samuel Greiff, head of the German PISA team at the Centre for International Education Comparisons (ZIB), stresses that the focus is on students’ ability to use mathematics, reading and science in real‑world contexts rather than memorising facts.