# German teacher shortages and staffing crisis

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/german-teacher-shortages-and-staffing-crisis
> Updated: 2026-08-09T15:21:54.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 2.

Germany is experiencing a structural teacher shortage and staffing crisis across multiple states. To combat these shortages, Thuringia introduced a high-pay supplement for trainee teachers working in rural areas or shortage subjects, offering a 70 percent increase to base salaries. However, in Baden-Württemberg, the teachers’ union GEW has protested the practice of leaving approximately 4,000 trainee teachers without pay during the six-week summer holidays, calling the practice “unworthy.”

The crisis is further compounded by long-term sick leave and unfilled positions. In Berlin, nearly 400 teachers have been on long-term sick leave for at least one year, a situation officials say increases the burden on remaining staff. Nationally, the Standing Conference of the Ministers of Education estimates a shortfall of approximately 27,000 qualified teachers, with critical gaps in STEM, special needs, arts, and music. While North Rhine-Westphalia has reached record staffing levels, it is still redistributing personnel to support heavily burdened schools.

## Claims

- Nearly 400 teachers in Berlin have been on long-term sick leave for at least one year. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Insufficient staffing levels increase the burden on remaining teachers and contribute to further sick leaves. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The highest number of long-term absences occurs in primary schools, with 98 teachers out. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Marzahn-Hellersdorf district has the highest number of long-term sick teachers with 41 cases. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Central Medical Assessment Office (ZMGA) investigates long-term illness to determine fitness for duty. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- If a teacher is unlikely to return to duty within six months, retirement proceedings may be initiated. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-09: Germany faces teacher shortages and long-term sick leave crisis

Germany faces a severe teacher shortage, with hundreds of long-term sick leaves in Berlin and thousands of unfilled positions in North Rhine-Westphalia, particularly in STEM subjects.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/berlin-teachers-nearly-400-on-long-term-sick-leave

### 2026-07-28: German states launch teacher bonuses and face trainee protests over unpaid summer breaks

Thuringia offers a 70% salary bonus to trainee teachers in shortage areas, while Baden‑Württemberg’s GEW union protests unpaid summer breaks for about 4,000 trainees, highlighting nationwide recruitment efforts

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-states-launch-teacher-bonuses-and-face-trainee-protests-over-unpaid-summer-breaks

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Cite as: German teacher shortages and staffing crisis. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/german-teacher-shortages-and-staffing-crisis