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Taught languages German, Finnish, English, Swedish, French, Russian, Spanish, Latin
Strengths Languages, Academic Enrichment, Performing Arts
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Primary School, Secondary School, Kindergarten, Senior Secondary School
Introduction
Deutsche Schule Helsinki is a private, German-Finnish intercultural school in Helsinki offering bilingual education from early years to upper secondary. The curriculum combines German and Finnish systems across three stages: lower grades (1–5), upper grades (6–9), and upper secondary. In early years German is taught as a foreign language with English, with Finnish as mother tongue and second language, plus life stance education and Evangelical religion. In upper grades many subjects have curricula published in German, including Chemistry, Biology, German, Finnish as mother tongue, English, Ethics, Geography, History, Art, Latin (8–12), Swedish, Russian, and Sport, with Economics also offered. The upper secondary culminates in the Deutsches Internationales Abitur (DIA), a dual-qualification with a German university entrance qualification and a Finnish matriculation certificate; exams include written tests in three subjects in January and oral tests in two in March. The school provides a library, a music school, after-school care, and an activity program at Malminkatu 14, 00100 Helsinki.
Deutsche Schule Helsinki has 700 pupils, instruction in German, Finnish.
Location
Address: Malminkatu 14, 00100 Helsinki, Finland.
Stages
Early childhood and preschool; Lower elementary; Upper elementary; High school.
Type
The school is a private school focusing on German and Finnish languages and cultures.
Additional learning support
The school has a multi-disciplinary student welfare team that meets regularly; the team includes a deputy head, school nurses, a school counselor, a school psychologist, coordinators, special education teachers and guidance counselors. The team provides confidential support and can offer temporary or ongoing support, including assessments and targeted learning support.
Country affiliation
Germany
Diving Deeper
The school has not added this information
Academics
Deutsche Schule Helsinki teaches German Curriculum for students aged 3 to 19.
Curriculum
The school provides three stages: lower grades (1–5), upper grades (6–9), and upper secondary (10–12). In lower grades, German is taught as a foreign language, alongside English, Finnish as mother tongue, Finnish as second language, life stance education, Evangelical religion, crafts, music, and own-language instruction for grades 1–9. In upper grades, some subjects have curricula published only in German, including Chemistry, Biology, German, Finnish as mother tongue, English, Ethics, Evangelical Religion, French, Geography, History, Art, Latin (8–12), Swedish, Russian, and Sport, with Economics also offered in these grades. The upper secondary culminates in the Deutsches Internationales Abitur (DIA), with Grade 10 as a preparatory phase and Grades 11–12 as the examination phase. The DIA yields two diplomas: a German university entrance qualification and a Finnish matriculation certificate, enabling direct admission to universities in Finland and Germany. The examination includes written tests in three subjects in January and oral tests in two subjects in March.
Higher Education Progression
Graduates hold the Deutsches Internationales Abitur (DIA), which serves as a university entrance qualification in both Finland and Germany. The DIA enables direct admission to higher education institutions in both countries.
Wellbeing
The school has not added this information
Parent Experience
The school has not added this information
Facilities
The school has not added this information
Extra-Curricular Activities
The school has not added this information
Languages
The school has not added this information
Reputation
The school has not added this information
Admissions
Scholarships
Lucie Frischknecht Scholarship: The Lucie Frischknecht scholarship is awarded annually to two recipients based on applications. The six-month scholarship amounts to 250 EUR per month.
School Events
The school has not added events
FAQs
What curriculum does Deutsche Schule Helsinki follow?
DSH combines German and Finnish educational systems across lower grades (1-5), upper grades (6-9) and upper secondary (10-12). The school leads to the Deutsches Internationales Abitur (DIA), which qualifies for university admission in both Finland and Germany.
What languages are taught?
German and Finnish are the primary languages of instruction. English is introduced as a foreign language, and the school offers bilingual instruction combining German and Finnish cultural traditions from preschool through upper secondary.
How many students attend DSH?
Approximately 700 students attend Deutsche Schule Helsinki.
When was DSH founded?
DSH was founded in 1881, making it one of Helsinki's oldest international schools. It began with German-speaking craftsmen and merchants.
What learning support is available?
Part-time special education by specialist teachers is available individually or in small groups. A multi-disciplinary welfare team includes school psychologists, nurses, counsellors and special education teachers. German and maths workshops provide targeted support.
Does DSH offer a music programme?
Yes, DSH has a Music School with a modular programme from kindergarten through upper secondary, including classical instruments, singing, band instruments, choir and orchestra.
What after-school activities are available?
After-school activities for Grades 3-12 include Aqua-Club, choir, music, reporter club, art, art history, theatre, chess and Svenska Klubben. Choir is available for Grades 1-2.
Does DSH provide meals?
Yes, food is provided by the school's own kitchen.
Does DSH offer scholarships?
Yes, the Lucie Frischknecht Scholarship awards 250 EUR per month for six months to two annual recipients.
Where is DSH located?
DSH is at Malminkatu 14, 00100 Helsinki, in the centre of Helsinki.
What is the DIA qualification?
The Deutsches Internationales Abitur is the school's upper secondary qualification. It serves as a university entrance qualification valid in both Finland and Germany.
