The Realschule strengthens independent learning. Depending on ability and aptitude, the Realschule enables students to focus on individual subjects, for example in the natural sciences or by learning a second foreign language, and enables them to continue their education in a vocational or academic context in accordance with their qualifications.

Lessons in the Realschule consist of compulsory lessons and, at the school's discretion, optional and compulsory elective lessons. A second foreign language (usually French) is offered as a four-hour compulsory elective course from year 6. Pupils who do not choose the second foreign language are taught in two other two-hour compulsory elective courses. Learning the second foreign language from year 6 is not a prerequisite for a possible transition to the introductory phase of the upper secondary school or for attending the Fachgymnasium.

In secondary modern schools with at least two streams, differentiation can be carried out in the subjects mathematics and the first foreign language or in one of the subjects from the 9th school year onwards according to subject performance courses A and B.

The objectives, content and methods for teaching in the Realschule are determined by the decree "Die Arbeit in der Realschule" (Work in the Realschule) of 21.05.2017 as well as by subject-related framework guidelines and curricular requirements.

The following qualifications can be obtained at the end of year 10:

• Extended secondary school leaving certificate I, which entitles students to enter the introductory phase of the upper secondary school (10th grade) or to attend a specialized grammar school,

• Secondary school leaving certificate I - Realschulabschluss,

• Secondary school leaving certificate I - Hauptschulabschluss.