The state of schools

“Can’t tie shoes or hold a pencil”

Many children lack maturity or language skills.(Bild: VOTAVA/DPA)

The school system is facing major challenges. Many pupils don't know enough German or other everyday skills. And then there is also a shortage of teachers in many places. We took a closer look.

Experts have been sounding the alarm for months: more and more pupils in Vienna are unable to follow lessons. In most cases, they lack the necessary knowledge of German. Alarmingly, a large proportion of these children were born here. They are listed as so-called exceptional pupils. And their numbers are growing.