The history, administration, and structure of education in the Federal Republic of Germany, or West Germany, are described. In general, administration is centralized at the state level. Each state issues its own course of study, conducts secondary level examinations, revises curriculum, and approves textbooks. Building and equipment maintenance takes place at the local level. Federal government, states, and local units all participate in school finance. The educational system consists of preschool, a common four-year primary school, and a secondary level with three tracks including both general academic and vocational programs. Course requirements, evaluation programs, and graduation requirements of these programs are discussed at length. Schools for the handicapped and private schools are described, also. All teacher education occurs in institutions of higher education except that of kindergarten and vocational teachers. There are four types of higher education institutions: universities, colleges of education, colleges of the arts or sports, and specialized higher institutions, formerly higher technical schools. The pamphlet concludes with a glossary of German educational terms and a selected reading list. (AV)