Life Stages: Coming of Age

Germans generally associate coming of age with puberty.

Families or schools may hold celebrations to mark graduation.

Natural Achievement

No significant rituals or customs mark the transition from childhood to adolescence in Germany, and Germans generally associate coming of age with puberty. The acceleration in physical development has meant a corresponding acceleration in mental development and an early inclusion of German children in adult society. It carries strong implications regarding political, economic, social, and sexual participation.

Marks of Age

Children in devout religious families may participate in coming-of-age ceremonies such as Catholic confirmation. Families or schools may hold celebrations to mark graduation or other milestones in educational attainment. Ultimately, most adolescents prefer to move out of their parents’ home once they go to university or soon after they become wage earners.