der  Lehrplan

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈleːɐ̯ˌplaːn/

📚 What exactly is a 'Lehrplan'?

The German noun Lehrplan (masculine, article: der) refers to a binding or guiding specification of the objectives, content, and often also the methods of instruction for a specific subject, grade level, or type of school or training program.

It defines what students are supposed to learn within a certain period. You can think of it as a kind of 'roadmap' 🗺️ for teaching and learning.

There is only this one article for the word, so there's no risk of confusion based on gender. 💡

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar: Declining 'Lehrplan' Correctly

The noun 'Lehrplan' is masculine. Here are the declension tables:

Example Sentences

1. Der neue Lehrplan für Mathematik wurde vorgestellt. (The new curriculum for mathematics was presented.)
2. Die Lehrer diskutierten über die Inhalte des Lehrplans. (The teachers discussed the contents of the curriculum.)
3. Gemäß dem Lehrplan müssen wir dieses Thema behandeln. (According to the curriculum, we have to cover this topic.)
4. Die Schule hat den Lehrplan überarbeitet. (The school has revised the curriculum.)
5. Die Lehrpläne der Bundesländer unterscheiden sich teilweise stark. (The curricula of the federal states sometimes differ significantly.)

🧭 How to Use 'Lehrplan'?

The term Lehrplan is mainly used in the educational context:

• Schools: Primary schools, secondary schools (Gymnasien, Realschulen, etc.) have specific Lehrpläne for each subject and grade level.
• Universities/Higher Education: Here, terms like Curriculum, Modulhandbuch (module handbook), or Studienordnung (study regulations) are more common, but the concept is similar to a Lehrplan.
• Vocational Training: Ausbildungsrahmenpläne (framework training plans) define the content of company-based and school-based training.
• Further Education: Courses and seminars often follow a defined Lehrplan.

A distinction is sometimes made between Rahmenlehrpläne (framework curricula, providing general guidelines) and more detailed internal school curricula.

Important: Do not confuse Lehrplan with Stundenplan (timetable/schedule), which organizes the timing and distribution of subjects throughout the week.

🧠 Mnemonics to Help You Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of 'Plan' in German, which is usually masculine (der Plan). The plan for teaching ('Lehre') is also masculine: der Lehrplan.

Meaning Mnemonic: Break it down: Lehr- (from 'lehren' - to teach) + -plan (plan). It's simply a 'teaching plan' or curriculum.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

Caution: Stundenplan (timetable/schedule) is not a synonym! It deals with time allocation, not content.

😂 A Little Joke

German:

Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, was hältst du vom neuen Lehrplan?"
Fritzchen: "Nichts, Herr Lehrer. Ich halte mich lieber am Tisch fest!" 😄

English Translation:

The teacher asks: "Fritzchen, what do you think of the new curriculum?" (A pun: 'Was hältst du von...' means 'What do you think of...', but 'halten' also means 'to hold onto'.)
Fritzchen: "Nothing, teacher. I prefer to hold onto the table!" 😄

📜 Poem about the 'Lehrplan'

German:

Der Lehrplan, wohl durchdacht,
hat Wissen uns gebracht.
Was dransteht, wird gelernt,
von keinem Ziel entfernt.
Mal spannend, mal auch schwer,
so will's die Bildungswehr.
Ein Plan für Kopf und Geist,
der uns den Weg aufweist.

English Translation:

The curriculum, well thought out,
has brought knowledge about.
What's written there is learned,
from no goal are we turned.
Sometimes exciting, sometimes tough,
as education wants, enough.
A plan for mind and head,
that shows the path ahead.

❓ Riddle Time

German:

Ich sag' dir, was du lernen sollst,
ob Mathe, Deutsch, ob Holz.
Ich bin ein Plan, für jedes Fach,
und halte Lehrer auf Trab.

Was bin ich?

English Translation:

I tell you what you have to learn,
whether maths, German, or wood to turn.
I am a plan, for every subject taught,
and keep the teachers overwrought.

What am I?
(Answer: Der Lehrplan / The curriculum)

🧩 Further Details about the Word

Word Composition:

The word 'Lehrplan' is a compound noun, formed from:

• Lehre: Relates to teaching, instruction, imparting knowledge and skills. From the verb 'lehren' (to teach).
• Plan: Refers to a structured overview, a statement of intent, a procedure.

Together, the meaning is: A plan for teaching or learning.

Cultural Significance: Lehrpläne (curricula) are often subjects of educational policy debates in Germany, as they reflect what society considers important knowledge for the next generation.