There are different regulations in each state as to when compulsory school attendance ends or when a pupil can be released prematurely from compulsory education upon application by the school board.
In Hamburg, full-time compulsory schooling lasts eleven years and is accomplished by attending a primary school and a secondary general education school. During this time, pupils must attend a full-time school. After nine years, compulsory school attendance can also be fulfilled by attending a part-time school (vocational school).