Deutsche Schule, Barcelona
Key Stats
Annual Fees: US$7K - US$8K
Curriculum: German
Age Range: 3-18
Students: ~1,660
Location: Esplugues de Llobregat, Barcelona
Updated April 2026
In Brief
DSB is the right school if German language continuity matters - either because you're a German-speaking family or because you need the Abitur for university entry in Germany or Austria. For families without German, it's a steep learning curve; the school does support non-German speakers, but this is not an English-medium school.
Founded in 1894, Deutsche Schule Barcelona is one of the oldest German schools in the world and one of the largest German-medium schools outside Germany. Around 1,660 students from 21 nationalities; the student body is roughly 80% German and Spanish national families, which makes this feel different from the more cosmopolitan schools in the city. The campus is in Esplugues de Llobregat, 10km south-west of the centre - on the same road as the American School of Barcelona, and close enough that families sometimes compare the two.
The leaving qualification is the German International Abitur, recognised for university entry in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and widely accepted internationally. A dual Spanish Bachillerato is also available in the upper school. Class sizes average 24, maximum 27. Every classroom has digital whiteboards; students have iPads from Grade 3 upward. Extracurricular provision is extensive: football, basketball, volleyball, robotics, theatre, cooking, and more. The school holds the Exzellente Deutsche Auslandsschule quality seal - a formal accreditation awarded by the German federal government to overseas schools meeting its standards.
Fees are among the most accessible of any established international school in Barcelona: EUR 6,380 for Kindergarten and EUR 6,350-6,363 for all other year groups. The foundation donation on admission (EUR 2,500 for Kindergarten, EUR 3,000 for primary and secondary) is structured as a charitable donation rather than a fee - it may qualify for IRPF tax deduction in Spain. The school does not publish a one-time registration fee beyond this. Third-party review coverage is limited; families should visit in person and ask directly about language support for new arrivals.
What parents value
- –Abitur + Spanish Bachillerato dual qualification. Fees among the lowest of any established international school in Barcelona. Accredited Exzellente Deutsche Auslandsschule.
- –Large campus with football pitch, two basketball courts, gymnasiums, labs, and canteen. iPads from Grade 3; digital whiteboards in every room.
Points of consideration
- –Instruction is in German - families without German background need language support on entry. This is not an English-medium school. Ask the admissions team about their Spanisch Nachfuhrprogramm (Spanish catch-up) and German entry support before committing.
- –Campus is in Esplugues, 10km from central Barcelona. Bus routes available; not walkable from city-centre neighbourhoods.
Annual Fees
| Year Group | Age | USDTotal Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten / Infantil (ages 3-6) | 3 | 7,366 |
| Grundschule / Primaria - Clases 1-4 (ages 6-10) | 6 | 7,331 |
| Oberschule - Clases 5-11 (ages 10-17) | 10 | 7,331 |
| Clase 12 - Abitur (age 17-18) | 17 | 7,346 |
Fees converted from EUR. For the most up to date and accurate figures please double check with the school.
Additional Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Foundation Donation - Kindergarten I3-I4 (minimum, on admission) | 2,886 |
| Foundation Donation - Grundschule / Oberschule (minimum, on admission) | 3,463 |
Academic Results
| University Entry Rate (2025) | 98% |
Key results: University Entry Rate (2025) 98%.
Extra Curriculars
Contact the school for details on co-curricular activities and facilities. Ask what a normal week looks like outside lessons for your child's interests.
Inspections & Accreditations
Inspection
No published inspection details are currently available.
Accreditations
Accreditation details are not publicly listed.
Memberships
Membership details are not publicly listed.
Student Body
Barcelona's international schools draw a mix of families relocating for work, long-term resident families, and locally-based parents seeking an English-medium education. Contact the school for current enrolment details.
Leadership
School leadership
Deutsche Schule Barcelona is governed by the Deutscher Schulverein Barcelona (German School Association). Contact the school for current director details.