German study: Girls know less about economics than boys in school

Key Takeaways:

• A new study reveals that German schoolgirls lag behind boys in economics.
• The research was conducted by the University of Tübingen in Germany.
• Economics textbooks and interest rate calculations were identified as areas of concern.
• The findings highlight educational implications for German classrooms.
• The study’s results were published by Yahoo! News in late August 2025.

Introduction

A large-scale study by the University of Tübingen in Germany has uncovered an educational divide in the classroom: girls perform worse than boys in economics. The study, reported by Yahoo! News, raises questions about how economics is taught and suggests that certain content areas may be fueling this gender gap.

Background of the Study

The University of Tübingen is a well-respected institution that has produced extensive research on teaching methods, curricula, and student performance. Its latest research focuses on secondary education in Germany, examining the breadth of students’ economics knowledge and comparing performance between boys and girls.

The Gender Gap

According to the study, there is a notable gap in economics performance among young students, with boys typically scoring higher than girls. While the underlying causes are still being explored, the findings point to differences in how students engage with the subject matter and navigate core economic concepts.

Possible Contributing Factors

The study’s keywords, including “economics textbooks” and “interest rate calculations,” hint at areas where girls might struggle. Although the detailed analysis of textbook content and teaching methods remains behind a paywall, the implication is that instructional materials and specific quantitative skills could play a role.

Conclusion

While further details about the study’s methodology and outcomes have not been publicly released, this research calls attention to the importance of supporting all students in understanding economics. As German schools reflect on these findings, the conversation surrounding educational resources and teaching practices will likely intensify, ensuring that both girls and boys receive the support they need to succeed in economics.