Children of academics in Germany are significantly more likely to have a university degree than those of non-academics, according to a new report from the country's Federal Statistical Office on Thursday.
Among adults whose parents had either vocational qualifications or a high school diploma, only 19% obtained a university degree. The rate was even lower - 12% - for those with parents who obtained only a school leaving certificate or lower qualification.
But a full 56% of adults with at least one parents who obtained a university degree went on to obtain a degree themselves.
The report looked at adults between the ages of 25 and 65, and was based on data from 2021.
The report also found that differences in the educational level of citizens between the ages of 25 and 65 were also evident with regard to their immigration history.
In 2022, descendants born in Germany to two immigrant parents were less likely to have a university degree (19%) than people without a family history of immigration (25%) and were more likely to have low formal qualifications (23% compared to 10%).
However, the agency found that those differences can be fully explained by the lower average level of education of the immigrant parents.