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Apply for a learning book license

As a textbook publisher, would you like to apply for or extend approval for a (new) textbook for use in Bremen schools?

  • Basic information

    In Bremen, there is an approval procedure for the approval of textbooks at public schools for use in primary and lower secondary schools. The approval procedure takes place at the State Institute for Schools.

    Requirements

    • Learning books are tested.
    • Learning books are:
      • didactically designed printed products for pupils, including associated teaching materials (e.g. integrative components of a textbook such as workbooks, worksheets, control sheets, tapes, slides, etc.), which cover the subject matter of one or more subjects for one grade level - but at least for half a school year - and form the basis of the lessons as the main medium
      • Reading books, song books, cartographic printed works (atlases),
      • didactically designed teaching materials as well as test booklets or test materials or partial editions of learning books for thematically limited teaching sections, if they serve as a guiding medium for teaching instead of learning books.
  • Procedure

    • Submit the application informally by post
    • The Landesinstitut für Schule will decide on the application for approval of a learning book, taking into account the expert opinion provided.
    • In the event of rejection, the reasons for the decision will be communicated.
  • Necessary Documents

    • Application for approval of a learning book

      The application must show

      • the retail price of the book
      • for which school type(s)/school level(s) and for which grade(s) the authorization is requested
    • 5 copies of the textbook to be examined, including all supplementary materials, provided these are part of the textbook

      for example manual, workbook, AV materials etc.

    • Manuscripts are generally not accepted
      • Correction copies, galley proofs or other editorially completed copies only in justified exceptional cases.
      • Modified new editions are also subject to these guidelines. In the case of only insignificantly altered new editions, a short procedure may be carried out at the publisher's request.
  • Competent Department

  • Fees / Costs

    with examination:
    Basic fee 35.00 EUR and 10 times the retail price of the book,
    minimum fee 112,00 EUR
    with examination in short procedure (short examination):
    Basic fee 35.00 EUR and 5 times the retail price of the book,
    minimum fee 73.00 EUR
    35,00 EUR for new editions without a new examination procedure
    35,00 EUR in the case of renewal of a license after 5 years without a new examination procedure

  • Deadlines & processing time

    What deadlines must be paid attention to?

    A decision on an application for admission is generally made after 4 months at the latest. The date on which the applicant has fulfilled all the requirements set for processing, including administrative fees, is decisive for the start of the period.
    The license is granted subject to revocation. It expires after 5 years, but can be extended on application.

    How long does it take to process

    Preparation of expert opinion:
    In the case of a full inspection, the expert opinion is usually submitted after 4 months.
    In the case of a short inspection, usually after 2 months.

  • Legal Bases

  • More Information

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The official information in German is complete and correct. 02.03.2026

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