PIRLS 2026: Germany-wide survey on reading literacy begins on May 18th

On 18 May 2026, the new data collection cycle of the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) begins in Germany. The aim of the study is to assess the reading literacy of fourth-grade students, differences between groups of students, and trends over time, and to place these results in an international context. Reading is a key competence and a central prerequisite for successful educational and life trajectories. Beyond individual life opportunities, it is also crucial for Germany’s position in global competition that all students reach the minimum standards and that the proportion of children achieving top performance is as high as possible. 

Topics such as digitalization, instructional quality, and teacher characteristics are also examined in international comparison. The study is conducted with more than 400,000 students in around 60 countries and regions. PIRLS provides robust data on how well children can understand and use texts before transitioning to secondary school, as well as key information about learning conditions in schools and changes in the student population. The results for Germany and the international comparison provide important impulses for the further development of the school system. The regular assessments over a period of 25 years also make it possible to describe trends and developments in Germany and internationally. 

The most recent assessment in 2021 found, among other things, a decline in average reading literacy, an increased proportion of children not reaching the international minimum standard, a particularly strong dependence of reading competence on family background compared with other countries, and comparatively little time devoted to reading instruction in schools. Whether the measures taken since then are already having an effect will be shown by the current PIRLS 2026 assessment. PIRLS thus makes an important contribution to educational monitoring and to the development of targeted measures, such as early diagnostics and tailored support for language and reading skills. 

In Germany, 240 randomly selected primary schools from all federal states are taking part in the assessment. We would like to thank all participating schools, teachers, parents, and especially the students for their support and commitment. 

Further information on PIRLS 2026 is available at: PIRLS project website | Press release on the start of data collection for PIRLS 2026 (in German)