The early compulsory education in Germany was basically the product of the European religious reform in the16th century. At that time, in order to promote religious teachings, compulsory education was publicized among ordinary people. But before that, school education was only the privilege of the ruling class, and it was a tool to spread the sense of rulers and select and train officials at all levels.

The compulsory education advocated by German Protestant leader Martin Luther for religious reform is a milestone in the history of human education.