Berthold-Gymnasium

Can you hear the echoes of young voices chanting Latin verses? Right here at the Berthold-Gymnasium, those echoes resonate through centuries. The Berthold-Gymnasium isn’t just a school. It’s a living testament to Freiburg’s enduring commitment to education. This institution, nestled on the banks of the Dreisam River, has been shaping young minds since its earliest mention as a Latin school in 1250. Imagine boys, much younger than you might think, diligently studying Latin grammar and singing in the Freiburg Münster. That was the foundation of the Berthold-Gymnasium’s legacy. By 1457, graduating from this very school paved the way to university studies. The Berthold-Gymnasium continued to evolve, becoming a Jesuit-run Gymnasium Academicum in 1620. Interestingly, German was strictly forbidden within its walls during that era, emphasizing the importance of Latin. The school building you see today, a modern structure completed in 1958, stands on Hirzbergstraße. But its heart beats with the rhythm of a history that spans generations. It weathered wars, survived bombings, and ultimately emerged stronger, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of Freiburg’s intellectual landscape. The Berthold-Gymnasium isn’t just about academics. Its history is intertwined with renowned figures like Martin Heidegger, the philosopher, and Reinhard Genzel, a Nobel laureate in Physics. Even the school’s name has a story. It’s a nod to the Dukes of Zähringen, further connecting the institution to the rich tapestry of Freiburg’s history. The Berthold-Gymnasium carries the motto “Always be the best and superior to others, but do not bring shame to the lineage of your fathers,” a quote from Homer’s Iliad, etched beside a relief of the poet himself. This motto, a call to excellence and integrity, reflects the values instilled in students within these walls for almost eight centuries. The Berthold-Gymnasium has fostered not just academic growth, but also creativity and social responsibility. Its vibrant theater program, student newspaper, and various mentorship initiatives demonstrate its holistic approach to education. As you stand here, consider the countless students who walked these halls before you, each contributing to the rich legacy of the Berthold-Gymnasium. Their stories, their achievements, and their dreams are woven into the very fabric of this institution. And with each graduating class, the echoes of those Latin chants grow louder, a timeless melody celebrating the power of education and the enduring spirit of the Berthold-Gymnasium.