ABCM Zweisprachigkeit, an association of parents and other convinced individuals, is the founder of an equal, bilingual education in both German and French in Alsace and the city of Sarreguemines (Lorraine) at an early age. Learning German is essential for the people living in the French regions of Alsace and Moselle-Lorraine.

The reasons are threefold :

• High-German is for our local dialect the language of reference when writing
• German is the language of the neighboring countries
• German is the language of a significant culture, used both in Europe and internationally.

Currently, the ABCM Zweisprachigkeit Association links 26,5 pre-school classes and 27 elementary school classes with a total of 1027 students spread over 10 cities and communities.

These children receive equal, bilingual education starting at the age of 3 at Kindergarten until the age of 11, when they leave elementary school.

ABCM Zweisprachigkeit is responsible for financial administration and educational guidance of its classes. The interior of many schools has been equipped by ambitious parents or has even been constructed by them. ABCM Zweisprachigkeit classes received considerable start-up support from the European Commission. The community governments in the region grant subsidies. Local communities donate funds and offer classrooms. In addition, ABCM Zweisprachigkeit members and sympathizers donate funds.

ABCM Zweisprachigkeit receives support also from European trust founds. Some elementary classes engaged in an agreement with the National School Board, wich pays the teachers. The team consists of teachers who have been educated in France or in a German speaking country. Two teachers look after each class, cooperating closely with each other and equally share the classes, teaching alternately in the respective class language. When teaching in a dialect, someone who speaks the dialect will supervise those activities.

It is essential that the teacher must have a perfect command the respective language. Therefore, ABCM Zweisprachigkeit prefers employing native speakers.

ABCM Zweisprachigkeit teachers are not only selected according to their didactical and language abilities, but also according to their talent in creating a warm environment. Otherwise, acquiring the language naturally cannot be achieved. ABCM Zweisprachigkeit teachers attend a few days of additional training each month. This offers the opportunity to exchange experience and suggestions.

ABCM Zweisprachigkeit classes have regular meetings and encounters with like classes in Germany. The older children of the elementary school have the opportunity to attend school in neighboring Germany for a few days (youth hostels).