The term "10th school year" refers to vocational preparation at a vocational school that prepares students for secondary school or an apprenticeship. "Transitional options" or "intermediate year", on the other hand, describes many more options that can be started after compulsory schooling, such as pre-apprenticeships, creative preliminary courses, a home economics year, a social year, a language stay, an au pair position, a preliminary course at a vocational college, a motivation semester or similar.

The career choice year is a variant for the 10th school year. An alternative would be, for example, the preparatory year for secondary school. While students in the first option focus intensively on career choice and preparation for vocational school, the second option focuses on closing gaps in their school knowledge for the transition to secondary school.

The career choice year is a variant for the 10th school year. An alternative would be, for example, the preparatory year for secondary school. While students in the first option focus intensively on career choice and preparation for vocational school, the second option focuses on closing gaps in their school knowledge for the transition to secondary school.

Vocational choice year, vocational preparation year or transitional options are various programs aimed at young people after compulsory schooling and before starting an apprenticeship or continuing their education. One of these programs is the 10th school year, which usually includes lessons five days a week and supports young people in choosing a career and developing social, personal and professional skills.