Once a year, teachers are invited to the Bundesbank to talk about current central banking topics and how to teach them in schools. Lutz Lienenkämper, the Executive Board member whose responsibilities include economic education and who is committed to imparting financial literacy in schools, welcomed the guests from all over Germany in Frankfurt.

In addition to a guided tour of the Bundesbank’s Money Museum and a lecture on the current stance of monetary policy, Mr Lienenkämper spoke to the teachers at depth. What is the Bundesbank’s position on the mandatory introduction of economics courses in secondary schools, what will the Bundesbank’s tasks look like in the future and how will this affect training opportunities and career prospects? In particular, issues relating to financial literacy in schools were at the focus of the debate. We would welcome economic education becoming more firmly anchored in school curricula. Pupils benefit from a solid base of economic education, Mr Lienenkämper said. The educational policy of each Federal state determines whether and how this content is conveyed at school. We support schools with our educational materials and offer lectures to teachers and pupils throughout Germany.

© Tim Wegner

The teachers also wanted to know what the Bundesbank thinks about the current trends in government debt, what exactly it expects from the introduction of the digital euro and how digitalisation and artificial intelligence will impact monetary policy in the future. Mr Lienenkämper addressed all the questions in detail, explained the Bundesbank’s position and exchanged views with the guests, stressing how important the contact with teachers is to him. As teachers, you have an important role for us as multipliers that bring our topics to the general public, Mr Lienenkämper stressed to the attendees.He particularly appreciates the constructive dialogue and valuable feedback from teachers. You are professionals in transferring knowledge. Your input helps us to further develop and improve our educational services in line with needs.