Ritual puts pressure on young teachers: “Instructors make it clear that it is expected”. Some schools now provide examiners with coffee or tea as a collegial gesture of hospitality.
The Education and Science Union (GEW) is aware of this curious custom. The appearance of bribery should be avoided, says the North Rhine-Westphalia Ministry of Education. But anyone affected by the ritual can contact the examination office “and be sure that the complaint will be investigated”