ABSTRACT
Friedrich Frobel’s work and life were interwoven; the events that shaped his life and time help to understand his pedagogy. His lack of education is crucial for the understanding of his life and work. Throughout all of his life, Frobel lacked a well-rounded general education. He never completed a university degree, and there is a reason for it. According to Krone, Frobel even lacked academic knowledge to design gymnasium-adequate lessons. In 1797, Frobel began an apprenticeship as a surveyor. Witz, his master, was frequently traveling and Frobel once again often on his own. Frobel’s beginning as a teacher at the Musterschule is usually described as a pedagogical awakening. It is primarily based on Frobel’s own statements, especially a letter to his brother Christoph. Frobel lacked the knowledge and abilities to be a successful teacher or to design a gymnasium-adequate subject teaching. He is often described as a born teacher, a competent educator of young children, and a profound thinker.
