COVID-19 has brought numerous changes to both everyday and academic life. Physical and health education, as well as other subjects, had to be conducted under restricted conditions, affecting the quality of the teaching itself. This study investigated the differences in teaching before and during the pandemic in Croatian and German schools, as well as students' interest in the subject and its content. Based on a sample of 139 students (78 from Croatian schools and 61 from German schools), survey results indicate disparities in both teaching methods and student interests. In German schools, face masks were mandatory during physical education classes, whereas in Croatia, they were either not required or only had to be worn upon entering the hall. Sports equipment was utilized in all schools; however, only in Croatian schools did it need to be disinfected before and/or after use. The study found that Croatian students had a greater interest in the subject and preferred team games, while German students indicated that the type of activity didn't matter to them as long as they were physically active. Students from all schools most enjoyed volleyball and basketball and were least interested in athletics and gymnastics. Team sports were the most preferred activities during classes, and stretching was the least favored. Team sports are students' favorite activities for good reason: they offer competitive and social aspects, which align with the natural tendencies of children and adolescents.