The Rising Costs of School Supplies in Germany

Lela Griessbach, a dedicated academic based in Berlin, finds herself balancing the demands of her profession with the responsibilities of raising two young children. Each year, as summer comes to a close, she and her husband receive a detailed list from their children’s school outlining the necessary supplies for the upcoming academic year. This list can amount to a staggering €300 for just one child.

“The first time I encountered the list, I was taken aback because it includes a myriad of items that need to be purchased,” Griessbach shared with Euronews. “On one hand, it’s a well-structured approach that clarifies what a child needs, but on the other hand, the financial burden is significant.”

Increased Preference for Private Education

Families with children in German schools are grappling with escalating expenses. According to the national statistics office, the prices for essential school supplies, such as pens, notebooks, and textbooks, soared between 5% and 13% in July of last year compared to the previous year. For families facing financial hardships, the government provides a subsidy of €195 per child to assist with school supplies. However, the Berlin Child Protection Association argues that this amount falls short of addressing the actual costs.

Just the cost of a quality backpack can reach up to €150, particularly for those designed with ergonomic features to support a child’s posture. Additionally, the cost of school lunches varies significantly across different regions; in Berlin, meals are provided free for students in grades one through six, while in Hamburg, parents may pay up to €4.35 per lunch.

Despite the availability of free education throughout Germany, including at the university level, an increasing number of parents are opting to enroll their children in private schools. According to Marcel Helbig, a professor at the Leibniz Institute for Educational Trajectories, this trend may be influenced by the growing immigration to Germany. “When asked why they prefer private schools, many cite the educational programs or the curriculum as key factors,” Helbig explained. “However, it’s noteworthy that private schools in Germany often have a lower percentage of migrant and economically disadvantaged students, which could play a role in this preference.”

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Although inflation in Germany has recently reached its lowest point in over three years, Griessbach, a working mother, continues to feel the weight of financial strain. She reflects on her upbringing in Georgia, where familial support plays a pivotal role in child-rearing, making it easier for parents to manage costs.

“I can’t help but notice that expenses are steadily increasing as everything becomes more expensive,” Griessbach remarked. “It seems like each year, the financial demands grow heavier.” In addition to dealing with school-related expenses, she also has to hire a babysitter for after-school hours while she fulfills her professional obligations.

To explore more about this topic, please watch the Euronews story in the player above.