In Berlin, the learning materials required for the lessons will be made available on a loan by the school. However, this applies with the restriction that parents or adult pupils from grade 7 upwards must participate in the procurement of the learning materials with an own contribution. For each school year this is a maximum of € 100.00 per pupil. Families or adult pupils with a low income who depend on state aid or public social benefits (assistance for living, unemployment benefit II, housing benefit, BAföG benefits or benefits for asylum seekers) are exempted from paying the own contribution. In this case, the school will provide all necessary learning materials completely free of charge upon presentation of the appropriate certificate (https://www.berlin.de/sen/bildung/unterricht/medien/lehr-und-lernmittel/).
The basic equipment with personal school supplies for school attendance (school bag, pencil case, notebooks, pens, paint box, sports shoes, etc.) must be paid by parents in Germany. Further costs are the lunch in the amount of 3 to 4 euros daily. The early or late care in kindergarten or before or after the regular school time is chargeable. Excursions, theater visits and school journeys have to be paid by the parents.
Socially disadvantaged families can apply for benefits from the education and participation package. They will then receive a subsidy for lunch at school or for personal school