In Brandenburg, in principle there is free provision of learning material. The pupils are given the learning material free of charge. There are exceptions for workbooks in which the children write and which, unlike textbooks, cannot be reused. But the Learning Resources Regulations of Brandenburg determine a personal contribution that parents must pay for learning material each year. The parents own share is between 12 Euro and 30 Euro each year. For vocational schools, the own contribution varies between 8 and 40 euros, depending on the course of education (https://mbjs.brandenburg.de/bildung/weitere-themen/schulbuecher.html, https://bravors.brandenburg.de/verordnungen/lernmv).
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 equipment. The fare for public transportation to school and the cost of one- or several-day trips will be covered.