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. In some cases, parents also have to pay for workbooks in which the children write in and which, unlike textbooks, cannot be reused. Further costs are the lunch in the amount of 3 to 4 euros daily. The early or late care before or after the regular school time is chargeable. The fare for public transportation for the way to school and back home has to be paid. Also, 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.
Many schools have school clubs that give financial support for a school journey for a needy pupil.