In Niedersachsen, the legal guardians have to equip the pupils for the lessons according to § 71 School Law Niedersachsen. That means, that they must buy the learning materials themselves. All public schools offer parents and adult pupils to borrow learning materials for a fee. The fee for the loan amounts between 30% and a maximum of 60% of the shop price for the learning material. Families who receive social benefits or benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act are exempted from paying the fee (https://www.mk.niedersachsen.de/startseite/schule/schulorganisation/entgeltliche_ausleihe_von_lernmitteln/entgeltliche-ausleihe-lern-lern-6561.html).
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.