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School supplies and books in Germany: A smart buying guide and financial support rights
Introduction
When a child starts a school year in Germany, they are often asked to bring a long list of supplies and books. These costs can become a burden for some families, especially when there is more than one child.
However, the German education system provides some support options to reduce the financial burden and ensure equality.
What are the basic school supplies a child needs?
This varies by school and grade, but often includes:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Writing tools | pencils, ink pens, eraser, sharpener, colored pencils (Buntstifte) |
| Geometry tools | ruler, set square, protractor, compass |
| Notebooks | one notebook per subject; size and color depend on school instructions |
| Bag | ergonomic, water-resistant backpack |
| Other items | pencil case, lunch box (Brotdose), water bottle, folder (Mappe) |
Many schools provide a detailed list called a Materialliste.
What about school books?
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In some states, books are loaned for free through the school (Leihsystem).
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In other states, parents must buy the books themselves.
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Loaned books must be kept in good condition; otherwise, compensation may be required.
Is there financial support for school costs?
Yes. There are direct support programs for low-income families:
1. Bildung und Teilhabe (BuT)
The program provides:
| Type of support | Explanation |
|---|---|
| School supplies allowance (Schulbedarfspaket) | 130 euros in August + 65 euros in February (annually per child) |
| Support for activities and trips | class trips, activity contributions, tutoring and more |
This support is available for children from families receiving:
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Bürgergeld (ALG II)
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Sozialhilfe
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Kinderzuschlag
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Wohngeld
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Asylbewerberleistungen
2. Additional support from local organizations
Some cities or organizations (such as Caritas, Diakonie) also provide:
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vouchers for buying school supplies
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campaigns like “Schulranzen für alle” (free school backpacks)
Smart buying guide: How to save money when preparing for school
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Buy in bulk | buy pens and notebooks in one go for more than one child |
| Watch for discounts | use summer sales before the school year starts |
| Used books | look for used books in good condition on sites like eBay Kleinanzeigen |
| Parent exchanges | some schools organize supply exchange markets |
| Ask the school directly | is there an option to borrow or reuse items from last year? |
Important notes
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Supplies and books depend on grade and school type (Grundschule, Gymnasium, etc.).
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Label all supplies with the child’s name to avoid loss.
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Do not buy items that are not on the official list, even if they look tempting.
Conclusion
School costs do not have to be a burden. With smart planning, government support programs, and community initiatives, you can prepare your child with what they need to succeed without draining the household budget.
ـ* The writers and editors team at the website strives to provide accurate information through intensive research and reviewing multiple sources when writing articles. However, some errors may appear or some information may be unconfirmed. Therefore, please consider the information in the articles as an initial reference and always refer to the competent authorities to obtain confirmed information.
