According to the German national statistics office, the cost of school supplies such as pens and books rose between 5 and 13% in July last year compared to the previous year. This increase in costs is putting financial pressure on families with children in schools, who are already facing rising expenses.
Lela Griessbach, an academic in Berlin and a working mom of two, expressed shock at the high costs of school supplies, with the potential for spending up to €300 per child. While parents can receive some financial support for school supplies, it may not be enough to cover all the expenses. Additionally, the cost of school lunches varies from state to state in Germany, with Berlin offering free lunches for grades one to six while in Hamburg they can cost up to €4.35.
As a result of rising costs and financial pressure, some parents are opting to send their children to private schools. Experts suggest that increased immigration to Germany may be contributing to this trend, as private schools may have a lower percentage of migrants and economically disadvantaged children.
Overall, Griessbach emphasized that the costs of raising children and providing for their education continue to rise annually, creating financial challenges for working parents. Despite inflation reaching its lowest level in more than three years in Germany, the financial strain on families with school-aged children remains a pressing issue.
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