German spending on education was up nominally by 7% last year, official figures showed on Thursday.
Federal, state and municipal governments spent a total of €198 billion ($231 billion) on schools, universities, childcare and other educational measures in 2024, €13 billion more than the year before, the statistical office said in a statement.
Per capita, they invested €2,400, €200 more than in 2023.
However, at federal level, spending on education was down by 1.6% to €11 billion, partially reflecting the fact that higher education students received a one-time payment of €200 in 2023 to help with increased energy costs, a measure that was discontinued in 2024.
By contrast, Germany’s 16 federal states, which are responsible for education policy, covered most of the costs for education, spending €135 billion, an increase of 7%.
Municipalities even increased spending by 10% to €52 billion, with funding particularly directed towards childcare and schooling, the agency found.
Overall spending on education was 4.6% of gross domestic product, up from 4.4% in 2023.
Roughly half of all funding, €97 billion, went to primary and secondary schools, while €49 billion were spent on childcare.
Universities received some 20% or €38 billion, while another €14 billion were made available for additional support measures, youth and association work, and other educational activities.
School and university are generally free in Germany, while pre-school childcare is heavily subsidized and even free in some cases.
