Public education spending across Germany reached approximately €198 billion in 2024, a nominal increase of 7%, or €13 billion, compared to the previous year, according to figures released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis). While nominal spending rose significantly, adjusted for inflation, the real increase was a more modest 4%, or €5 billion. This translates to €2,400 per capita for education, up from €2,200 in 2023 and €8,000 for individuals under 30, compared to €7,400 the year prior. The share of public education expenditure as a percentage of Germany’s gross domestic product (GDP) also edged up to 4.6%, compared to 4.4% in 2023.
The bulk of the investment – nearly half (€97 billion) – went towards primary and secondary schools. Early childhood education received a substantial €49 billion, representing a quarter of the total, followed by universities at €38 billion (nearly a fifth). The apparent surge in overall expenditure is partly due to the absence of a one-off payment of €200 for students and vocational school pupils, funded by the federal government in 2023 as part of an energy price relief package. This element significantly inflated the 2023 figures and has skewed the year-on-year comparison.
Federal spending, while still considerable, actually experienced a nominal decrease of €200 million compared to 2023 and a real decline of €400 million. The federal government allocates its funds primarily toward higher education (€5 billion) and support for individual learners (€4 billion). The “DigitalPakt Schule” initiative aimed at digitalizing schools received a comparatively smaller €1 billion, while youth and youth organizations were allocated just €300 million. Notably, the federal government directs minimal resources towards early childhood education.
The Länder (states) remain the primary funding body for education, contributing approximately two-thirds (€135 billion) of total expenditure. State spending rose by €9 billion nominally, or 7%, with a real increase of €3 billion, or 4%. The largest share of Länder funds are dedicated to schools (€75 billion), followed by universities (€33 billion) and early childhood education (€23 billion).
At the municipal level, expenditure increased by €5 billion nominally (a 10% rise) to €52 billion, with early childhood education consuming nearly half of this sum (€25 billion). Schools received €21 billion, while support for individual learners and youth organizations received considerably less. Municipalities direct virtually no funds towards higher education.
The data reveals a complex picture of educational funding, highlighting the uneven distribution of responsibilities across different government levels. While overall spending has increased, the absence of the 2023 energy relief package complicates the interpretation of trends. Further analysis is needed to assess whether the increases in funding are sufficient to address the challenges facing German education, particularly in areas like digital infrastructure and the ongoing need to support learners impacted by economic pressures. There are questions as to whether increased spending is being effectively allocated and whether the current structure promotes equitable access to quality education across all regions and demographics.
