Managing child-related expenses in Germany

Germany is generally a good and reasonably priced place to raise a child:

• The government pays approx. 200€ per child to the parents every month, the so-called "Kindergeld". Foreigners residing in Germany are eligible for this as well. Those with low or no income can get higher assistance.
• All child care and kindergarten options are subsidized and require only a co-payment of 200 - 500€ per month. There are plenty of options, enabling many to work full time while having children, but in bigger cities there might be waitlists to get a place.
• Public schools (which almost all children attend) are free of charge and of reasonable (though not best) quality. Many have special integration classes for newly arrived foreign kids.
• Even university attendance is (depending on your location and the course chosen) free of charge or involves only a relatively low administrative fee. Education, in Germany, is supposed to be independent of wealth.
• All necessary health care is covered by the German health insurance (compulsory for all residents). Even the low co-payments for some treatment are waived for kids. There is, however, a shortage of pediatricians - so ask around in your area to find one that accepts your kids (and then stick to him/her)!
• There are plenty of (non-profit and often also subsidized) sports clubs, music schools, summer camps and other activities for kids of all ages. They cater for basically all imagineable hobbies and interests. (Note: In Germany, extracurricular activities are generally organised by external organisations, not schools!)
• And, best of all (in my opinion), Germans value free play and creativity over rote learning. So there is plenty of (physical and mental) free room for children to grow and realize their individual potential - if they choose to (encouragement by their parents is needed, of course).

That said, Germany is NOT a cheap country to live in - and that applies to the daily expenses of childen as well. However, there is a lively second hand market (classified ads, fleamarkets, thrift shops, etc.) for toys, books, clothes and much else. So you can keep costs down, if you need to!