Daycare fees return: Marburg's parents in turmoil!

Daycare fees return: Marburg's parents in turmoil!

Good morning, dear readers! There is news in Marburg that will be of interest to parents of small children. After a long phase of free childcare, city officials are now reintroducing daycare fees. From spring 2026, this decision will affect everyone who brings their children to kindergartens outside of regular childcare hours. op-marburg.de reports an hourly rate of 30 euros for these care options, which will represent a new financial challenge for many families.

An overview of the various prices in neighboring communities shows how the fee situation will develop in the future. In the Marburg-Biedenkopf district, for example, the first six hours of care for children over three are covered by tax money from the state of Hesse, which is a relief. However, from the seventh hour onwards, parents have to expect additional costs. In Lahntal, for example, the fees for a full-day place are 135 euros, while Cölbe sets an hourly rate of around 30 euros and would like to increase it by 1-2 euros annually until 2029. In Ebsdorfergrund, the providers charge 120 euros for nine hours of care.

Cost overview for parents

Some families will face significant changes in the coming year. From January 1, 2026, a daily ten-hour spot in Marburg will cost a whopping 195 euros - and that is expected to rise to 260 euros from 2028. But the price is also rising in the neighboring communities: in Cölbe, 330 euros will be due from 2024, and from 2027 even 450 euros for such a place. In terms of fees, parents in Lahntal and Weimar cannot relax either: in Lahntal, 378 euros are due for ten hours, while the Weimar municipality is significantly cheaper at 281 euros.

• Preise in Marburg und Nachbargemeinden:
  • Marburg (ab 01.01.2026): 195 Euro für Zehn-Stunden-Platz
  • Cölbe (ab 2024): 330 Euro
  • Cölbe (ab 2027): 450 Euro
  • Lahntal: 378 Euro für zehn Stunden
  • Weimar: 281 Euro für zehn Stunden

It is particularly important to mention that crèche contributions are higher in all municipalities because the state subsidy does not apply to these facilities. However, many municipalities' statutes offer discounts for siblings, which can provide noticeable relief for some family budgets. In addition, the meal money usually costs around 60 euros per month.

Online registration and support for parents

Parents in Marburg have had an easier time registering their offspring since July 1st, 2021. You can use the Little Bird registration portal to determine which facility suits your needs from the comfort of your own home. Here you will also find all information about age groups and the educational focuses of the various facilities. Personal consultations are also planned and can take place on site at the facilities. marburg.de also offers a brochure with day care facilities for children in Marburg.

For anyone who needs help with online registration, there are consultation hours where you can get detailed advice. The first points of contact are the Richtsberg family network and the childcare specialist service, who are always ready to support the parents.

In summary, it can be seen that many families should prepare for a new financial situation in the future, while the city of Marburg has various offers of support and advice. Stay informed and take advantage of the opportunities available to you!