Back to school checklist Germany 2026: school supplies, uniforms and emotional readiness

The back to school season in Germany in 2026 is just around the corner. For families with children in primary or secondary school, August and September are critical months: you need to buy school supplies, check uniforms, organise materials, and prepare children emotionally for the new school year. This *back to school checklist Germany 2026* helps you cover everything, with a realistic list of what German schools typically require, key deadlines, and tips to reduce stress. Import the tasks directly into Foco and assign them by colour to each child or stage (e.g., 'Primary' in blue, 'Secondary' in green).

What this checklist includes and how to use it in Foco

This checklist covers three key areas: school supplies (with concrete examples of what German schools ask for, such as lined or squared *Hefte* notebooks), uniforms (including common rules in public and private schools), and emotional preparation (routines, conversations, and resources to manage anxiety). Each task is designed to be actionable—for example, 'Buy 2 A4 folders with transparent sleeves' instead of 'Organise materials'. Use Foco’s Panorama mode to see all tasks at once (each with its child’s or category’s colour) or switch to Focus mode to concentrate on 'Uniforms' or 'Emotional prep'. In Kanban view, drag tasks between columns like 'To buy', 'Purchased', or 'Reviewed'.

In Germany, schools usually send the *Schulmaterialliste* (school supplies list) at the end of July or beginning of August. If you haven’t received it yet, contact the teacher or check the school’s website. Some supplies, like pencil cases or backpacks, can be bought in advance at stores like Müller, Rossmann, or online at Amazon.de. For uniforms, brands like Trigema or Jako are common in private schools, while public schools often allow comfortable, neutral clothing (avoid flashy logos).

• Review the school’s official *Schulmaterialliste* (supplies list) and compare it with this checklist
• Buy 5 A5 notebooks: 2 lined (*liniert*), 2 squared (*kariert*, 5 mm grid), and 1 blank (*blanko*)
• Purchase 2 A4 folders with transparent sleeves for loose sheets and documents
• Buy a basic pencil case with: 2 HB pencils, sharpener, eraser, school scissors, glue stick, and 30 cm ruler
• Include geometry supplies: set square, protractor, and compass (brands like Staedtler or Faber-Castell)
• Buy 10 blue pens, 5 black pens, and 5 red pens (avoid fluorescent or glittery colours)
• Purchase washable coloured markers (e.g., Stabilo Trio) and coloured pencils (box of 12 or 24)
• Buy an ergonomic backpack with lumbar support and padded straps (brands like Ergobag or Scout)
• Check school uniform: 2-3 shirts/polos, 2 pairs of trousers/skirts, school jumper or sweatshirt, and black closed-toe shoes
• Wash and iron all uniform items before the first day (including socks and underwear)
• Label all supplies and clothing with the child’s name (use thermal labels or permanent marker)
• Buy a lunchbox and reusable water bottle (avoid single-use plastics, common in Germany)
• Prepare an emergency kit for the backpack: tissues, wet wipes, face mask, and hand sanitiser
• Adjust sleep routine 2 weeks before: go to bed and wake up at school hours (classes in Germany start between 7:30 and 8:00 AM)
• Talk to your child about their expectations and fears for the new school year (use open-ended questions like 'What are you excited to learn this year?')
• Visit the school before the first day to familiarise your child with classrooms, toilets, and the playground (many German schools offer *Schnuppertage* or trial days)
• Create a visual calendar with class schedules and extracurricular activities (hang it in the child’s room)
• Practise the route to school: walk, bike, or take public transport several times before the first day
• Prepare a balanced breakfast for the first day (e.g., wholemeal bread with cheese, fruit, and yoghurt, typical in Germany)
• Take a photo of your child with their backpack and uniform on the first day (a tradition in many German families)