German word of the day: Einschulung

Why do I need to know Einschulung?

The word Einschulung, which is difficult to translate in English, reflects a unique cultural tradition for children in Germany. Whether you have kids yourself, your friends and family do, or whether you simply want to acquaint yourself with German customs, this is a word you definitely need to know. 

What does it mean?

Die Einschulung (pronounced like this) can be translated as the "first day of school" in English - but it's also a lot more than that. Built from the prefix ein, meaning in or into, and the noun Schulung, meaning schooling, Einschulung marks the transition children make into their school years at the age of six. This happens in either late September or October, depending on the German state. 

To the surprise of many foreigners, this first day of school usually takes place on a Saturday. It's not an ordinary school day, but an enrolment day, and families usually invite loved ones round to celebrate the occasion with lunch or dinner afterwards.

READ ALSO: The key dates and school traditions in Germany

In another adorable tradition designed to make the shift more exciting than daunting, children are also presented with their very own Schultüte - or school bag - on Einschulung day. This is often filled to the brim with sweets and other treats to sweeten the deal, which is why you may well hear this school bag being nicknamed a Zuckertüte, or sugar bag. 

Overall, the atmosphere of celebration is one way to fill children with positivity about the new phase of life they're entering into, leaving behind (or at least minimising) the jitters that come with growing up that little bit more. 

Use it like this:

Die Einschulungen meiner Nichte war sehr schön.

My niece's first day at school was really lovely.

Ich kann mich noch sehr gut an den Tag meiner Einschulung erinnern.

I still have strong memories of my first day at school.