Summer is drawing to a close, school bags are being packed once again – and for many families in Germany, this is the time when the annual search for affordable school supplies begins. Whether you live in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, or any other city, buying school supplies online not only saves time but often a lot of money as well. In this guide, you will find out when the 2026 school year begins in your federal state, which school supplies are truly indispensable, and which creative sets offer real value for children and teenagers.
Back to School 2026: When does the new school year begin?
School start dates for 2026 vary significantly by federal state. Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland kick off the new school year as early as August 10, 2026. Bremen and Lower Saxony follow on August 13, and Hamburg on August 20. Berlin, Brandenburg, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania start on August 24, 2026. Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, and Thuringia begin on August 17. North Rhine-Westphalia – and thus Cologne, Dortmund, and Düsseldorf – starts on September 3, 2026. Bringing up the rear are Baden-Württemberg on September 14 and Bavaria (Munich, Nuremberg, Augsburg) on September 15, 2026.
This means there is a good five-week gap between the first and last start dates nationwide. Those who order early get the best selection and avoid the shopping stress just before the first day of school. Experts recommend ordering school supplies within the first few weeks of the summer holidays, as the selection is widest and delivery times are shortest then.
Why buying school supplies online is so convenient
Especially in large cities like Berlin, Hamburg, or Munich, shelves in stationery stores are often picked clean just before school starts. Online shopping solves this problem elegantly: you can order around the clock, compare prices, and have the desired school materials delivered conveniently to your door – regardless of whether you live in Cologne, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, or a smaller town. The online selection is simply larger and more versatile than in any physical store.
The most important school supplies for the 2026 school start
What belongs in the basic kit? Requirements vary depending on the grade level and school list, but some categories are universally requested:
- Pens & Stationery: Pencils, colored pencils, felt-tip pens, fountain pens, ballpoint pens
- Art & Craft Supplies: Paints, brushes, scissors, glue, construction paper
- Notebooks, Pads & Folders: Appropriate for the line ruling required by each grade
- Art supplies for older students: Alcohol markers, sketching pencils, charcoal
- Creative sets for children: All-in-one art cases with pens, paints, and accessories
Complete sets containing everything in one place are particularly practical – nothing gets forgotten, and children can get started right away.
Art Cases & Creative Sets: The best recommendations for children
Creative work is at the top of the curriculum for almost every class. A high-quality art case is therefore one of the most sensible investments for the start of school – it not only looks great in class but also delights children in their free time.
For little artists
For elementary school children taking their first creative steps, a clear, child-friendly set is ideal. The 145-piece children's art case creative set combines pens, paints, and other accessories in a compact case – perfect for school bags and art class. Those looking for something special will find it with the 145-piece unicorn art case set for children with pens and paints: the unicorn design is a particular favorite among younger female students. For those who prefer looking at the stars: the Maaleo 145-piece astronaut art case for children with pens and paints brings a real sense of adventure to everyday school life with its astronaut motif.
The pink 144-piece unicorn art case for children with pens and paints is also a popular choice for creative minds looking for a stylish companion for school and leisure.
For older students and ambitious creatives
Those in middle or high school, or who are more deeply involved in drawing and painting, need more: The Artist's 188-piece drawing & art case in a portable wooden box offers a complete assortment of drawing materials – all safely stored in an elegant wooden case. A slightly more compact but also very comprehensive alternative is the Artist's 180-piece drawing & art case in a portable wooden box, which also impresses with a well-thought-out selection for art class and beyond.
For those who prefer classic drawing and sketching, it is worth taking a look at the 32-piece drawing and sketching set with charcoal in a case – a compact set with everything essential for portrait drawing, landscapes, and free sketching.
Alcohol Markers & Felt-tip Pens: Professional tools for creative students
Alcohol markers are no longer just for professional illustrators. More and more students are discovering these pens for manga, comic drawing, and creative projects. The key advantage: alcohol markers can be blended, layered, and provide intense, even color results – without bleeding on suitable paper.
The 168-color alcohol marker set – touch marker felt-tip pens with carrying case for drawing, manga & illustration is ideal for anyone who needs a huge color palette for manga, illustration, or art projects. The practical carrying case makes the set particularly suitable for daily school life. Those looking for a more compact entry point will find an excellent starter set in the 80-color alcohol marker set with case – double-sided twin markers, featuring tips for fine details and broad areas.
Brand quality for school life: Pelikan & Co.
It doesn't always have to be a large creative set. For daily school needs, trusted brand products are often the best choice. The 5-piece Pelikan home office set in a blister pack offers a compact basic set of stationery for daily use – practical for homework and class. For art class in elementary school, we recommend the 12-pack of Pelikan Colorella Star felt-tip pens: vibrant colors, child-friendly thickness, and the trusted Pelikan quality make them a reliable companion for young school children.
Tips: Buying school supplies online affordably – how to do it right
- Order early: The earlier you order during the summer holidays, the better the selection and the more relaxed the delivery time.
- Sets instead of individual items: Complete sets are usually significantly cheaper than buying items individually and save you the trouble of hunting for everything separately.
- Follow the school list: Many schools issue a material list – check it before you order to avoid duplicate purchases.
- Quality pays off: Affordable does not have to mean inferior. Look for sturdy construction, especially for art cases and pens that are used daily.
- Encourage creativity: Invest not only in mandatory materials but also in painting and drawing sets – creative activities strengthen concentration and motor skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2026 school year start in Berlin?
In Berlin, the new school year begins on August 24, 2026. The enrollment ceremony for first graders usually takes place the following weekend. Please check the exact date directly with your primary school.
When does the 2026 school year start in Hamburg?
In Hamburg, classes begin on August 20, 2026. The exact enrollment date for first graders is announced individually by the respective school.
When is the 2026 school start in Munich and Bavaria?
Bavaria has the latest school start date nationwide, on September 15, 2026. In Munich, Nuremberg, and all other Bavarian cities, the 2026/2027 school year begins in mid-September.
When does school start in 2026 in Cologne and NRW?
In North Rhine-Westphalia – and therefore also in Cologne, Düsseldorf, Dortmund, and Essen – the school year starts on September 3, 2026.
What are alcohol markers and for what age are they suitable?
Alcohol markers are alcohol-based felt-tip pens that produce intense colors and are excellent for blending. They are suitable for ages 10–12 and up and are ideal for manga, illustration, design, and art projects. Ensure good ventilation when working with these pens.
Which art case is recommended for elementary school children?
For elementary school children, sets with 100 to 145 pieces that combine different types of pens and simple paints are recommended. Child-friendly motifs on the case – such as unicorns or astronauts – make the school supplies a real highlight for the little ones.
Conclusion: Buy affordable school supplies online now – in time for the 2026 school start
Whether you live in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Cologne, or any other German city, you can approach the 2026 school start in a relaxed manner if you put your school supplies together early and online. From child-friendly art cases to professional alcohol markers and trusted Pelikan classics – at Da Meso, parents, students, and pupils will find everything needed for a creative and successful school year. Browse through our range now and secure the best sets at a low price – just in time for the back-to-school rush!
