Education in Germany varies depending on the policies of each state, and so does the start date of the school year. Schools begin sequentially according to the summer break; states with earlier summer breaks tend to start earlier. Vietnamese children in Germany also joyfully celebrate their first day of school.
In Germany, a child's first day of school is a momentous occasion for every family. For most six-year-olds, a new life full of excitement begins. This is both a right and a duty to fulfill. Every child must attend school by the age of six.
Elementary schools often hold one or two open days for parents and students to visit before deciding on enrollment. Parents usually let their children choose their school, but they often choose a school close to home for convenience.
Before the first day of school, families throw lively parties to celebrate their children's return to school. Relatives from other cities are invited to the party. Close friends from kindergarten are also invited. Delicious dishes that first-grade students love are prepared.
For Vietnamese families, spring rolls (nem rán), fresh rolls (gỏi cuốn), sticky rice, Vietnamese sausage (giò chả), and various sweet desserts are absolutely essential. Some families will give gifts to the children on the day of the school opening ceremony, but most will give them when they attend the ceremony together. An indispensable gift for a six-year-old's first day of school in Germany is a huge, cone-shaped gift bag filled with books, pens, school supplies, candy, and toys (in German, it's called Zuckertüte, roughly translated as Sweet Gift Bag).
A child might receive multiple gift bags. All the children are looking forward to this special gift. Grandparents and parents will walk hand in hand with their children to the first day of school. Every child gets to enjoy the happiness of being surrounded by the warm embrace of family and society.
While families are overjoyed with their children starting first grade, it's also causing stress for parents as budgets tighten due to inflation. School bag prices have risen 20% since 2020, and paper products have increased by at least 13%.
The price of the gift bag itself varies depending on size and design. A simple 85cm long Sweet Gift Bag can be purchased for around 15 EUR, while a smaller 50cm tall version costs around 6 EUR. If you prefer something more unique, you can also make your own giant cone-shaped bag. With craft supplies like colorful cardboard or tulle, stickers, and various decorations, your creation will be truly one-of-a-kind.
German consumers are spending around €650 million on back-to-school supplies this year. This information comes from a survey commissioned by the German Chamber of Commerce (HDE) and conducted by IFH Cologne. According to the survey, more than 12% of respondents plan to buy gifts or school supplies for the start of the school year.
When the school year begins, retailers are the central point of contact for school bags, gifts, and stationery. This event often provides a boost to summer sales. This is especially true for stationery and furniture businesses, where there is a high demand for school supplies and desks.
According to the survey, the percentage of consumers planning to spend on education is increasing compared to the pre-pandemic period. Four years ago, the figure was around 10%, while this year it's over 12%. More than 40% of surveyed consumers maintain the same level of spending on school registration as last year. However, about 35% plan to spend more on this occasion than last year. One-fifth of those surveyed plan to reduce spending when the school year begins.
In particular, confectionery, books, and stationery are purchased for school. Consumers also invest in school supplies. However, compared to 2019, the percentage of consumers willing to spend money on school supplies such as school bags, gym bags, and desks is gradually decreasing. Toys, on the other hand, continue to be consumed steadily.
MINH LY, from the Federal Republic of Germany
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/nam-hoc-moi-voi-niem-vui-va-noi-lo-post751308.html
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