School enrollment: Tips for choosing a school bag

What to consider in terms of size, weight and safety

Text last updated: 2026-02-05

Which satchel should it be for elementary school?

There are a few things to consider when choosing a school bag. The satchel must not only look good for your child, but also meet some important criteria. Find out what parents should look out for when buying here.

Weight

Doctors and TÜV experts recommend that a school bag with contents should not weigh more than 10 to 15 percent of your child's body weight. The empty weight should therefore not exceed approx. 1.5 kilograms. After all, there are also books, exercise books, pencil case, lunch box and a water bottle.

Visibility and warning effect

The satchel should have sufficient reflectors all around so that your child is clearly visible on the way to school, even at dusk and in the dark. Bright signal colors also contribute to road safety. The DIN 58124 standard requires reflectors on at least 10 percent of the back and sides of the school bag. Ideally, at least 20 percent of the satchel should also consist of fluorescent colors that glow brightly at dusk.

Fit

The shape of the back should be ergonomic and well padded. A hip belt distributes the weight and relieves pressure on the spine. The satchel should not reach over your child's buttocks and should end at shoulder height. The ideal model is no wider than your child's back.

Design

It's not the most important criterion. But your child should like the look of the school bag. After all, they wear it every day of the week.

Harnesses

The shoulder straps should ideally be at least 4 centimetres wide and also padded. It is important that they are infinitely adjustable. Shoulder straps and shoulder straps should not be too tight around the neck to prevent chafing. Make sure that the shoulder straps are adjusted symmetrically. You should check the settings depending on the season and adjust them to your child's clothing (thick winter clothes or airy summer clothes).

Try it on

It is best to seek advice from a specialist store. Try out different models together with your child: Does the satchel fit your child's size and build? Does your child feel comfortable with it? Does it have enough freedom of movement?

Material

The school bag has to withstand a lot over the course of the first four years. That's why it should be robust. Materials made of plastic and synthetic fibers are lightweight, waterproof and more robust than leather and heavy fabric.

Interior

Dividers help your child to keep things tidy and sort notebooks and books well. The basic rule of thumb is: heavy books belong at the back, light items in the front compartments!

What do the quality seals mean?
Quality seals such as the GS mark and the DIN 58124 standard certify a model's road safety and weather resistance. DIN 58124 specifies requirements for the safety and properties of school bags, such as reflective and fluorescent material, carrying straps and handles, rainproofness and the lid. In addition, there are also specifications for the labeling, e.g. for information on the empty weight and the volume of the interior. You can tell whether the satchel meets these requirements by the TÜV seal or the mark for tested safety (GS).

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Financial aid for the purchase of school supplies

From 2023: 174 euros subsidy per school year

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