Ultimate Packing List for Germany

Everyday comfort matters more than you think

Once you arrive, it is the small, familiar items that help you settle in. Toiletries such as your preferred shampoo, skincare products, or specific hygiene items may seem replaceable, but in the first days, they offer comfort and routine. You will find most things in Germany, but having your own basics gives you time to adjust without immediate pressure to shop.

Similarly, a few personal items like a book in your native language or a small notebook can create moments of calm in a new environment. Many Au Pairs also find it meaningful to bring a small gift for their host family. It does not need to be expensive, but it is a thoughtful way to start the relationship.

Dressing for a country of seasons

Germany’s climate is one of contrasts. Summers can be warm and pleasant, while winters are often cold, grey, and damp. Packing with layers in mind is essential. Light shirts and comfortable trousers are useful for daily routines, but warm sweaters, a proper jacket, and sturdy shoes quickly become indispensable as the seasons change.

It is also worth considering your daily role. Comfortable clothing for childcare, indoor wear like house shoes, and something slightly more formal for family outings or language school will give you flexibility. Sleepwear and swimwear are often forgotten but can be surprisingly useful, especially if your host family enjoys activities like swimming or weekend trips.

The quiet role of technology

In a new country, your phone becomes your map, your translator, and often your connection to home. Bringing a reliable mobile phone, along with chargers, a power bank, and headphones, is essential. If you use a laptop or tablet, it can also help with language learning, communication, or simply unwinding in your free time.

Adapters are not always necessary if your devices support European plugs, but it is worth checking in advance to avoid inconvenience.

The often forgotten details

There are always a few items that people wish they had packed. Earplugs and an eye mask can make a difference if your new environment is noisier or brighter than what you are used to. Extra passport photos are often required for administrative processes in Germany. Vitamins or supplements you regularly take may not be easily available in the same form.

Even something as simple as a small dictionary or language guide can be helpful in moments when technology is not enough.

A suitcase that supports your journey

Packing for Germany is not about preparing for every possible scenario. It is about giving yourself a stable, comfortable starting point. The truth is, almost everything you forget can be bought later. What matters more is arriving with the essentials, a sense of readiness, and a bit of familiarity from home.

Your Au Pair year will be shaped by experiences, relationships, and small everyday moments. A well packed suitcase simply helps you step into that new life with confidence.

And that, in the end, is what truly matters.