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- Cultural
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- ChildrenFamilyGerman
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- World
- Date change rule:
- Every September 20
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German World Children’s Day champions the rights and welfare of children across Germany every September 20. This day, one of two children’s days recognized in the nation, underscores the importance of uniting for the planet’s youngest citizens. Reflect on its unique historical context and find ways to support children’s well-being today.
Want to sponsor German World Children's Day? Learn how
Expected German World Children's Day Deals
For German World Children’s Day, the focus shifts from commercial deals to meaningful advocacy and support for children’s welfare. Organizations like UNICEF Germany and Deutscher Kinderschutzbund often lead campaigns, encouraging donations and participation in awareness events. Retailers specializing in children’s books, educational toys, or sustainable clothing might run special promotions that include a donation percentage to child-focused charities. Many local communities organize free family events in parks or cultural centers. We will update this page with confirmed live initiatives as September 20 approaches, encouraging direct support for children’s rights and well-being.
Platform Guide for German World Children's Day
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #Weltkindertag. Share stories of children’s rights advocacy and local events.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #GermanWorldChildrensDay. Post photos of family-friendly activities or art celebrating children.
X/Twitter
Mention @NatlToday and use #ChildrensRights. Share news and calls to action regarding child welfare in Germany and globally.
German World Children's Day Hero
Janusz Korczak
History of German World Children's Day
The story of Germany’s two children’s days begins in 1954, after World War II when two independent and separate German states existed, East Germany and West Germany. The United Nations (UN) General Assembly resolved that year for all countries to celebrate a Universal Children’s Day promoting international togetherness and improving the welfare of children worldwide. Although the UN resolution designated November 20 as Universal Children’s Day, at the same time they also suggested that each individual country should select a meaningful date appropriate for their own people to celebrate as Universal Children’s Day. Consequently, some countries chose to celebrate their children on November 20, but many countries elected to celebrate Universal Children’s Day on other dates throughout the year.
West Germany chose to organize a Universal Children’s Day as “Weltkindertag,” or World Children’s Day, on September 20, 1954 in response to the UN’s Universal Children’s Day resolution. At the same time, East Germany chose not to recognize Universal Children’s Day at all, but instead continued to celebrate “Internationaler Kindertag,” or International Children’s Day on June 1, a holiday East Germans had been celebrating since about 1926, long before World War II. If you’re familiar with post-war German history, you probably see where these choices lead when unification takes place in 1990.
To confuse matters more, the UN changed the name of their November 20 Universal Children’s Day to World Children’s Day sometime along the timeline, although we’re not exactly sure when. So German Children’s Day is also known as Universal Children’s Day by former West German families. Confused? So are we, but here’s the good news. Although Germany today officially recognizes only one official children’s day, two children’s days still exist, and both are celebrated, so children win
German World Children's Day timeline
The World Conference on Child Welfare convenes in Geneva, Switzerland and proclaims June 1 as International Children’s Day.
East Germany chooses to celebrate International Children’s Day on June 1.
United Nations Universal Children’s Day Resolution passedÂ
West Germany chooses to participate in Universal Children’s Day but chooses September 20 as its day to celebrate as German World Children’s Day – East Germany continues to celebrate International Children’s Day on June 1.
September 20 becomes the official day to celebrate Germany’s children when East and West Germany are reunited.
Today Germany and 89 other countries celebrate World Children’s Day or Universal Children’s Day on as many as 50 other different dates throughout the year.
How Businesses Can Celebrate German World Children's Day
Local businesses can honor German World Children’s Day by supporting child-focused initiatives. Children’s bookstores might host storytelling events, while toy stores could offer discounts on educational games or donate a portion of sales to local youth shelters. Restaurants could offer special kid-friendly menus or organize family craft sessions. Businesses can also partner with local charities to collect donations for school supplies or winter clothing, demonstrating a commitment to the community’s youngest members.
German World Children's Day FAQs
When is German World Children's Day?
In 2026, German World Children’s Day falls on Sunday, September 20. This official observance highlights the importance of children’s rights and welfare across the nation.
How many children live in Germany?
As of recent statistics, approximately 13.8 million children and young people under the age of 18 live in Germany. This significant population underscores the importance of days dedicated to their well-being.
What is the significance of September 20 for this day?
September 20 was established as German World Children’s Day in West Germany in 1954, aligning with the UN’s Universal Children’s Day. It became the official date for unified Germany, emphasizing a commitment to children’s rights.
What is the difference between the two Children's Days in Germany?
Germany officially observes German World Children’s Day on September 20, a legacy from West Germany. However, many in eastern Germany also celebrate International Children’s Day on June 1, a tradition from the former GDR. Both days champion children, though their historical roots differ.
German World Children's Day Activities
Throw a Skype party for the kids
A party is the proverbial no-brainer thing to do when it comes to celebrating any day that revolves around children. Since we’re stuck indoors, send a Skype or Zoom invite to the neighborhood kids, the grandkids, school chums or family and make the theme all about Germany by making German treats, dancing to German folk music and learning a few German words and phrases.
Twist up a batch of pretzels
Tie an apron on every member of the family, roll up your sleeves and have fun twisting up a batch or two of what is undoubtedly Germany’s most famous food enjoyed around the world: pretzels. Known as brezel, brezn or breze in the German language, make a batch of both soft and hard varieties with savory or sweet flavors, of course in the familiar knot-like traditional pretzel shape.
Travel to Germany
…on a virtual trip. Search for videos from each of German’s 13 diverse regions on the internet and take a virtual vacation to Deutschland. Each region has a unique culture of music, art, song and dance, castles with plenty of legends and fairy tales, that are sure to spark the imagination of children and adults alike.
Five Scrumptious German Foods Children Love
Spaetzle
Spaetzle is the German equivalent of American macaroni and cheese, always a childhood favorite.
Schwarzwald Kirsche Kuchen
Authentic German Black Forest cake actually did originate in Germany’s Black Forest region, and is rich with chocolate and cherries.
Apfelstreusel
Apfelstreusel is simply the German version of America’s popular bakery treat, apple strudel.
Kartoffelpuffer
These pan-fried shredded potato pancakes are made similar to potato latkes and a favorite of German children.
Sauerbraten
Sauerbraten is Germany’s famous pot roast, traditionally marinated in red wine, vinegar and spices for two days before roasting.
Why We Love German World Children's Day
More than just fun and games
German World Children’s Day reminds the world’s adults how important it is to set aside political and cultural differences to support and invest in the one common denominator that unites our planet with hope for a better future: children.
Fun and games
Although the first German World Children’s Day was more about protecting the rights of children around the world than playing games and giving presents today reminds us that children learn best when the learning is fun.
It’s a small world
German World Children’s Day reminds us that children and families around the world are not all that different from each other.
German World Children's Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | September 20 | Sunday |
| 2027 | September 20 | Monday |
| 2028 | September 20 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | September 20 | Thursday |
| 2030 | September 20 | Friday |
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