Child health check-ups in Germany: U1 to U9 and J1 explained
2 min read · 7 steps · Updated 3 October 2026
Children in Germany have ten free check-ups between birth and the age of five, called U1 to U9, and one more, J1, at 12 to 14. A paediatrician checks growth and development and gives vaccinations. Results go into a yellow booklet you get at the birth. You book each appointment yourself.
The U check-ups (U-Untersuchungen) are meant to find problems with a child's health or development early, when they are easiest to treat. Health insurance pays for them. Each check-up has a fixed time window, so it is worth putting the dates in a calendar.
This is general information, not medical advice. Your doctor and your health insurer can tell you what applies to you.
Step by step
Keep the yellow booklet
The maternity clinic or midwife gives you the yellow booklet (Kinderuntersuchungsheft, or Gelbes Heft) at birth. Every check-up is recorded in it. Bring it to each appointment, together with the vaccination booklet. Day-care centres and schools ask to see it.
U1 and U2: the first days
U1 takes place immediately after the birth. U2 follows between the 3rd and the 10th day of life. Both are usually done in the hospital.
U3 to U6: the first year
U3 is in the 4th to 5th week, U4 in the 3rd to 4th month, U5 in the 6th to 7th month and U6 in the 10th to 12th month. From U3 on, you go to a paediatrician (Kinderarzt), so look for a practice soon after the birth, as many are full.
U7 to U9: until school
U7 is in the 21st to 24th month, U7a in the 34th to 36th month, U8 in the 46th to 48th month and U9 in the 60th to 64th month, at about five years.
J1: for teenagers
J1 is offered between 12 and 14 years. Teenagers may go alone if they prefer.
Book the appointments yourself
Nobody books for you. Ring the practice several weeks before each window opens. If you miss a window, ask the practice whether the check-up can still be done.
Know what happens
The doctor measures and weighs the child, checks movement, hearing, sight and speech in line with the age, asks you how things are at home, and checks the vaccinations and gives those that are due.
Good to know
In Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg and Hesse the check-ups are compulsory. The other states send reminder letters, and if you do not react, the youth welfare office (Jugendamt) may get in touch.
The check-ups are open to all children in Germany. For children with statutory or private health insurance, the insurer pays.
The results can also be stored in the electronic patient record (ePA).
Related: Kita in Germany: how to get a childcare place, school enrolment in Germany and health insurance in Germany.
Rules, amounts and deadlines change. Check the official source named at the end before you act, and ask the office in your city, because procedures differ from town to town.
In short: U1 at birth, U2 by day 10, U3 to U6 in the first year, U7 to U9 up to age five, J1 at 12 to 14. Free, recorded in the yellow booklet, booked by the parents.
- Handbook Germany: Health Checks for Children & Adolescents
Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.