Germany is among the richest countries in the world and has a well-developed social security system. Nevertheless, even in this country, children and young people grow up under very different conditions. The aim of this issue of GBE kompakt is to show the significance of social status with regard to the health of children and adolescents on the basis of a synoptic and extended presentation of study results. The authors examined physical and mental health, health behaviour and associated risk factors, as well as health-related care. Presented are the results of the »German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS Wave 1)« 2009-2012, conducted by the Robert Koch Institute.