The first chapter of the first part of Thomas Mann’s Buddenbrooks sets the scene in 1835 in the family’s new home on Meng Street in the city of Lübeck, Germany. The house was purchased through the family’s trading firm established by the great-grandfather of the family, Johann Buddenbrook. As the novel opens, Johann’s son who is also a consul, Johann Buddenbrook Jr. (called Jean), leads the firm. At a house-warming meal with invited friends, eight-year-old Antonie Buddenbrook (called Tony), recites a catechism to her grandfather, Johann Buddenbrook. The chapter introduces the family members and their relationships, setting the stage for the family chronicle. The other characters introduced in the chapter are Antoinette Buddenbrook, the second wife of Johann Buddenbrook, Elisabeth Buddenbrook (called Bethsy), wife of Jean, nine-year-old Thomas (called Tom) and seven-year-old Christian, the children, along with Tony, of Jean and Bethsy. Ida Jungmann, the family’s governess, is also introduced.

Jean Jacques Hoffstede, the town poet, greets the family with old-fashioned bows, giving special attention to the consul’s wife. He remarks on Tom’s intellect that he believes suited for trade, and Christian’s varied talents, hinting at the possibility of an academic future.