The family moved around in southern Germany until 1873 when they settled in Freiburg im Breisgau. Oskar's father manufactured printing presses and it was the family's intention that Oskar should follow in his father's trade. Oskar began his secondary schooling in Neuchâtel but when the family moved to Freiburg he continued his secondary schooling there.
Ang pamilya inilipat sa paligid ng sa dakong timog Germany hanggang 1873 kapag sila ay nag-ayos sa Freiburg im Breisgau. Oskar's ama panindang pang-industrya imprenta presses at ito ay ang pamilya ng intensyon na Oskar ay dapat sundin sa kanyang ama sa kalakalan. Oskar nagsimula ang kanyang pang-ikalawang-aaral sa Neuchatel ngunit kapag ang pamilya inilipat sa Freiburg patuloy siya sa kanyang pang-ikalawang-aaral doon.