Anneliese Michel was born Anna Elisabeth Michel on September 21, 1952 in Leiblfing, Bavaria, West Germany. Her family were devout traditional Roman Catholics, and attended Mass twice a week. Growing up, Anneliese expressed the desire to become a teacher, and teach the principles of the catholic religion.

Anneliese had not been the most healthy of children. Before the age of 5 she had suffered mumps, measles, and scarlet fever. She was considered a fragile child, and so did not start school at the same time as other children her age, instead remaining home one extra year until she was stronger.