Schneider carded an eagle and six birdies in an opening seven-under-par 63 at Gut Altentann Golf Club as the tournament returned to the DP World Tour schedule for the first time since 2021.
Compatriot Nicolai von Dellingshausen and Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts were Schneider's nearest challengers on five under par, with Ryder Cup vice-captain Edoardo Molinari part of a group on four under.
Schneider told Sky Sports: "I started quite well obviously. I was in control on the greens, off the greens, long shots off the tee, so overall I'm actually super happy because coming into the week I didn't feel too great to be honest.
"Today I managed well, I hit good shots and I hope to ride that wave."
The highlight of Schneider's round came when he holed out from 94 yards for an eagle on the par-four second, his 11th hole of the day.
"Off the tee I thought I was a touch left but it ended up in the fairway and then it was a perfect yardage for my 60 degree wedge," Schneider added.
"I thought I can't go long and it had a nice shift from right to left and lucky enough it finished in the hole."
Australia's David Micheluzzi was in a share of eighth place, four shots off the lead, after finishing with a three-under 67. Compatriot Daniel Gale was two under, with Danny List and Elvis Smylie one over. Jason Scrivener was 10 shots off the lead.
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