Smart Shopping In Germany: A Newcomer’s Guide
Hey there, fellow expats and newcomers to Germany! Wondering how to make your euros stretch further? Let’s explore Germany’s amazing world of discount stores – your new best friends for smart shopping!
What are German Holidays?
Germany loves its holidays! These are special days when most people don’t work. Some holidays are celebrated all over Germany, while others are only celebrated in certain states. For example, Berlin might have different holidays than Munich.
Why This Guide Matters for You
- Save significant money on daily expenses
- Find familiar products from your home country
- Navigate German stores confidently
- Understand local shopping culture
- Make smart choices in a new country
1. Your Go-To Supermarkets (Where to Buy Food)
ALDI (North: https://www.aldi-nord.de/ & South: https://www.aldi-sued.de/)
- The budget-friendly superstar
- International food section with Asian, Mediterranean, and American products
- No need to speak German – prices are clearly marked
- Picture-based weekly catalogs
- Great for basic groceries and surprise finds
Pro Tip: Download the ALDI app for English translations of special offers!
LIDL (https://www.lidl.de/)
- Larger than ALDI with more variety
- Amazing international weeks (Asian, American, Italian, etc.)
- Excellent fresh produce prices
- Good quality store brands
- Weekly special offers on non-food items
Insider Tip: Their bakery section offers fresh bread at fantastic prices!
Penny & Netto
- Perfect for neighborhood shopping
- Often have international food sections
- Great for quick grocery runs
- Usually found in residential areas
Newcomer’s Note: Look for yellow “Reduziert” (reduced) stickers for extra savings!
2. Drugstores: Your Personal Care Paradise
DM (https://www.dm.de/)
- Heaven for personal care products
- Many products have English descriptions
- Fantastic store brand (Balea)
- Organic and natural products
- Often has international brands you know
Cool Fact: Their app has a barcode scanner that shows product information!
Rossmann (https://www.rossmann.de/)
- Similar to DM but with different deals
- Regular 10% discount campaigns
- Great baby products section
- International cosmetic brands
Pro Tip: Sign up for their loyalty card – it’s worth it!
3. Budget Home & Lifestyle Stores
Action (https://www.action.com/de-de/)
- Perfect for setting up your new home
- Super cheap household items
- New items every week
- No need to speak German – just browse!
Expat Favorite: Great for finding affordable home essentials when first moving in!
TEDi
- Extremely cheap household basics
- Perfect for party supplies
- Seasonal decorations
- Basic craft materials
Budget Tip: Great for holiday decorations without spending much!
Smart Shopping Tips for Newcomers
Language Navigation:
- Most stores have apps with English options
- Pictures in catalogs make shopping easier
- Staff usually knows basic English
- Google Lens can translate labels instantly
Payment Know-How:
- Always carry cash (some stores are cash-only)
- EC cards (German debit cards) widely accepted
- Credit cards less common in discount stores
- Mobile payment growing in popularity
Cultural Tips:
- Stores closed on Sundays (plan ahead!)
- Bring your own shopping bags
- Pack your groceries quickly at checkout
- Return bottles for deposit (Pfand)
Money-Saving Secrets
Best Times to Shop:
- Early morning for fresh products
- Monday/Thursday for new special offers
- Evening for reduced fresh items
- Avoid Saturday if possible (very crowded)
Smart Strategies:
- Compare prices per unit (Grundpreis)
- Check weekly flyers (Prospekte)
- Look for “Aktion” signs for special deals
- Buy seasonal products
- Save receipts for returns.
Special Features for International Shoppers
Finding Familiar Foods:
- Asian markets in larger cities. Such as GO ASIA – The Biggest Asian Supermarket Chain .
- International weeks at LIDL/ALDI
- Turkish supermarkets (often great prices). Major chains: BOLU & EUROGIDA.
- World food sections in regular stores
Money-Saving Apps to Download:
- Too Good To Go (reduced food)
- Lidl Plus
- ALDI App
- Payback
- DM App
Don’t let the German language barrier intimidate you these stores are designed to be simple and straightforward. Start with the basics at ALDI or LIDL, then explore other options as you get more comfortable. Remember, shopping at discount stores is not just for those on a tight budget it’s the smart way to live in Germany!
