Moving to any new place can be overwhelming. Doing your prior research can save you from the hassle of figuring things out.

In this blog, you will find top most useful apps in Germany (priority wise throughout your journey) which will help you figure out a few initial steps. Later, I will also add other important apps in Germany that will come handy as you settle your way into the country.

Tackle the Language Barrier

Best Language App in Germany

If you have not learn the basic German words to communicate then your best friend is the old school Google Translate. This app that will literally help you survive in Germany. If you’re in mainstream cities like Berlin, Frankfurt or even Munich, you will hear English speaking people around, and find text around in English too. But Germans take very much pride in their language. The older generation struggles with english so be prepared to get a scolding from an older person if you can’t communicate in German yet. The younger generation is more adaptable and will help you figure out things when asked in English. You just have to ask first. If you are too shy, then turn to your best friend. Luckily, Google translate not just translates your inputted text but also translates text on images, will translate when you record a voice (this comes in handy during train/tram/bus announcements) or if you are dealing with procedures that need clarity.

Google Translate App

Public Transport Apps in Germany

Best travel app in Germany – DB Navigator (Deutsche Bahn)

Landed in Germany wrapping everything behind. Have the google translate app in your phone too. Now you need to commute to your destination. If you do not have a German Travel App installed beforehand, make sure you already have at least an Uber app installed in your phone so that you can navigate your way from the airport.

Now that you have reached your destination, you will need a German transportation app because Uber and Taxi are quite expensive. Most popular travel app is DB Navigator. Read more detail on my blog on How to use public transport in Germany for comparing prices and different transport mediums to travel around.

P.S: Google works also adds as a navigational app similar to DB whn guiding about what routes and transport you can take to get somewhere.

Example: You’re traveling from a location in Neuss hbf (HBF is Hauptbahnof i.e the main train station) and your destination is Dusseldorf (both are cities in the NRW, Germany). Just like normal Google maps you will add the destination and hover over to the train icon. You can also see travel times by selecting the time you prefer to leave. You can also see how the app tells which train/tram or bus you need to take and other transports are mentioned too.

Banking in Germany

Transport figured out, now is the time to manage your finances. As an expat the best way to manage your money is through the Revolut App which is good for international transfers and multi-currency use and does not deduct on money transfers. You will also hear about the N26 app, English-friendly app-based bank with free basic accounts but recently they require a residence permit card for you to setup the account. So if you have just moved and nowhere near getting your residence permit account your best bet would be to install a hassle free app like revolut which also charges no monthly fee for the standard plan. Ofcourse your employer will require you to setup a physical German bank like Deutsche Bank / Sparkasse.

Easy Banking App in Germany – Revolut App

This App helps you sort your finances by setting up multiple virtual cards which you can use to separate your grocery budget and savings as well. Once you buy your DB ticket for transport, you can also add your Revolut account in the DB app and it will automatically deduct your monthly ticket price. You can also schedule other recurring payments with Revolut. Like your health insurance, rent, internet/phone bill etc.

Grocery & Delivery Apps

Best Online Grocery Apps in Germany

It’s time to feed yourself after a hard day of navigating Germany. If you have made to your destination, you can then choose either to order food from nearby restaurant or order in grocery items while you figure out different grocery stores in your area. Find my blog on Grocery Shopping in Germany, where I mention different types of grocery stores, online grocery apps, how they differ and where you can find the best value for money items.

Best Food Delivery Apps in Germany

For food delivery, the most common ones are Lieferando, Uber eats and Wolt.

Finding Apartments in Germany

Germany is currently going through a housing crisis, which means there is competition on finding an apartment that suits your need. Sharing four common apps where you can find apartment listings:

1. Immobilienscout24 – the most popular platform for apartments and houses

2. WG-Gesucht – for shared flats (Wohngemeinschaften/WGs), ideal for students or singles.

3. Immowelt – another major property portal

4. Wunderflats – A very good portal

Tip: Be ready with all your documents (SCHUFA, proof of income, etc.) because apartments go fast.

Bonus tip: You might find great luck in finding an apartment on kleinanzeigen (it’s the Ebay for Germany).

Health Apps in Germany

Health Insurance App

A very crucial step indeed is to get yourself and your family insured. Although there are many insurance companies, the most popular ones include TK insurance. They also support English language making it easy for expats to understand the process. After setting up through, you will also get a health card which you can show to any doctor that accepts public insurance covered by TK. Plus, this card will also help you to show to officials when they demand an ID card and you don’t have a residence card yet to show. So, keep this card on the back of your phone incase you are inquired about a proof while taking a Train (Happens sometimes).

Finding a Doctor in Germany

Doctolib – book doctor and dentist appointments online

This platform helps you locate doctors nearby and you can also select doctors who speak English, making it easier for expats to find a doctor who will actually understand them.

Apotheke.de or Meine Apotheke – order prescriptions and find nearby pharmacies

Summary

Here are the top useful apps in Germany you will require initially when you move as an expat. But, this is not all. There is a whole plethora of apps for different purposes that I will share soon. For now, here’s your checklist:

• Google Translate for language translation
• DB Navigator + Google Maps for Travel
• Revolut App for Banking
• Rewe, Picnic and Hellofresh for grocery delivery
• Lieferando, Uber Eats and Wolt for Food Delivery
• Immobilienscout24, wunderflats, WG Gesucht, Immowelt – for finding apartments
• TK insurance for Health insurance, Doctolib for booking doctor appointments and Meinapotheke for delivery of prescribed medicine.

Find my detailed blog on how and where to buy Grocery in Germany.

Grocery Shopping in Germany: A Guide for Every Budget and Lifestyle

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