Moving to Germany and starting a life from scratch can be financially challenging. All in all, the goal is how to save money in Germany, especially when you are new to the country and still figuring every new day. Groceries in Germany can make a big difference on saving money. Many discounted shops can help you save money without compromising on quality.

Whether you’ve just arrived or have been here for years, this guide will walk you through how you can save money on Groceries in Germany and make saving money in Germany as a foreigner easier.

Why Expats Should Use Money-Saving Apps

Living abroad comes with hidden expenses – translating documents, setting up internet contracts, or paying deposits you’ll (hopefully) get back later. But by using the right apps, you can:

• Stretch your euro further every month
• Earn cashback on everyday purchases
• Cut down on unnecessary subscriptions
• Compare prices before buying
• Automate small savings effortlessly

Best of all? Many of these apps work in English, are beginner-friendly, and can be used even without fluent German skills.

Money-Saving Grocery Apps in Germany

TL:DR – Download a summarized version of this blog

Payback – Points That Turn into Euros

Best for: Grocery shopping, pharmacies, and fuel
Partner stores: REWE, dm, Aral, Penny, Amazon, eBay, and more
Language: English available via app

How it works:
Payback is Germany’s most popular loyalty program. Every time you shop at a partner store, you earn points (usually 1 point per €2 spent). You can later redeem points for vouchers, discounts, or even cash.

Why expats love it:
You can use it across multiple chains – from supermarkets to online stores. If you’re shopping at REWE or dm regularly, it adds up quickly.

Pro tip:
Activate bonus coupons in the app before shopping. These multiply your points (sometimes up to 10x).

Combine it with:
Lidl Plus or Rewe App (for additional coupons and discounts at checkout).

Shoop – Cashback for Online Shopping

Best for: Expats who shop online frequently (Amazon, Zalando, Booking.com, etc.)
Language: English-friendly
Available on: iOS, Android, Browser extension

How it works:
Shoop partners with over 2,000 online stores in Germany. You simply open Shoop, select a store (like MediaMarkt or Booking.com), shop as usual, and receive cashback (1–10%) after your purchase. The money goes into your Shoop account and can be transferred to your bank or PayPal once you reach the minimum payout.

Pro tip for expats:
If you’re booking flights or hotels to visit home, always go through Shoop first. Travel purchases have some of the highest cashback rates.

Combine it with:
Payback (for extra loyalty points) or Idealo (for price comparison) before purchasing online.

Lidl Plus, Rewe, and Edeka Apps – Grocery Discounts Galore

Best for: Everyday grocery shopping
Savings: 2–5% per week if used regularly
Language: German (but easy to navigate with Google Translate or visuals)

How they work:
Each supermarket chain in Germany has its own app — offering weekly digital coupons, scratch-card discounts, and personalized offers. Simply scan the app’s QR code at checkout to apply savings.

Examples:

• Lidl Plus: Weekly coupons, “scratch-and-win” deals
• Rewe App: Digital coupons + online order discounts
• Edeka App: Coupons and partner-specific savings

Pro tip for expats:
Plan your shopping list around weekly app offers. Even saving €3–5 each visit can add up to €200+ a year.

Combine it with:
Bring! (a shopping list app that shows discounts near you) to plan smartly.

Bring! – Smarter Grocery Planning

Best for: Shared households, couples, or flatmates
Language: English available
How it works:
Bring! lets you create and share shopping lists while displaying current supermarket offers nearby. It helps avoid waste and prevents those “oops, we bought two milk cartons” moments.

Why it’s great for expats:
If you live with roommates or a partner, you can sync your lists so everyone knows what’s needed. It’s practical and saves both time and money.

Combine it with:
Lidl Plus or Rewe App to check current offers for your listed items.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Privacy: Some loyalty apps collect shopping data so always check settings.
• Language barrier: Some German-only apps may need Google Translate for setup.
• Expiration dates: Coupons and Payback points can expire so set reminders.
• Cashback patience: Cashback payouts often take weeks to confirm.
• Start Small: Try one grocery app, one cashback app, and one finance tracker. Within a few months, you’ll notice your expenses getting leaner, without feeling deprived.
  

Final Thoughts

As an expat, saving money in Germany isn’t just about cutting costs – it’s about learning to use the local ecosystem smartly. With the right mix of apps, you can automate your savings, shop strategically, and even reduce waste along the way.

New to Germany and don’t know how and where to shop? Check this detailed blog.

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