Shopping in a new country can be sometimes tricky to navigate. Cultures and expectations should be practiced to help you avoid any cultural faux pas.

This blog will prepare you and give you the confidence to go in any shop in Germany, learn the mannerism and some German phrases and vocabulary that will help you find your way through your shopping journey.

First things First!

Google Translate is your bessttt friend and I cannot emphasize enough! Wether you are trying to translate the grocery items, ingredients or just general information about a product, google translate will help you well enough without you having to speak to a salesperson and struggling with inadequate German skills.

Pro tip! Here’s something I personally do, when I know what I am looking for but I do not have time and energy to look theough a massive variety in the shop, I just search on google the product name and it shows me on the images what the product would look like. Then, having a picture now helps me to match the product I am looking for in the aisle or even ask a salesperson and show them that picture on my phone. Easiest way is to go to a salesperson and say:

“Entschuldigung, Ich Suche for diese… (and show them the picture on my phone)”

It makes things to find so super easy and quick!

Greeting Etiquette

• Why It’s Important: In Germany, politeness is a big deal. When you enter a store, it’s customary to greet the staff and anyone else inside with a polite “Guten Tag” (Good day) or simply “Hallo.”
• Why It’s Different: While greetings might not be as common in some countries, in Germany, it’s seen as a sign of respect. Even if you’re just popping in to browse, saying hello is appreciated.

Tip: If you’re in a smaller, locally owned shop, you might even hear a friendly “Wie geht’s?” (How’s it going?) from the shopkeeper and you can just answer “gut, danke” (good thanks).

Queueing Culture

• Why It’s Important: Germans have a strong sense of order, especially in queues (lines). Whether you’re at the checkout counter or waiting for a service, be sure to stand in line and respect personal space. It is considered common politeness when someone is behind you and is carrying one or two items while you have a full shopping cart , you can ask them if they want to come infront of you and get free early. This happens alot and I love it. So just be extra kind if you can. Also, a common practice is when it’s your turn at the counter, just place your items behind the separation bar (Warentrennstäbe/Trennstäbe). It’s a good habit to leave the bar on the conveyor belt after you’ve checked out, so it’s ready for the next person.
• What to Avoid: Cutting in line or rushing ahead is considered extremely rude. Germans also value personal space, so don’t get too close to others in line, even if the store is busy.

Tip: When you’re waiting to pay, stand behind the person ahead of you and maintain a comfortable distance

Self-Service Shopping

• Why It’s Important: In most German supermarkets, you’ll be expected to pack your own groceries at the checkout.
• Why It’s Different: Unlike some countries, where bagging is done by the cashier, in Germany, you need to pack your own items into bags, which may seem strange at first but is part of the country’s commitment to efficiency. Many stores also charge for plastic bags to encourage people to bring their own.

Tip: Always bring your own reusable shopping bags. If you forget, you can buy one at the checkout counter or use a box provided in the store. And be ready to quickly pack your items, as the cashier might not wait around long.

Recycling Bottles and Cans

• Why It’s Important: Germany has an excellent bottle recycling system called Pfand. When you buy drinks in plastic or glass bottles, you pay a deposit (Pfand) that you can get back when you return the bottle.
• How It Works: The deposit is usually around 25 cents per bottle or can, and you can return the empty containers at a reverse vending machine in most stores to get your deposit back.

Tip: After you get a receipt from the pfand vending machine, you can actually use this receipt within that store. It’s like getting some extra cash buttt, it does not add up to a lot of amount except if you collect bottles for six months or so and then it could make a difference.

Shopping Hours and Days

• Why It’s Important: In Germany, most stores are closed on Sundays as it’s part of the country’s culture of work-life balance. This might be a bit of a shock if you’re used to shopping every day of the week.
• When to Shop: Most shops are open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays. On Saturdays, some stores close earlier, usually by 4 p.m. or 6 p.m apart from big brands and supermarkets which close at 9 or even 10 p.m, while Sundays are reserved for rest, with only a few exceptions (like stores at train stations or airports).

Tip: Plan your shopping around the limited Sunday hours. If you find yourself in need of something on a Sunday, consider visiting the nearest petrol station or a Sunday open market.

How to Pay: Cash vs. Card

• Why It’s Important: While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Germany, cash (Bargeld) is still preferred in many places, especially smaller shops, cafes, and restaurants.
• When to Pay with Cash: Small amounts (for instance, under €10 or €15) are often paid in cash, as many Germans feel more comfortable with it.
• When to Pay by Card: Larger stores and chain supermarkets usually accept card payments, but smaller businesses might not, so always carry some cash.

Tip: Always have some cash on hand. It’s also a good idea to bring a card that’s widely accepted, like a Maestro or V-Pay card. Credit cards (especially American Express) are not as universally accepted in Germany as they are in some other countries.

Tip: If you are visiting a food festival or any festival around city, take cash with you. Entertainment and food stalls accept mostly cash.

Receipts and Returns

• Why It’s Important: In Germany, it’s customary to always ask for a receipt (Quittung) when making a purchase. You may need it for returns or exchanges, or just to keep track of your spending.
• Return Policies: Keep in mind that stores in Germany tend to have strict return policies. While many retailers will accept returns within a few weeks, make sure to keep the receipt and check the store’s return policy in advance.

Tipping in Germany

• Why It’s Important: Tipping (Trinkgeld) in Germany is usually around 5-10% in restaurants and cafes, and it’s also customary to round up your total in smaller shops or when paying at the counter.
• What to Do: When paying, simply round up the amount or add a few extra euros. For example, if your total is €18.50, you could round it up to €20, leaving €1.50 as a tip.

Tip: Don’t leave your tip on the table at a restaurant (like in some countries). Instead, give it directly to the waiter when you pay the bill.

Direct Customer Service

• Why It’s Important: In Germany, customer service tends to be efficient and direct. While it might seem a little blunt compared to more chatty or informal styles in other countries, it’s not meant to be rude—it’s just practical.
• What to Expect: If you’re looking for something specific in a store, don’t be afraid to ask. But be prepared for a straightforward answer without much extra small talk. Germans value efficiency, and if you’re polite and clear, you’ll receive the same in return.

Tip: Don’t be offended if shop assistants don’t engage in small talk. Instead, expect a more matter-of-fact and functional style of service.

Common Phrases for Shopping in Germany

Here are a few phrases that will come in handy when shopping in Germany. These are the polite and commonly used expressions you’ll hear and need to say:

• “Wie viel kostet das?” – How much does this cost?
• “Haben Sie … in Größe [S/M/L]?” – Do you have this in size [S/M/L]?
• “Ich hätte gerne …” – I would like …
• “Könnte ich die Rechnung bitte haben?” – Could I please have the receipt?
• “Haben Sie eine Tasche/Tute?” – Do you have a bag?
• “Gibt es Rabatte?” – Are there any discounts?

Tip: Knowing a few words like “bitte” (please) and “danke” (thank you) goes a long way in making a good impression

Download this Key for German Shopping Vocabulary & Phrases for Expats