Germany has a range of supermarkets and grocery stores, with several large chains dominating the market. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Aldi: Aldi is a discount supermarket chain that originated in Germany and has stores all over the country. Aldi is known for its low prices and high-quality private label products.
- Lidl: Lidl is another discount supermarket chain that originated in Germany and has stores all over the country. Like Aldi, Lidl is known for its low prices and high-quality private label products.
- Edeka: Edeka is a German supermarket chain with stores all over the country. Edeka stores vary in size, with some being small convenience stores and others being large supermarkets.
- Rewe: Rewe is another German supermarket chain with stores all over the country. Rewe stores vary in size, with some being small convenience stores and others being large supermarkets.
- Netto: Netto is a discount supermarket chain that has stores all over Germany. Netto is known for its low prices and private label products.
- Penny: Penny is a discount supermarket chain that has stores all over Germany. Penny is known for its low prices and private label products.
- Kaufland: Kaufland is a German hypermarket chain that has stores all over the country. Kaufland stores are large and sell a wide range of products, including groceries, electronics, clothing, and household items.
- Real: Real is a German hypermarket chain that has stores all over the country. Real stores are large and sell a wide range of products, including groceries, electronics, clothing, and household items.
In addition to these large chains, there are also smaller independent grocery stores and specialty shops throughout Germany.
Grocery shopping in Germany
Grocery shopping is an important aspect of daily life in Germany, and there are many supermarkets and grocery stores to choose from. Some of the most popular supermarket chains in Germany include:
- Aldi: A discount supermarket chain that sells mostly private-label products.
- Lidl: Another discount supermarket chain that also sells mostly private-label products.
- Edeka: A popular supermarket chain that sells a mix of private-label and branded products.
- Rewe: Another popular supermarket chain that sells a mix of private-label and branded products.
- Netto: A discount supermarket chain that sells mostly private-label products.
In addition to these large supermarket chains, there are also smaller grocery stores, specialty shops, and farmers’ markets that offer a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and baked goods. It’s worth noting that in Germany, many stores are closed on Sundays and public holidays, so it’s important to plan ahead for grocery shopping.
Discount supermarket chains in Germany
There are several discount supermarket chains in Germany. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- Aldi: Aldi is a discount supermarket chain that originated in Germany. It is known for its low prices and simple store layout.
- Lidl: Lidl is another German discount supermarket chain that has stores throughout the country. It offers a wide range of products at affordable prices.
- Netto: Netto is a discount supermarket chain that operates in Germany, Denmark, and Poland. It offers a range of products, including fresh produce, dairy products, and meat.
- Penny: Penny is a discount supermarket chain that has stores throughout Germany. It offers a range of products, including groceries, household items, and personal care products.
- Norma: Norma is a discount supermarket chain that operates in Germany and the Czech Republic. It offers a range of products, including fresh produce, meat, and dairy products.
These discount supermarket chains are a great option for those looking to save money on their grocery bills in Germany.
German specialty, health, and organic supermarkets
There are several specialty, health, and organic supermarkets in Germany. Here are some of the popular ones:
- Alnatura: Alnatura is a chain of organic supermarkets in Germany. They offer a wide range of organic products, including food, household items, and personal care products.
- Basic: Basic is another popular organic supermarket chain in Germany. They offer organic and natural food products, as well as other organic household items.
- DM: DM is a drugstore chain that offers a wide range of health and beauty products, as well as food and household items.
- Reformhaus: Reformhaus is a chain of health food stores that offers a wide range of natural and organic food products, dietary supplements, and other health-related items.
- Edeka Bio: Edeka Bio is a chain of organic supermarkets that is part of the larger Edeka supermarket chain. They offer organic food products and other organic household items.
- Denn’s Biomarkt: Denn’s Biomarkt is a chain of organic supermarkets that offers a wide range of organic food products, as well as other organic household items.
- Bio Company: Bio Company is another chain of organic supermarkets in Germany. They offer organic food products, as well as other organic household items.
These stores are generally more expensive than regular supermarkets, but they offer high-quality organic and natural products that many people in Germany find worth the extra cost.
Supermarket opening times in Germany
Supermarket opening times in Germany can vary depending on the location and the supermarket chain. In general, most supermarkets are open from Monday to Saturday from around 8:00 or 9:00 am until 8:00 or 10:00 pm. However, some supermarkets may close earlier on Saturdays or have reduced hours on Sundays.
In smaller towns and villages, supermarkets may close earlier or have limited opening hours on weekends. Additionally, some smaller supermarkets and shops may be closed on Sundays or have shorter opening hours.
It’s always a good idea to check the opening times of the supermarket you plan to visit before heading out, especially on public holidays or during special events when opening hours may be different.
Things you need to know about German supermarkets
Here are some things you need to know about German supermarkets:
- Bring your own bags: In Germany, you are expected to bring your own shopping bags when you go to the supermarket. If you forget to bring your own bags, you can buy reusable bags at the checkout counter.
- Cash or EC card: German supermarkets generally accept cash or debit cards (EC-Karte), but not credit cards.
- Bottle return system: Germany has a bottle return system (Pfandsystem) where you can return plastic and glass bottles for a small refund. Look for the Pfand symbol on the bottle, and return them to the machines near the entrance of the supermarket.
- Product labeling: German supermarkets have clear labeling of product origin, ingredients, and nutritional values. If you have allergies or follow a specific diet, it’s easy to find the products that meet your needs.
- Sunday closures: Most supermarkets in Germany are closed on Sundays, so it’s best to plan ahead and do your shopping on weekdays or Saturdays.
- Discount codes and coupons: Many German supermarkets offer discount codes and coupons, which you can find in their weekly ads or online. Be sure to take advantage of these to save money on your grocery shopping.
- Bagging your own groceries: In many German supermarkets, you are expected to bag your own groceries at the checkout counter. If you need help, just ask the cashier or someone else working there.
Food delivery services in Germany
There are several food delivery services in Germany, including:
- Lieferando: This is one of the largest food delivery services in Germany, with a wide selection of restaurants to choose from. The service is available in most major cities in the country.
- Deliveroo: Deliveroo is another popular food delivery service in Germany that offers a wide selection of restaurants to choose from. They have a focus on high-quality food and fast delivery times.
- Foodpanda: Foodpanda is a global food delivery service that operates in many countries around the world, including Germany. They offer a wide selection of restaurants to choose from and have a user-friendly app.
- Uber Eats: Uber Eats is a food delivery service operated by Uber, the ride-hailing company. They offer a wide selection of restaurants to choose from and have a user-friendly app.
- Bringmeister: This is an online grocery delivery service that allows customers to order groceries online and have them delivered to their doorstep. They offer a wide selection of products, including fresh produce, meat, and dairy.
- Amazon Fresh: Amazon Fresh is an online grocery delivery service offered by Amazon. They offer a wide selection of products, including fresh produce, meat, and dairy, and have a user-friendly app.
- REWE: REWE is a German supermarket chain that offers online grocery ordering and delivery. They have a wide selection of products, including fresh produce, meat, and dairy, and offer same-day delivery in many cities.
These are just a few of the many food delivery services available in Germany. The availability and options may vary depending on the region or city you are in.
Ethnic grocery stores in Germany
Germany has a diverse population, and as a result, there are a variety of ethnic grocery stores catering to different communities. These stores can be found in larger cities and metropolitan areas throughout the country. Some examples of ethnic grocery stores in Germany include:
- Turkish supermarkets: There are many Turkish supermarkets in Germany, particularly in larger cities such as Berlin, Frankfurt, and Hamburg. These stores offer a variety of Turkish and Middle Eastern products such as spices, dried fruits and nuts, and traditional sweets.
- Asian supermarkets: There are many Asian supermarkets in Germany, catering to the country’s large Asian population. These stores offer a variety of products from countries such as China, Japan, Korea, and Thailand, including ingredients for Asian cuisine such as rice, noodles, and sauces.
- Indian supermarkets: Indian supermarkets can be found in many larger cities in Germany, offering a range of Indian products such as spices, lentils, and rice, as well as traditional Indian snacks and sweets.
- Russian supermarkets: There are many Russian supermarkets in Germany, particularly in cities with large Russian communities such as Berlin, Frankfurt, and Munich. These stores offer a variety of Russian and Eastern European products such as smoked fish, caviar, and pickled vegetables.
- African supermarkets: African supermarkets can be found in some larger cities in Germany, offering a variety of products from countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon, including spices, dried fish, and yams.
Overall, ethnic grocery stores in Germany offer a wide variety of products and are a great way to explore different cuisines and cultures.
Food shopping at Germany markets
Food shopping at markets is a popular activity in Germany, particularly in larger cities where there are numerous options to choose from. Markets offer a great opportunity to sample fresh and local produce, as well as to buy other products like clothing, handicrafts, and household goods. Some of the most famous markets in Germany include:
- Viktualienmarkt in Munich: This is Munich’s oldest and most famous market. It is open every day except Sunday and offers fresh produce, flowers, and various Bavarian specialities.
- Naschmarkt in Vienna: While technically not in Germany, this market is a must-visit destination for food lovers. It is one of the oldest and largest markets in Europe and offers a huge variety of international foods.
- Markthalle Neun in Berlin: This market is open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and offers a range of fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products. It is also home to several popular street food vendors.
- Fischmarkt in Hamburg: Held every Sunday morning, this market is a great place to sample fresh seafood and other local delicacies. It’s also a popular destination for early risers, as it opens at 5 am!
- Kölner Weihnachtsmarkt in Cologne: While technically a Christmas market, this event is a must-visit for anyone interested in food and drink. It offers a range of traditional German specialities like Glühwein, roasted chestnuts, and Lebkuchen.
- Stuttgart Market Hall: A great place to find fresh produce, meat, cheese, and other delicacies. It’s open from Monday to Saturday, and also features a variety of food stalls.
These are just a few examples of the many markets that can be found throughout Germany. No matter where you are, chances are there’s a local market waiting to be explored!
Specialty stores in Germany
Germany has many specialty stores that cater to a variety of needs. Some popular specialty stores in Germany include:
- Tea shops: Germany has a strong tea culture, and there are many shops that specialize in selling high-quality tea.
- Cheese shops: Cheese lovers will be in heaven in Germany, as there are many shops that sell a wide variety of cheeses from all over the world.
- Wine shops: Germany is known for its excellent wines, and there are many shops that sell both local and international wines.
- Butchers: Many German cities have traditional butchers that sell high-quality meat, including sausages and other cured meats.
- Bakeries: Germany is famous for its bread, and there are many bakeries that sell a wide variety of bread, pastries, and other baked goods.
- Chocolate shops: Germany is also known for its high-quality chocolate, and there are many shops that sell artisanal chocolates from all over the country.
- Health food stores: For those who are health-conscious, there are many health food stores in Germany that sell organic and vegan products.
- Spice shops: There are many spice shops in Germany that sell a wide variety of spices from all over the world, as well as traditional German spices like caraway and mustard.
- Fishmongers: Seafood lovers will be happy to know that there are many fishmongers in Germany that sell fresh fish and seafood.
- Christmas markets: During the holiday season, Germany is famous for its Christmas markets, where vendors sell a wide variety of holiday treats, crafts, and other goods.
Convenience stores in Germany
In Germany, there are several convenience stores that are open long hours, usually until late at night, and on weekends. Here are some of the most common ones:
- “Kiosk” or “Trinkhalle”: These are small corner shops that sell a variety of items such as cigarettes, newspapers, candy, and drinks.
- “Spätkauf” or “Nachti”: These are late-night shops that usually open after regular stores have closed. They sell convenience items such as drinks, snacks, and tobacco products.
- “Tankstelle”: These are gas stations that often have attached convenience stores selling snacks, drinks, and other items.
- “Bäckerei” or “Konditorei”: Bakeries and pastry shops that sell bread, pastries, and other baked goods.
- “Supermarkt” or “Lebensmittelgeschäft”: Some supermarkets also have smaller convenience store-style locations, often called “Supermarkt Express” or “Supermarkt To Go.” These offer a limited selection of groceries, snacks, and drinks.
It is important to note that convenience stores in Germany generally have higher prices than supermarkets, so they are best for when you need something quickly or are in a pinch.
Liquor stores in Germany
In Germany, liquor (including beer, wine, and spirits) is sold in a variety of places, including supermarkets, specialty stores, and dedicated liquor stores. Most larger supermarkets and grocery stores have a section devoted to beer, wine, and spirits. There are also a number of discount liquor stores, such as Getränke Hoffmann, which offer a wide selection of alcoholic beverages at competitive prices. Additionally, there are specialty wine shops, such as Wein & Co. and Jacques’ Wein-Depot, which offer a range of high-quality wines and spirits. Finally, there are a number of dedicated liquor stores throughout the country, such as Bottle Shop and Whisky & Cigars, which specialize in high-end spirits and rare liquors. It’s important to note that the legal drinking age in Germany is 16 for beer and wine, and 18 for spirits.