Commerce & Services Germany

Main supermarket chains

 

Edeka: The largest chain; offers a wide range of products, including fresh produce, meat, dairy products, and international cuisine items.

 

 

REWE: Has around 3,600 stores; offers a variety of products and a PAYBACK loyalty program.

 

 

Aldi: Discount chain divided into Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd; offers low prices and quality products under its own brands.

 

 

Lidl: Popular chain with more than 3,000 stores; offers a wide range of products at affordable prices.

 

 

Hypermarkets

 

Kaufland: One of the largest hypermarkets with more than 650 stores; offers a wide selection of food and non-food items.

 

Globus: The chain has about 66 stores; known for its convenient shopping conditions and variety of products.

 

 

Edeka and Rewe are usually located in central areas of major cities, in pedestrian zones, and at main street intersections. The selection of products in these stores is very good, but prices are quite high.

 

 

Aldi, Netto, and Lidl are often located in residential areas and offer a wide range of products at democratic prices.

 

 

Online Supermarkets and Delivery

 

REWE Online: A popular choice for online grocery shopping, offering delivery in most major German cities. It requires scheduling delivery times in advance.

 

Amazon Fresh, Flink, Gorillas, and Bringmeister: These online services offer fast home delivery of groceries, which is especially convenient for busy city residents.

 

 

Specialized Markets

 

Farmers' Markets: Weekly markets where you can purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and other products directly from producers. Examples include Viktualienmarkt in Munich and Markthalle Neun in Berlin.

Germany is one of the largest e-commerce markets in Europe, offering a wide range of online stores.

 

Amazon.de: The leader in the German e-commerce market; offers an enormous array of products from books and electronics to groceries and clothing.

 

Otto.de: One of the largest online retailers in Germany; specializes in fashion, electronics, and home goods.

 

Zalando.de: Leading online fashion store in Europe; offers a variety of products from clothing and shoes to accessories.

 

Mediamarkt.de and Saturn.de: Stores specializing in electronics and household appliances. Mediamarkt and its "younger brother" Saturn are some of the largest electronics retailers in Germany.

 

 

Ebay.de and Kleinanzeigen.de: One of the oldest online marketplaces in Germany; offer new and used items; Kleinanzeigen.de is a popular platform for classifieds, allowing buyers and sellers to trade various items locally.

 

Lidl.de and Kaufland.de: Offer groceries, household goods, and a variety of other product categories.

 

Notebooksbilliger.de and Cyberport.de: Stores specializing in electronics, including laptops, smartphones, and computer accessories.

 

HelloFresh.de: Offers meal kits with home delivery; kits include fresh ingredients and step-by-step recipes.

Postal services in Germany are primarily provided by Deutsche Post DHL Group, one of the largest logistics and postal companies in the world.

 

Deutsche Post ensures mail delivery to almost every home in Germany. In some remote or rural areas where direct delivery is not possible, mail may be delivered to the nearest post office or local pick-up point.

 

Post Offices: Postal services are provided not only at specialized post offices but also in branches located in supermarkets, bookstores, and other retail locations.

 

 

Variety of Services

 

Letters and Packages: Deutsche Post offers various rates and options for sending letters and packages both domestically and internationally.

 

Express Delivery and International Shipments: DHL provides fast package delivery and express shipments worldwide. Both specialized cargo flights and regular passenger flights are used for international deliveries.

 

Parcel Stations: In cities and large settlements, automated parcel stations are installed, allowing individuals to send and receive packages at any convenient time.

 

Online Services: Deutsche Post offers convenient online services for tracking parcels, calculating shipment costs, and creating electronic stamps.

 

 

 

Other Popular Courier Services

 

 

 

Hermes: Offers parcel delivery services for both private and business clients; provides international delivery and has numerous drop-off and collection points throughout the country.

 

 

 

DPD (Dynamic Parcel Distribution): Specializes in express parcel delivery and offers services for both private and corporate clients. The company has a wide network of drop-off and collection points.

 

 

 

UPS (United Parcel Service): Provides a full range of delivery and logistics services, including international express delivery, national delivery, and specialized logistics solutions for businesses.

 

 

 

GLS (General Logistics Systems): Offers parcel delivery services and logistics solutions in Europe and worldwide.

 

 

 

Amazon Logistics: Amazon's courier service; ensures the delivery of items ordered on Amazon.de.

 

 

 

FedEx: Provides a wide range of logistics services, including international and national parcel delivery, express delivery, and logistics solutions for businesses.

Main Telecommunications Companies

 

Deutsche Telekom: The largest operator in Germany; provides fixed and mobile communication services, internet services, and television. The company is actively developing 5G networks and fiber optic networks (FTTH/B).

 

Vodafone Germany: The second-largest operator; offers similar services; is developing a 5G network and implementing new standards such as DOCSIS 4.0 for cable internet.

 

O2 (Telefónica Germany): Known for its competitive rates and mobile communication and internet services; actively developing the 5G network.

 

Internet Services

 

Broadband Access: Germany aims for universal coverage with fiber optic networks by 2030. Currently, there is active deployment of FTTH/B networks and upgrading existing networks using new technologies, such as DOCSIS 4.0, to ensure high-speed internet.

 

Mobile Internet: 4G and 5G networks are actively developing. Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone have already implemented 5G networks, providing high data transfer speeds and improved coverage.

 

Television

 

Cable and Satellite Television: Remain popular among German consumers. Companies like Sky Deutschland and Vodafone offer a wide range of TV channels and additional services, including HD and UHD channels.

 

IPTV: Internet television is gaining popularity. Deutsche Telekom and Vodafone offer IPTV services, enabling access to TV content via the internet.

 

It's worth noting that internet providers in Germany closely monitor the legality of data consumption. Under no circumstances should large volumes of data be downloaded via Torrents, as this can result in hefty fines for the user.

 

Telephony

 

Fixed Telephony: Despite declining popularity, fixed telephony remains an important service, especially for businesses. Companies like Deutsche Telekom offer bundled packages, including fixed and mobile communications, internet, and television.

 

Mobile Communication: Germany has one of the most developed mobile communication networks in Europe. Mobile communication services include various tariff plans with included minutes, SMS, and mobile internet.

Food Delivery

 

Lieferando: The most popular food delivery service in Germany; provides access to more than 13,000 restaurants across the country.

 

Wolt: A popular service; partners with local restaurants; the app allows for discounts on first orders and inviting friends with credits for future orders.

 

Uber Eats: An international platform; fast delivery and a wide selection of restaurants.

 

Deliveroo: Known for its bicycle couriers; ensures fast delivery from local cafes and restaurants; offers corporate catering services, making it an excellent choice for office lunches.

 

HelloFresh: A service delivering meal kits, including recipes and all the necessary ingredients.

 

Grocery Delivery

 

Gorillas: A 10-minute grocery delivery service; works with local suppliers to ensure product freshness.

 

Flink: Offers fast grocery delivery and features a group order function; wide range of products, including vegan and gluten-free options.

The business hours of shops and services in Germany may vary depending on the region, type of shop, and day of the week.

 

Standard business hours

 

Weekdays (Monday to Friday)

 

Ordinary shops: Most shops open at 9:00 or 10:00 AM and operate until 8:00 PM. In larger cities, some supermarkets and shopping centers may stay open until 10:00 PM.

 

Saturday

 

Supermarkets usually open at 7:00 AM and work until 8:00 PM, until 9:00 PM or until 10:00 PM on weekdays, depending on the store's location, with more frequented ones closing later. On Saturday, they may have a reduced schedule, which is specific to each particular store.

 

Other shops open at 10:00 AM and close at 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM from Monday to Saturday.

 

Small shops: Often close in the middle of the day for a lunch break and may operate until 4:00 or 6:00 PM.

 

 

Sunday

 

Most shops closed: By law, shops in Germany are closed on Sundays, except for a few special days of the year when shopping Sundays (Verkaufsoffene Sonntage) are allowed. On such days, shops may be open from 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

 

Exceptions: Airports, train stations, gas stations, and some bakeries may operate on Sundays.

 

Special business hours

 

24-hour shops

 

Spätis (Spätkauf): Small 24-hour shops that are popular in large cities like Berlin; they sell basic goods and beverages, often operating late at night and on Sundays.

 

Public holidays

 

On public holidays, most shops are also closed. Exceptions are shops at transport hubs and some tourist venues.

 

Regional differences

 

In some federal states, there may be variations in business hours. For example, in Bavaria, the rules may be stricter compared to Berlin, where more liberal business hours are allowed.

 

These business hours can vary, so it is recommended to always check the specific business hours of your chosen shop or service. More detailed information can be found on the shops' websites or city information portals.

Local brands

 

Adidas: One of the largest sportswear and shoe manufacturers in the world, founded in Germany.

 

Siemens: Germany's largest engineering and technology company, operating in various industries, including energy, healthcare, and industry.

 

Edeka: The largest supermarket chain; offers a wide range of food and essential goods.

 

Deutsche Telekom: Leading telecommunications service provider; offers mobile and fixed-line services as well as internet services.

 

Puma: Renowned sportswear and shoe manufacturer, founded in Germany.

 

International brands

 

Apple, H&M, IKEA, Nike, Zara, and others. Thousands of brands from around the world offer a wide range of products, catering to various consumer needs and preferences in Germany. Germany is a priority market in Europe, so every company strives to enter and establish itself in the German market first.

Germany has its unique rules and features in the shopping culture and local etiquette.

 

Punctuality and planning

 

Punctuality: Germans highly value punctuality. It's important to be on time for meetings, even if it's a simple meeting with a salesperson or consultant in a store.

 

Addressing people

 

Formal address: It is important to use formal addresses, such as "Herr" (Mr.) and "Frau" (Ms.), especially in professional and business contexts. This shows respect and courtesy.

 

Silence and privacy

 

Silence: In public places, including shops and markets, it is not customary to have loud and lively conversations. Germans value a calm and composed atmosphere.

 

Privacy: Germans respect personal space and are not inclined to small talk with strangers in public places, such as public transport or queues in shops.

 

Payment and Transactions

 

Cash: Despite the prevalence of credit and debit cards, many small shops and cafes still prefer cash. It is advisable to always have enough cash on hand for small purchases.

 

Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

 

Recycling and Waste: Germany strictly adheres to a waste sorting system. Many stores offer eco-labeled products and actively participate in recycling and sustainable development programs.

 

Quality and Seasonality of Products

 

Seasonal Products: Markets often sell seasonal items that reflect the rhythm of nature, such as asparagus in spring and pumpkins in autumn. This adds a special cultural touch to shopping and allows for a deeper understanding of local traditions.

 

 

 

Returns and Warranties

 

Consumer Rights: Germany is known for its strong consumer protection laws. Most goods come with a warranty of at least two years, and the return or repair procedure is usually simple and transparent.

 

Markets

 

Markets and Fairs: Visiting local markets and fairs is not only an opportunity to purchase fresh produce and unique items but also a chance to immerse yourself in local culture, interact with vendors, and learn more about traditional German products and crafts.

 

Understanding and respecting these features will help you adapt more easily to life in Germany and maximize the enjoyment of shopping and interacting with locals.

Winter Sale

 

Starts on the last Monday of January and lasts about two weeks.

 

Items: Winter clothing, shoes, accessories, as well as home and appliance goods. It's a great time to buy winter clothes and prepare for holidays like Valentine's Day.

 

Summer Sale

 

Starts on the last Monday of July and lasts about two weeks.

 

Items: Summer clothing, shoes, accessories, as well as leisure and travel goods. Many stores offer significant discounts on summer collections and preparation for the autumn season.

 

Post-Christmas Sale

 

Right after Christmas, usually December 27-28.

 

Items: Clothing, toys, gift sets, and other holiday goods. Stores conduct sales to clear their inventory of remaining items before the New Year.

 

Black Friday and Cyber Monday

 

Black Friday occurs on the fourth Friday of November, while Cyber Monday is the following Monday.

 

Items: Electronics, home appliances, clothing, toys, and much more. It's a time of massive discounts both online and in offline stores, where you can find great deals on a wide range of products.

 

Intermediate Sales and Promotions

 

Throughout the year, many stores have intermediate promotions tied to various holidays and events, such as Easter, the start of the school year, and others.

 

Items: The assortment of goods varies depending on the time of year and holiday, including clothing, school supplies, home goods, and more.

Germany is known for its efficient waste disposal and recycling system, which plays a crucial role in environmental protection and sustainable development. Here are the main aspects you need to know about the waste management system in Germany:

 

Waste Separation

 

Germany has a strict waste separation system that starts with consumers. Each household is required to sort their waste and place it in the appropriate bins. The main categories of waste include:

 

- Paper and Cardboard (blue bin): Newspapers, magazines, paper bags, cardboard boxes.

 

- Plastic and Packaging Materials (yellow bin): Plastic bottles, aluminum cans, yogurt containers, beverage cartons.

 

- Organic Waste (brown bin): Food scraps, eggshells, coffee grounds, paper towels.

 

- Glass: Glass bottles and jars are sorted by color (green, brown, and clear glass) and collected in special bins located throughout the city.

 

- Mixed Waste (gray or black bin): such as used diapers, hygiene products, and plastics that cannot be recycled.

 

Failure to comply with disposal rules may result in fines, the amount of which depends on the nature of the violation and the region. Fines can range from 10 to 1500 euros.

 

The Deposit System Pfand

 

In Germany, there is a deposit system for glass and plastic bottles and aluminum cans. When purchasing drinks, the consumer pays a deposit, which is refunded when returning the empty bottle or can to special machines located in supermarkets.

 

Disposal of Special Waste

 

Electronic devices: Electronic waste, such as old computers, phones, and household appliances, must be disposed of at specialized collection points or in electronics stores, such as MediaMarkt and Saturn.

 

Batteries and lamps: Old batteries and lamps can be handed in at supermarkets, such as REWE, Aldi, or dm, or at specialized collection points.

 

Furniture and bulky waste: For the disposal of large-sized items, such as furniture, you should contact the local waste collection service to arrange pickup on a designated day.