Overview
Meta Description: Discover essential tips for grocery shopping in Germany, including typical opening hours, shopping practices, and what to expect during public holidays.
If you are visiting Germany from the United States, you may not expect some of the differences in the business hours of local shops. In general, shops will not be open as late as you may be used to, and you should not plan to shop for groceries (Lebensmittel) on a Sunday. In fact, shopping hours in Germany are among the most restrictive in Europe.
Note: The following opening hours (Öffnungszeiten) apply in general, but can vary from shop to shop; just as in America, stores in smaller towns close earlier than retail centers in major cities like Munich or Berlin.
What to Expect When Grocery Shopping
Shopping in Germany is usually quite modern. While there are still markets held on old town squares, most people do their shopping at major grocery chains. There are many different stores to choose from:
- The Discounters: Most people shop at both discount and major chains such as Lidl, Netto, and Aldi. While discounters may have inconsistent inventory that is not displayed as attractively, they often offer better deals.
- Major Chains: These include stores such as Kaisers, Edeka, Real, Rewe, and Kaufland.
- Bio: A great source for organic groceries.
- Markets: Beyond the weekly markets in town squares, some areas host Turkish, Asian, and African markets, providing a great selection of produce and specialty items.
- Online and Specialty Shops: For specific needs, it may be best to order items online.
Opening Hours for Shops, Bakeries, and Banks
Department Stores
Mo-Sat 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sun closed
Supermarkets and Shops
Mon-Fri 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Sat 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (smaller supermarkets often close between 6 and 8 p.m.)
Sun closed
Shops in smaller towns might shut down for a one-hour lunch break (usually between noon and 1 p.m.).
Bakeries
Mon – Sat 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Sun 7:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Banks
Mon – Fri 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.; cash machines are available 24/7
Sat/Sun closed
Shopping on Sundays
In general, German shops are closed on Sundays. Exceptions include bakeries, shops at gas stations (open 24/7), or grocery stores in train stations. In larger cities like Berlin, keep an eye out for small convenience stores known as Spätkauf or Späti. Their opening hours can vary, but they are usually open late during the week and at least part of the day on Sundays.
Another notable exception is Verkaufsoffener Sonntag (shopping Sundays), when larger grocery stores may have special opening hours on selected Sundays, particularly in the weeks leading up to holidays.
Public Holidays
All shops, supermarkets, and banks are closed on German public holidays such as Easter and Christmas. Moreover, they may be closed in the days surrounding these holidays, making it somewhat challenging to shop for essential items between Christmas and New Year’s (Silvester). However, this situation presents a great opportunity to dine out during this festive period, as many restaurants remain open to cater to holiday visitors.
During public holidays, museums and attractions have special opening hours, and transportation services run on a limited schedule. Therefore, it is advisable to check websites and plan ahead before embarking on your journey.
