Here’s a scene almost every newcomer to Germany knows. You’ve put your groceries on the checkout belt and the cashier starts scanning at an astonishing speed. Your items slide down the counter and pile up faster than you can bag them, someone behind you is already unloading their cart, and there’s no bagger in sight. The cashier gives you a brief look that says, quite reasonably, you’re holding up the line.
Shopping in German supermarkets isn’t hard, but it runs on conventions that nobody explains. This guide covers which stores are which, how checkout works, and the small rules (bags, carts, deposits) that tend to trip people up.
Discounters vs. Supermarkets
German grocery shopping splits into two main types, and knowing which is which saves money and confusion.
Discounters are smaller, cheaper, and have fewer products. They sell mostly their own private-label goods, and products often stay in their delivery boxes on the shelves. The big names are:
- Aldi. The original discounter, split into Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd (north and south), which operate as separate companies with different branding and products.
- Lidl. A discounter with a wider range than Aldi, including more name brands and an in-store bakery.
- Penny (owned by Rewe) and Netto Marken-Discount (owned by Edeka). Smaller chains, common in many neighborhoods.
Supermarkets are larger, with more choice, fresh counters, and more brand names. They cost somewhat more on average. The main players:
- Edeka. Germany’s biggest food retailer, run as a cooperative, with many stores operated by independent merchants, which is why Edeka stores can look quite different from one another.
- Rewe. The other major supermarket chain, which also owns Penny.
- Kaufland. A hypermarket from the same group as Lidl (the Schwarz Group), selling groceries and household goods in very large stores.
According to a YouGov analysis cited in trade press, discounters have a market share of about 38 percent versus roughly 28.5 percent for supermarkets, but in terms of preference the two are almost even: 32 percent of Germans say they prefer supermarkets like Rewe and Edeka, and 29 percent prefer discounters like Aldi and Lidl. The formats are also getting more similar over time, with discounters adding products and supermarkets matching discounter prices on key items.
Which Store for What?
| Store type | Examples | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discounter | Aldi, Lidl, Penny, Netto | Everyday basics, low prices | Smaller range, quick shopping |
| Supermarket | Edeka, Rewe | Variety, fresh counters, brands | Higher prices, more choice |
| Hypermarket | Kaufland, Marktkauf | One-stop shopping, household goods | Large stores, often outside the center |
| Drugstore | dm, Rossmann, Müller | Toiletries, baby products, cosmetics, some snacks | Not for medicine |
| Organic supermarket | Alnatura, Denn’s | Organic food, specialty products | Premium prices |
| Pharmacy (Apotheke) | Local pharmacies | Medicine, including most over-the-counter drugs | Green “A” sign |
That last row surprises many visitors: even simple pain relievers and cold medicine are usually sold in a pharmacy, not in supermarkets or drugstores.
How Checkout Works
Most of what makes German checkouts feel intense comes down to a few habits.
1. Bring a bag. Lightweight plastic carrier bags have been banned at checkouts since 2022. Stores sell sturdier reusable bags, paper bags, and woven shoppers for a small fee. Most Germans carry their own.
2. Use the divider. On the belt, you’ll find a small bar called the Warentrenner. Place it behind your last item so the next customer knows where your groceries end and theirs begin.
3. Unload quickly, pack quickly. The cashier scans fast, and there’s no bagger. Pack at the end of the belt into your own bags or back into the cart, and step aside once you’ve paid if you need to rearrange things.
4. Loose produce. Fruit and vegetables are usually weighed at the checkout, but some stores have self-service scales where you weigh and label items yourself. Look for scales in the produce section.
5. Payment. Most big chains accept cards, but cash is still common, and some smaller shops prefer it. Look at the signs at the entrance. You’ll be asked whether you pay bar oder mit Karte (cash or card).
6. Receipts. Cashiers are required to offer you a receipt, but you may decline it.
7. Loyalty programs. You’ll often be asked if you have a loyalty card or app (such as Payback). You can simply say nein, danke.
The Shopping Cart Deposit
Many supermarkets lock their carts with a deposit system. You insert a coin, usually a euro or a small amount, or a special chip, into a slot on the handle to release the cart. When you return the cart to the stand and push the coin back in, you get the money back. Keep a coin in your wallet for this.
Pfand: The Bottle Deposit
Drinks in bottles and cans carry a deposit, shown separately on the shelf label. Return your empties to the machine near the entrance and bring the voucher to the checkout. For the full guide, see our article on Pfand in Germany.
What’s Different About the Products
A few surprises for newcomers:
- Milk is often unrefrigerated. Long-life (UHT) milk is a common product, sold on regular shelves. Fresh milk is in the chilled section.
- Private labels dominate in discounters. Aldi sells mostly its own brands, and the quality is often comparable to name brands.
- Bread and rolls. Many supermarkets and discounters bake their own, but Germans often prefer bakeries. See our guide to German bread culture.
- Weekly offers. Stores advertise special offers in weekly flyers (Prospekte) and apps, and some products only appear for a limited time.
Opening Hours and Sundays
Most supermarkets open early, around 7:00 or 8:00, and close between 20:00 and 22:00, with some variation by state and city. Almost all shops close on Sundays and public holidays, which means you need to stock up on Saturday. See our guide to Sunday closing in Germany. Exceptions are shops at train stations and airports, and some bakeries, which have different rules. Before Christmas and New Year, shops also close earlier than usual. See Christmas in Germany 2026.
Checkout Etiquette
- Greet the cashier. A brief Hallo or Guten Tag is normal, and a Tschüss or Schönen Tag noch when leaving.
- Be ready. Have your payment method out as the last items are scanned.
- Don’t take it personally. The speed is efficiency, not rudeness.
- Respect the queue. Wait behind the line, and leave space between yourself and the person in front.
Practical Tips
- Carry a bag, a coin, and cash. They solve most small problems.
- Shop on weekdays or mornings to avoid crowds.
- Don’t expect to find medicine in a supermarket. Go to an Apotheke.
- Check the label for Pfand if you’re buying drinks.
- Compare stores. Try a discounter for basics and a supermarket for specialties.
- Finish your shopping by Saturday evening.
FAQ
What is the difference between Aldi and Lidl?
Both are discounters, but Lidl typically has a wider range with more brand-name products and an in-store bakery, while Aldi focuses more on its own private labels.
Are Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd the same?
No. They’re separate companies with different branding and some different products, serving different regions of Germany.
Do German supermarkets give plastic bags?
Lightweight plastic bags have been banned at checkouts since 2022. You can buy reusable or paper bags, but it’s normal to bring your own.
Why do I need a coin for the shopping cart?
Carts are locked with a deposit system to stop people from leaving them in parking lots. You get your coin back when you return the cart.