7 Everyday Life Hacks for Living in Germany

Life in Germany becomes easier if you know a few local habits and services: where to compare fuel prices, how to buy things second hand, what to use to check transport, where to look for discounts, and what to pay attention to in the supermarket. Below is a practical checklist for newcomers, families, and anyone who wants to spend less on everyday expenses.

1. Compare fuel prices before filling up

For drivers, it is useful to keep the Clever Tanken app or website close at hand. The service shows fuel prices by city and region, so before a trip you can quickly check where it is cheaper to fill up.

Fuel prices in Germany change often, sometimes several times a day. If you see a noticeably lower price near your home or along your route, it is better not to postpone filling up for too long: the offer may change again soon.

2. Buy and sell things through second hand platforms

Germany has a well-developed culture of reusing things. Clothes, shoes, accessories, and children’s items are often bought and sold through Vinted.de. This helps save money, free up space at home, and find items that are no longer sold in regular stores.

Before buying, check the seller’s rating, the product photos, and the shipping terms. For expensive items, it is better to use protected payment methods inside the platform when they are available.

3. Do not be afraid of tap water, but keep water hardness in mind

Tap water in Germany is regulated by the Trinkwasserverordnung and monitored by water suppliers and the Gesundheitsamt. In most everyday situations, it is safe to drink from the tap if there is no local warning from the utility provider or the city.

At the same time, the taste and hardness of the water vary noticeably by region. Hard water does not automatically make it unsafe to drink, but it does affect kettles, coffee machines, irons, and household appliances. A filter may be useful mainly for taste and for protecting appliances; if you have medical restrictions, it is better to follow your doctor’s advice and the data from the local water provider.

4. Use apps for public transport and trains

For trips around the city and region, it is convenient to check schedules in the app of the local transport association or in ÖPNV Navigator if it covers the region you need. For long-distance trips and tickets, people usually use DB Navigator from Deutsche Bahn.

Omio can be useful for comparing train routes, buses, and other travel options, but before buying a ticket it is worth checking the fare conditions: refunds, transfers, whether the ticket is tied to a specific train, and any possible fees.

Mydealz.de collects discounts, promotions, and deals from stores. The service is especially useful for electronics, household goods, subscriptions, clothing, and travel.

To make sure a discount does not turn into an unnecessary purchase, compare the final price with the regular price in other stores. Pay attention to delivery costs, the promotion end date, and the return policy.

6. Buy fruit and vegetables closer to closing time

Many supermarkets in Germany are closed on Sundays, so on Saturday evenings there are sometimes discounts on perishable products: vegetables, fruit, salads, baked goods, and ready-made meals. This is not a guaranteed rule for every chain and every branch, but checking the discount section before closing often helps save money.

Check the expiration date, the condition of the packaging, and when you will realistically use the products. The best bargain is the one you will not have to throw away.

7. Join a baby club if you have a child

Families with children and future parents should look into baby clubs or family programs at DM, Müller, and Rossmann. Registration is usually free, and members receive coupons, discount notifications, and sometimes a welcome box or sample products.

Conditions differ from one chain to another and can change, so it is best to look for the program on the store’s official website with queries like “baby club DM”, “baby club Müller”, or “baby club Rossmann”. When registering, check what data you are sharing and how often you want to receive newsletters.

Quick checklist for everyday savings

Check prices in Clever Tanken before filling up.
Look at Vinted.de first for clothes and children’s items.
Use DB Navigator for trains, and the local Verkehrsverbund app for city transport.
Check Mydealz.de for deals, but compare the final price.
On Saturday evening, look for discounts on perishable products.
For family shopping, check the programs from DM, Müller, and Rossmann.