Shopping in Germany: Store Hours, Payment, and Phrases

Shopping in Germany works differently than most expats expect. Stores close earlier, many shops only accept cash or “Girokarte”, and returning items is not always guaranteed. If you have ever stood at a register fumbling for words while a line forms behind you, this guide is for you.

Shopping in Germany means learning local customs around payment, store hours, bag policies, and how to communicate with staff. German shops rarely have the same return flexibility as other countries, and most staff expect you to bag your own groceries. Knowing what to expect removes the stress.

Shopping in Germany: Store Hours and Sunday Rules

One of the biggest surprises for newcomers is that most stores in Germany close on Sundays. This is regulated by the “Ladenschlussgesetz” (shop closing law). Supermarkets, clothing stores, and electronics shops are all shut. Only bakeries, gas stations, and shops in major train stations stay open on Sundays.

Weekday hours vary by city. In large cities, supermarkets often stay open until 22:00. In smaller towns, expect closing times around 18:00 or 20:00. Saturday hours are usually similar to weekdays, but some smaller shops close by 14:00 or 16:00. Plan your grocery run accordingly, especially before long weekends and public holidays.

You will hear the phrase “Wir schließen in fünf Minuten.” (We are closing in five minutes) if you cut it close. German stores do not extend hours for lingering shoppers.

Payment: Cash, Cards, and What Stores Accept

Germany is more cash-friendly than most of Western Europe. Many smaller shops, bakeries, and market stalls only accept “Bargeld” (cash). Larger chains accept card payments, but usually through “Girokarte” (the German debit card) rather than Visa or Mastercard. If you are used to tapping your credit card everywhere, you will need to adjust.

• “Kann ich mit Karte zahlen?” - Can I pay by card?
• “Nur Barzahlung.” - Cash only.
• “Haben Sie es passend?” - Do you have exact change?
• “Brauchen Sie eine Quittung?” - Do you need a receipt?
• “Die Kasse ist dort drüben.” - The checkout is over there.

Tip: always carry some cash. Even if a store accepts cards, there is often a minimum amount (usually 5 or 10 euros). For more on managing “Geld” (money) in Germany, see our banking in Germany guide.

At the Supermarket: Bags, Pfand, and Checkout Speed

German supermarkets do not provide free bags. You bring your own or buy one at the register. The cashier scans items fast, and you are expected to pack them yourself. There is no small talk. If you are slow, the next customer's groceries start piling up against yours.

• “Eine Tüte, bitte.” - A bag, please.
• “Sammeln Sie Punkte?” - Do you collect points? (loyalty card)
• “Der Kassenbon, bitte.” - The receipt, please.

You will also encounter “Pfand” (bottle deposit). Most plastic and glass bottles have a deposit of 0.08 to 0.25 euros. Return them at the “Pfandautomat” (deposit machine) in the store to get a voucher. The machine prints a slip you can use at the register or get refunded as cash. Practice the full supermarket experience in the Supermarket scenario on EverydayDeutsch.

How to Ask for Help in a German Shop

In many German stores, staff will not approach you unless you ask. This is not unfriendliness; it is just the norm. If you need help finding something or want a different size, you need to take the first step. For a deeper guide on this, see our post on asking a shop assistant for help in German.

• “Entschuldigung, können Sie mir helfen?” - Excuse me, can you help me?
• “Wo finde ich ...?” - Where can I find ...?
• “Haben Sie das in einer anderen Größe?” - Do you have this in a different size?
• “Kann ich das anprobieren?” - Can I try this on?
• “Ich schaue mich nur um.” - I am just looking around.

If you are shopping for clothes, our clothing store phrases guide has the vocabulary you need for sizes, fitting rooms, and making a purchase.

Can You Return Items in Germany?

Returns in Germany are not the same as in many English-speaking countries. For in-store purchases, there is no legal right to return items just because you changed your mind. Many stores offer a voluntary return policy (often 14 days with the receipt), but this varies. Online purchases have a 14-day right of withdrawal under EU law, which is separate from store-specific policies.

Always keep your “Kassenbon” (receipt). Without it, most stores will not process any return or exchange. For the full breakdown of return vocabulary and what to say, read our returning items in Germany guide.

• “Kann ich das umtauschen?” - Can I exchange this?
• “Ich möchte das zurückgeben.” - I would like to return this.
• “Hier ist die Quittung.” - Here is the receipt.