When I moved to Germany, there were so many things I needed to buy, from furniture for my apartment to winter clothes and everyday essentials. And like most students, I was on a tight budget.
One thing I’ve learned since then is that you don’t always have to buy everything brand-new or pay full price. There are actually quite a few websites and apps in Germany that can help you save money, whether you’re shopping for second-hand items, looking for discounted food, or trying to find better deals online.
I wish I had known about some of these websites earlier, because they would have made settling into life in Germany a little easier and definitely more affordable.
That’s why I’ve put together this list of 10 useful websites and apps that I think are worth knowing about, especially if you’re new to Germany. I’ll also share how I’ve used them and what I like (or don’t like) about each one.
I hope this list helps you save a few euros along the way, too!
Kleinanzeigen – find anything Second-Hand
Best way to save Money in Germany
Website: kleinanzeigen.de
Kleinanzeigen is one of Germany’s most popular online marketplaces for buying and selling second-hand items. You can find almost anything here, including furniture, bicycles, electronics, kitchen appliances, and everyday household items.
My Experience
Kleinanzeigen is one of the websites I use most often when looking for second-hand items. I’ve used it to buy furniture, but also smaller everyday things that I don’t necessarily need to buy brand-new.
I especially recommend checking Kleinanzeigen when you’re moving into a new apartment. You can often find furniture and household items in good condition for much less than you’d pay in a store. One thing to keep in mind is that many sellers prefer pickup, so it can be a little inconvenient if you don’t have a car. I’d also recommend being careful with suspicious listings and avoiding payments outside the platform’s protected payment options.
Vinted – Shop Second-Hand Fashion
Second-Hand Shopping
Website: vinted.de
Vinted is a second-hand marketplace where people buy and sell clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories. You can filter items by brand, size, condition, and price, making it easier to find exactly what you’re looking for.
My Experience
I use Vinted mainly for buying clothes and shoes. I’ve bought sneakers there, and honestly, it’s hard to find them at such low prices anywhere else.
What I like is that you can find items from different brands, sometimes in really good condition, without spending a fortune.
Just remember to check the shipping costs and additional fees before buying. A cheap item isn’t always such a great deal once everything is added up.
eBay – Buy & Sell Used Electronics
Second-Hand Shopping
Website: ebay.de
You probably already know eBay, but I still think it’s worth including in this list. It’s an online marketplace where you can buy and sell both new and second-hand products.
Unlike some other platforms, eBay also offers auctions, where you can bid on items instead of buying them at a fixed price.
My Experience
I think eBay is particularly useful for electronics. It’s a good place to sell devices you no longer need, but you can also find plenty of second-hand products.
For example, if you’re looking for a used iPhone, you’ll find lots of options, including refurbished devices.
I would recommend comparing different sellers and checking the product condition carefully. Especially with electronics, the cheapest offer isn’t necessarily the best one.
nebenan.de – Connect With Your Neighbors
Neighborhood & Everyday Help
Website: nebenan.de
nebenan.de is a neighborhood platform that connects people living in the same area. You can use it to communicate with neighbors, ask for recommendations, exchange things, or offer help.
There’s also a marketplace where people can sell or give away items, although that’s not necessarily the main reason to use the platform.
My Experience
nebenan.de is a little different from the other platforms on this list.
I think it’s more useful for small everyday things within your neighborhood. For example, imagine you need a drill for just one afternoon. Instead of buying one, you could ask whether someone nearby would be willing to lend you theirs.
There’s also a marketplace where people can sell or give away things, but personally, I don’t think it’s as good as Kleinanzeigen.
For me, the biggest advantage is being able to connect with people who live nearby and help each other out.
momox shop – Buy Affordable Second-Hand Books
Second-Hand Books & Fashion
Website: momox-shop.de
momox shop is an online store where you can buy second-hand books and other used items at lower prices. It’s especially interesting if you enjoy reading or need books for your studies.
Unlike private marketplaces, you’re buying directly from an online retailer rather than negotiating with individual sellers.
My Experience
momox also offers second-hand clothing through its fashion platform, but I’ve personally only used it for buying books.
I think it’s especially useful for students because university books can be quite expensive. Buying them second-hand can save you a good amount of money.
Of course, not every book is available, but I would definitely recommend checking here before paying full price for a new one.
rebuy – Save on Refurbished Electronics
Refurbished Electronics
Website: rebuy.de
Electronics can be expensive, especially when you’re setting up your life in a new country.
Rebuy is an online retailer that sells used and refurbished electronics, including smartphones, tablets, MacBooks, cameras, and gaming consoles.
On Ebay you are often cheaper, but here u have always the same seller – that ensures u getting always the same quality.
My Experience
If you’re looking for a refurbished iPhone or MacBook, I think rebuy is worth checking out.
One thing I particularly like is that rebuy advertises a 36-month warranty on eligible refurbished electronics. That makes buying a used device feel a little less risky compared to purchasing from a private seller.
In general, I’ve found that return policies in Germany are quite customer-friendly, especially when shopping online. For many online purchases from businesses, consumers have a 14-day right of withdrawal, although exceptions apply.
Still, I would always compare prices before buying. Sometimes the difference between a refurbished and a brand-new device isn’t as big as you might expect.
Too Good To Go – Get Discounted Food
Food & Groceries
Website: toogoodtogo.com
Too Good To Go is an app that helps reduce food waste while allowing you to buy food at lower prices.
Restaurants, bakeries, supermarkets, and other businesses offer surplus food through the app instead of throwing it away.
Most offers come as surprise bags, meaning you don’t know exactly what you’re going to receive. Depending on the store, you might get bread, pastries, vegetables, or other food.
How Does It Work?
- Download the app and enter your location.
- Browse available offers nearby.
- Reserve and pay for a surprise bag.
- Pick it up during the specified time.
My Experience
Too Good To Go probably isn’t much of a secret anymore. It’s available in many places, and you might already know it.
I use it from time to time, and sometimes you can get a really good deal.
However, not every offer is worth it. I’ve also come across disappointing surprise bags, and you usually can’t choose exactly what you’re going to receive. I would recommend trying a few different places to see which ones offer good value. Also, make sure to check the pickup time before ordering.
mydealz – Discover Deals & Discounts
Shopping Deals
Website: mydealz.de
mydealz is a community-driven platform where people share discounts, promotions, and special offers they’ve discovered.
You can find deals on electronics, clothing, household products, groceries, travel, mobile phone contracts, and many other things.
Other users can vote and comment on deals, which can help you decide whether an offer is actually worth considering. You can also set up alerts for specific products or keywords.
My Experience
mydealz is one of my go-to websites when I’m looking for a good deal.
I’ve used it several times to find affordable mobile phone contracts in Germany. There are often promotions that you might not come across when checking mobile providers directly.
What I like is that other users can comment on deals and share whether they think an offer is actually worth it.
Just be careful not to buy something simply because it’s discounted. A good deal only saves you money if you actually need the product.
Shoop – Earn Cashback on Your Purchases
Cashback & Rewards
Website: shoop.de
Shoop is a cashback platform that lets you earn some money back on purchases you make at participating online stores.
The idea is pretty simple. Before buying something online, you check whether the store is available on Shoop. If it is, you visit the store through Shoop and complete your purchase as usual.
If everything is tracked correctly and the purchase meets the conditions, you receive cashback.
How Does It Work?
- Create a Shoop account.
- Search for the online store you want to shop at.
- Open the retailer through Shoop.
- Complete your purchase.
- Wait for your cashback to be tracked and confirmed.
My Tip
I think it’s worth checking Shoop before making an online purchase, especially if you’re already planning to buy something anyway.
Just keep in mind that cashback can take some time to be confirmed, and not every purchase qualifies. It’s always worth reading the conditions first.
CHECK24 & Verivox – Compare Contracts & Save Money
Contracts & Price Comparison
Websites: check24.de | verivox.de
When you move to Germany, there are quite a few contracts you might need to arrange, from electricity and internet to mobile phone plans and insurance.
CHECK24 and Verivox are two popular comparison websites in Germany. Instead of visiting every provider’s website individually, you can compare different offers in one place.
Both platforms allow you to compare prices and conditions for services such as electricity, gas, internet, mobile phone contracts, and insurance. Sometimes you’ll also find special promotions or bonuses for new customers.
My Experience
I’ve personally used comparison websites to switch electricity providers, and I think they’re a great starting point when looking for a better contract.
One thing I’ve learned is that it can be worth comparing electricity tariffs regularly. After the minimum contract period ends, switching to another provider can sometimes save you money, especially if you can benefit from a new customer bonus.
The same idea can apply to gas, internet, or mobile phone contracts. Instead of staying with the same provider for years, it’s worth checking whether there’s a better offer available.
Important: Comparison Websites Don’t Always Show the Cheapest Offers
One thing you should know is that comparison websites aren’t completely independent of the companies they list. Platforms like CHECK24 and Verivox can earn commissions when you sign up for a contract through them.
That doesn’t mean their offers are bad, but it does mean you shouldn’t automatically assume that the cheapest result on a comparison website is the cheapest option available.
Some providers aren’t listed on every comparison platform. For example, HUK-COBURG is an insurance provider worth checking directly when comparing car insurance, as its tariffs may not appear on the major comparison websites.
My recommendation is to use CHECK24 and Verivox as a starting point, but also check offers directly on providers’ websites before making a decision.
What Should You Pay Attention To?
- Minimum contract duration (Mindestvertragslaufzeit): Check how long you’re committed to the contract.
- Cancellation period (Kündigungsfrist): Find out when and how you can cancel or switch providers.
- New customer bonuses (Neukundenbonus): Some offers are only cheap during the first year because of a one-time bonus.
- Total cost: Compare what you’ll actually pay over the contract period, not just the advertised monthly price.
And here’s one more tip: remember mydealz from earlier in this article? It’s also useful for finding deals on mobile phone contracts, electricity, and other services.
What I particularly like about mydealz is the community. If you’re unsure whether a contract is actually a good deal, you can read other people’s experiences or ask questions in the comments. Sometimes other users will even point out better offers or conditions you might have missed.
Final Thoughts
Living in Germany can be expensive, especially when you’re just getting started. But knowing a few useful websites and apps can make everyday life a little more affordable.
Whether you’re looking for second-hand furniture, affordable clothes, discounted food, or better online shopping deals, I hope this list helps you discover something useful.
You don’t need to use all 10 of them. Just start with the ones that fit your needs.
And one thing worth remembering: saving money isn’t always about buying the cheapest option. Sometimes it’s simply about making smarter choices.
Do you know any other useful websites or apps for saving money in Germany? I’d love to hear your recommendations!
Frequently Asked Questions About Saving Money in Germany
Where can I buy cheap furniture in Germany?
Kleinanzeigen is one of the best places to find affordable second-hand furniture in Germany. You can buy used desks, chairs, wardrobes, beds, and other household items, often for much less than their original price.
My tip is to search locally and check new listings regularly. Many sellers prefer pickup, so finding something close to your home can also save you transportation costs.
How can I get free furniture and household items in Germany?
On Kleinanzeigen, search for “Zu verschenken”, which means “giving away for free.” People often give away furniture, kitchen appliances, books, and other household items they no longer need.
You can also check nebenan.de or local neighborhood groups. Sometimes people are happy to give things away if you can pick them up yourself.
Is Kleinanzeigen safe to use in Germany?
Kleinanzeigen is a popular second-hand marketplace, but scams can happen. I recommend checking the seller’s profile, reading the description carefully, and being cautious if an offer seems too good to be true.
For expensive items, picking them up in person and checking their condition before paying is often a good option. If you need shipping, consider using a payment method with buyer protection. Avoid sending money through PayPal Friends & Family to strangers, as these payments don’t include purchase protection.
Can I return second-hand items in Germany?
It depends on who you buy from. If you purchase second-hand items online from a professional retailer, you generally have a 14-day right of withdrawal, although exceptions apply.
However, if you buy something from a private seller on Kleinanzeigen or Vinted, you usually don’t have an automatic right to return it just because you’ve changed your mind.
That’s why I recommend checking the item’s condition carefully and asking questions before buying. If you’re purchasing refurbished electronics, also check the warranty and return conditions offered by the retailer.
Where can I buy cheap refurbished phones in Germany?
rebuy and eBay are two places worth checking if you’re looking for a refurbished or second-hand smartphone in Germany.
On rebuy, you can buy refurbished devices from a professional retailer. On eBay, you’ll find offers from both private sellers and businesses.
Before buying, compare prices, check the battery condition, and read the warranty and return policies. Sometimes a refurbished phone isn’t much cheaper than a new one, so it’s worth comparing both options.
How can I get cheap food in Germany?
Too Good To Go is one option for buying discounted food from bakeries, restaurants, and supermarkets. Businesses sell surplus food that might otherwise go to waste, often in surprise bags.
However, you usually can’t choose exactly what you’ll receive, and not every offer is equally good. I recommend checking the pickup times and trying different stores to find the ones that offer good value.
For everyday grocery shopping, comparing supermarket prices, checking weekly offers, and choosing store-brand products can also help you save money.
Are CHECK24 and Verivox always the cheapest options?
No, not necessarily. CHECK24 and Verivox are useful for comparing electricity, gas, internet, mobile phone contracts, and insurance, but they don’t always include every provider or available tariff.
Both platforms can earn commissions when customers sign contracts through them. This doesn’t automatically mean their offers are more expensive, but it’s a good reason not to rely on just one comparison website.
I recommend checking both platforms and comparing offers directly with providers. For example, if you’re looking for car insurance, HUK-COBURG is also worth checking separately.
How often should I switch electricity providers in Germany?
It’s worth comparing electricity tariffs at least once a year, especially before your current contract’s minimum term ends.
I’ve personally used comparison websites to switch electricity providers. Sometimes switching after the minimum contract period can save you money, particularly when new customer bonuses are available.
However, switching isn’t always the cheapest option. Compare the total annual cost, including bonuses, and check the minimum contract duration, cancellation period, and price guarantee.
Another tip is to check mydealz for special electricity, gas, or mobile phone offers. The community can also help you understand whether a particular deal is actually worth it.
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