Grocery Shopping in Germany [Explained] 🛒

[@mrtbrn6879]

One very important thing to mention about grocery shopping: be prepared to pack your groceries FAST after cashier scans them. It is stressfull and scary.

[@simplegermany]

Hahaha yes however that is typically just Aldi where they are so super fast 😅

[@carlesinseattle7660]

Rewe also!

[@simplegermany]

Our Rewe is very slow 😂 guess it depends on the local training 🙃

[@Ringelsocke.]

One time at an Aldi the cashier went so fast that he broke some eggs and smashed some of the other items I wanted to buy. I asked for the Manager. A dissatisfied customer is a lost customer. And long-term a dissatisfied employee is also lost. And the good reputation is ruined.

[@mewtje3095]

a tip from me here is to have a cart and put the stuff into the cart, move out of the way and then pack your bags at your own speed. Not many are aware, but cashiers are often tracked by speed, and if theyre slowing down, they might actually be facing reprimands.

[@Jay-in-the-USA]

The best thing about German grocery stores is the bread. 🍞🤤 I would actually love to see a video where you guys try out different types of bread.

[@rijulgogia5321]

You guys are just awesome. I came to Berlin early this month and Simple Germany (Jen and Yvonye) is my go to channel for any doubt/knowledge. Keep up the great work.

[@simplegermany]

Thanks Rijul! We love to hear that. Hope you are enjoying Berlin so far! 🤗

[@Mozart4000]

7:50 In Italy there are supermarkets where you have to pull a number first (like at the government office) if you want to be served on the fresh produce counter.

[@simplegermany]

Oh really!? Interesting, kinda makes sense ☺️

[@suzannes5888]

The US has that numerical paper ticket system in a lot of places too (for when there's longer lines) and when there's not a digital number/waiting system. When the lines are not that long we do it the "German" way and keep track ourselves - although if people see the line getting long customers will start pulling a numbered ticket for themselves. In restaurants with very long wait times to get a table, the hostess will tell the guest about how long it will be (so you can go do something else nearby), and than hand you a vibrating buzzer to take, that you can put in your pocket or purse - and they will buzz you to come back when your table's ready. (in the US, the further outside a city, or populated area you are, the less likely there will be any system other than the "German", aka "figure-it-out-as-a-group" way.)

[@JaniceHope]

it also happens here... my local edeka has an excellent butchery and there you have to pull numbers, because they always have a high demand. The Cheese selection, which is served by the same people from the butchery, doesn't. LOL

[@gigibenea3529]

Same in Canada

[@--ACCEPT--]

The "Einkaufswagenmünzen", the plastic coins for the shopping cart, are one of the great mysteries of german life. Just as the pastel colored coca-cola glass and the bowl that looks like a leaf, you do not buy them and you've never seen them in shops. But when you're at the cartstand you just pat your pockets and they appear in your hour of need.

[@bettinaprice6814]

My husband gave me a bag of one hundred of those plastic chips (ordered from Amazon) as a gag gift for our silver wedding anniversary. He's been claiming for years that my habit of asking him for coins for the trolley that he never gets back is part of my evil plan to make all his money mine. Very, very slowly. :-D

[@simplegermany]

😂😂

[@indiansoul]

2:04 that plastic coin mimic is called einkaufswagenchip and you can buy it from Amazon.. but my trick is that I keep 1 euro coin in my jacket's pocket all the time and use it. Otherwise there is also a keyring with einkaufswagen chip and that is most practical thing ever for taking shopping cart.

[@heidikugler8004]

Omg, I did not know about the camera translate for the google app. I have been typing everything in by hand. This tip was amazing! Danke Schön!

[@PalmyraSchwarz]

That was a nice collection of pitfalls one can encounter in a German supermarket. The best thing is that you provide the solutions right away.

[@danielapz5283]

I love this channel because of course I won't go there and find everything out on my own because it would be too stressful for me. I NEED a guide in advance and this is simply gold for anxious people like me

[@deannamaldonado2506]

Thanks for posting this very helpful video. I'm planning a trip to Germany for a long stay and this information will be very useful.

[@lmotaribeiro]

Fist time on the supermarket I was looking to get some fresh bread, I just stand there for around 10 minutes just waiting for someone to get there so I could see the dynamics of it. I was thinking "Should I just grab with my hand?", "Is there a bag?", "should I weight it?" and many other questions JUST FOR THE BREAD. Luckily someone came and the random bread I got was amazing :) I still could not use the slicing machine, but that's for my next trip.

[@simplegermany]

Love it! Learning through observing is always a great way 🤗

[@roselinechuku4010]

You didn’t say what you finally did. Grabbed the bare bread with your bare hand or what?

[@leDespicable]

@@roselinechuku4010 I mean, the bigger bread loafs you definitely need to grab with your hand, the tongs you have there are only good for things like bread rolls.

[@turjo119]

Fantasically explained! I just arrived 3 days ago and kinda binge watching your videos! Very helpful :)

[@rogermarsh7181]

My German wife and I are getting ready to take an extended vacation in Germany for 3-5 months. Loved the videos explaining things.

[@simplegermany]

Sounds great! Enjoy your time and travels 😊

[@stevenbareiss9001]

I lived north of Stuttgart of five years from 1987 to 1992. Thanks for the updates.

[@etorres5823]

Very similar in Spain and France. You guys are so charming btw

[@3.k]

Whenever I didn’t take a cart, I will look for (almost) empty and free cardboard boxes in the market. A box is also useful if you haven’t got your shopping bag on you, so you can use it to carry your shopping items from the car into your kitchen. :)

[@alicemilne1444]

Drogerie markets like DM usually also have an organic foods section for dry goods (staples like rice, flour, lentils, teas, etc.) and some health food products including vitamin supplements.

[@aranxavillalobos7327]

YES!!! Please make a bread video!! that would be so awesome!!!!

[@MsJackyCerna]

I know where to find them - here in LIDL Spain, when i forget to bring a coin, i usually go to the cashier and ask this blue plastic coin from them. They gives it to their customers for free and don't necessarily expect us to return it back to them. ATLEAST, based on my experience. :) Try it out in LIDL germany, maybe its the same.

[@shilesh123]

Super helpful video! Thank you, looking forward to seeing more helpful content from you 👍

[@CarokonekoSubs]

There are fish markets in northern Germany! Also department stores will often have a supermarket section in the basement with fresh fish, meat and cheese counters.

[@bandifilm]

First day in Germany a week ago, I was stuck in the supermarket for 30min trying to find way out without buying anything. There was entrance and the casher lines. When I tried to go out from entrance there was big beep sounds of course😂 and There was no way But buying anything to get out of the supermarket. Turns out I just needed to push through people from the casher line. It was sooo confusing to me because in my country you don’t go out through casher line if you don’t buy anything.

[@simplegermany]

Ahh very interesting observation 😅 and very true! You have to sneak by the line by the cashier or catch an empty cashier where the gate is open!

[@jonathankolberg2706]

1:38 you do not buy them most are advertising gifts. You get them from insurance companies, breweries, everything

[@BenM388]

I am British and i am going to Germany this December, i was watching this because i like to know what to expect, but i have realised it is pretty much exactly the same as here in the UK

[@fannychristozova8158]

Nice and really helpful video again! Luckily I'm very much accustomed to rollers with coins, that's thanks to Lidl and Kaufland being introduced in my country for many years now. Also, the breads explanation and story really got me. 😃 So for similar unpleasant experiences to everyone out there, I'd say the easiest and fastest way not to get into a 'trap' is that whenever there's a number of MINUTES (Min.) written on a package, no matter how fine it already looks, this is something to pay attention to!! I've been to German groceries and it was all nice and orderly, but also I wasn't alone then. So thank you guys for this content, it gives me more confidence! 🍞🥑

[@Melisendre]

I live in Munich and the last time I had to weight my vegetables is many years ago. In every supermarket it is weight by the cashier. So I believe it's a regional thing.

[@alicemilne1444]

I don't think it's regional. I think it depends on the franchise holder (Pächter/tenant) for that particular store, how big the store is, and when the franchise holder took over.

[@andymo4671]

As a Munich guy, I have to agree! In our city in every store the veggies and fruits are weight by cashier. When I was in holiday f.e. Gran Canaria or Italy, the cashier had to went through the store to weight, because I m not into to do it bymyself anymore.

[@baldurofwrath]

Its at least still a thing in Heidelberg, had an annoyed cashier run to the weighing machine and weight some bananas. This was in a Kaufland though, probably not the same in the Aldis.

[@thorz7304]

In a lot of supermarkets you receive those coins for free if you ask at the service desk. (35 years ago co-op sold fresh fish. They were swimming in a fish tank until you ordered them.)

[@christine9122]

Yes to introduction to German breads :)

[@carlesinseattle7660]

Yessss! Bread video😃

[@CathyTalksMiami]

Congratulations! Your videos are always on point! Clear, easy to understand, very informative and educational. I also took a look at your website and is very clear, well written and, once again, on point!!!! You really are doing an amazing job. Everything so well structured and easy to navigate. Enhorabuena!!!! I should be visiting soon a German supermarket and will definitely take into consideration your suggestions. Feliz navidad!!!!!!!! 🎄🎁 ♥️

[@mariondiemert430]

As a German living in SE Texas, my mouth waters every time you show footage of a Wurst- or -Brottheke. Homesick here......

[@jimgeiser487]

You should have had some advise about checking out- no help putting items back in cart to take to put in your bags or boxes to take home as it is done and the double slide area that you have to clear before next one is ready to check out.

[@simplegermany]

Yes, you are right. The best way is to put your items back into the cart and leave the checkout and the repack then in your bag or car in peace 😊

[@jessicawaldberger3453]

The coins for the shopping trolleys can usually be found in the checkout area, where there are also tobacco products and small sweets, which is why the children always make a riot at the checkout :)

[@sindypetronella]

thanks for sharing this wow

[@multisorcery-8840]

In Canada you also have to put a quarter in to get your shopping cart. It is not as much as a Euro but at least people are bringing their carts back (mostly). Previously people left them all over the parking lot. Also some supermarkets have carts whose wheels lock if you try to take them out of the parking lot because some homeless people use them to wheel around their belongings.

[@freddyfernandes2645]

Make a video on german breads and also on German Sausages and popular meats

[@irenelifes3261]

Thank you so much dear for your information,, very very helpful for me,, next year I will come to your country 🙏

[@ChristianLehrer]

Love your videos. I’m looking to buy an apartment near my family in Germany and this is so helpful. Jen did make laugh when she said she does not like sparkling water! In Germany my family loves Sprudelwasser mit apfelsap! Thanks for another great video!

[@Cassie670566]

Danke Jen and Yvonne! We have been back and forth to Germany quite a few times. We really, really love it there. Mostly we go to Munich, but we have been to Frankfurt a couple times and to Austria at least 3 times. We really like supermarket shopping there. We really like Edeka. I have a wonderful time at the DM! It’s like a carnival for me.🥰So many things to look at. Many things that are different from the USA and the best thing is things are not chemical laden products. Many products here irritate me but nothing that I have gotten there bothers me. The make up and personal hygiene products are actually really a lot less expensive there than in the US. Prices are great. We are hoping to make another trip at the end of November ‘23. I am so excited to get back to Germany. Tchüss! Love your videos!

[@oykuaslan6724]

i love you guys, when i have more money def gonna buy you ko-fi

[@nilsvonsteinfelde2116]

for the fans of analog photography. Drogeriemärkte like DM an Rossmann usually have have a small selection of color and B/W films. These stores also develop films but this can take a lot of time and if you're only staying for a short time camera shops are the better option.

[@Ringelsocke.]

Hey Jen, With a specific and detailed explanation you barely have to ask a second time!

[@NicoleAllisson]

Can u please make a video on where to shop online for furnitures, daily essentials, baby essentials and any online grocery? ☺️ TQ so much!

[@carlosmontiel2365]

I really love your videos and you are super funny 😂 I discovered the channel some days ago and now you have my subscription guaranteed 👍, and even though almost 10k subscriber may seem low on KZbin, 10k is the max capacity of most big auditoriums so be proud of your work 😄, hope life turns out great for you two and you keep making videos, they're great!

[@simplegermany]

Thanks for your kind words Carlos! ☺️

[@mahmoudelsherif4981]

nice and informative

[@emeliadash3060]

Yess plzz make a video only about german breads. It has hugeeeee variety.

[@Edwards-Videos]

1:00 Needing a coin for a shopping cart is something you find in Canada too!

[@chellastation]

Good thing I have gotten use to shopping at Aldi here in America.

[@karinland8533]

A tip for the coin/token for the shopping cart: Often there can be used different coins the range is from 50 cent-1€-2€. The 1€ will fit to 95%. Often you might be able to use cons from other European countries eg 10KĆ from the Czech Republic. I also use a Taler from my Apotheke

[@avr7120]

or alternatively unterlegscheiben (washers?) !

[@martink.6872]

Looking forward to a future 'Advanced Shopping in Germany' video with lessons in "The art and etiquette of the Warentrenner" and "The german way of packing the Kassenband". ;) Btw. if you know your way around the magic that is 'german compound nouns' and you know that the 'put in your cart thingy' is called an "Einkaufwagenchip" or "Einkaufswagenlöser", you'll easily find countless products listed in Amazon, Ebay, … unless you get one for free at the info desk like many commenters suggested. :)

[@Dahrenhorst]

Of course we have special seafood & fish stores in Germany, however, those are mostly in the northern half in Germany. There more north you go, the more common those are.

[@simplegermany]

Agreed! It is just not a nation wide thing like a Metzgerei 😇

[@rockthatflag]

This is also a US American thing. At least here I’m New Jersey. There are a lot of coin access carts. We’re starting to slowly get rid of them but a lot of shops still have this.

[@mohammedbadarneh9488]

Thank you for the great content, and really helpful info and tips. I'm moving to Germany next month, and I'm glad that I've found your channel 😍 Keep up the good work 👍🥰

[@simplegermany]

Have a smooth move 😉

[@mohammedbadarneh9488]

@@simplegermany Thanks 😊

[@huntress_9441]

We chain the trolleys together in Australia too!

[@ortalitush]

Bread tasting video PLEASE!!!!🥖😋

[@H20-x8z]

i love this channel

[@tayyabmukhtar7632]

10k subscribers 🎉🎉🥳

[@simplegermany]

Thanks!! 🥳🥳

[@SirShoddrick]

Did you see where un chavo de Guatemala, hid in the wheel well of an airplane from Guatemala City to Miami! That’s amazing he survived…

[@loki19191]

Our uni-library used to sell ersatz-coins for use in the lockers

[@ManOfSt33l]

The size of the "Getränkemark" is depending on the size of squaremeters used. If the drinking section in a market exceeds 200 or 220 sqaremeters they have to pay more taxes if I remember correctly. So for the company itself (Rewe...) it is cheaper in germany to have a seperate shop only for "Getränke" :)

[@simplegermany]

Huh, thanks for the info! Didn’t know that 😇

[@janlanik2660]

I got my special coin in Kaufland. Didn’t have an actual coin so I asked a cashier to exchange some coin for a small bill and they just handed me this special metal coin with Kaufland logo that can also be attached to a key ring.

[@rishiraj2548]

Thanks a million

[@Headhunter-5000]

Weighting vegetables yourself got less common. Usually there are build-in scales at the checkout and the staff is doing it for you. Never had to weight it myself in any Rewe. In Kaufland it still exists.

[@SanKum7]

Use a back of the key as a coin and get the shopping cart. Try it out.

[@franktoledo6342]

Big hassle. In the States we still have some service. Full checkout really great. Self checkout has some bugs.

[@Allegory_of_Wolves]

Not sure if it applies to every store, but at least at Lidl you can get the plastic chips for the shopping carts for free from the cashier. I bet, other stores have them for free, too. Some have fancier ones made from metal, which might cost something (not sure; I always pinched those from my mother when she had spare ones). And if you ask for a free one each time you go shopping, a few times, then you'll have enough to keep in every pocket or purse, so you don't have to try and remember where you've left that ONE precious chip. :-)

[@gigibenea3529]

Hello from Montreal💖🍁love your videos..1. Also here.in Montreal there are groceries store wherd you have to insert 1 Ca$ to take the cart ....

[@vishyav]

bubbly intensity was also a first for me coming from America

[@TheodorusNijkerk-e4k]

Lidl in other countries does sell condoms. I've seen them in Athens and also here in Lisbon.

[@ger658]

In the greek Lidl you can ask for a plastic coin from the cashiers and they are kind enough to give you one

[@Danny30011980]

Oh Jen lived in Hungary? That is so interesting. I looooove Hungary and I am learning the language too for many years now. And yes, that language is very different - although sometimes they have some common words with German aswell and the language is sometimes quite intuitive :-)

[@ritacsenyi745]

Oh nice!! I’m from Hungary, and I was always fascinated when foreigners learned Hungarian. Its quite a crazy one I think 😅

[@sardamdar]

Please do the bread video ASAP. just came here about a week, bought a dark one, just can say I have a new phobia, buying bread in germany😅

[@simplegermany]

We already did it 😉: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqKyYaWJfsR-has

[@sardamdar]

@@simplegermany you saved me😊

[@MegaBorusse1900]

We still do have one or two retail shops only for fish in my city.

[@nomirrors3552]

When I find a German compound words, I try to take them apart as a way to help memorize them. You can imagine my surprise when I accidentally typed in "Getranke markt"

[@lauraevelineperez1747]

Si porfavor un video con la explicacion completa de tipos de pan asi como de salchicha! muchas gracias por su ayuda :)

[@PastorHinChrist]

Thanks so much!

[@worldhello1234]

@1:01 You don't need a coin, a plastic token is enough which you can buy or get as an advertisement gift. @3:08 Nothing proper about higher prices. 😘They have a wider range of goods and specialty items, though.

[@mdccxcii6340]

The only place in America (at least that I know of) that uses the chains on carts is a place called "Aldi's". It takes a quarter, other than that, no difference.

[@fannychristozova8158]

Right. 🙂 I heard you Americans are fond of it! Well, it's really ALDI (no 's in its natural name), AND it's German, based in Essen. 😉 See, the only place that resembles this German way.. is from Germany. No, really, I have people say to me that Aldi in the US is their supermarket of choice.

[@alicemilne1444]

@@fannychristozova8158 In English, you always add an < 's > to the end of a shop's name. It's simply short for "Aldi's shop". The parallel in the USA would be "Costco's". Also, when an acronym can be pronounced as a word and does not have to be spelled out, it is okay to write it with just the first letter capitalised.

[@fannychristozova8158]

@@alicemilne1444 Yes, very well said. I should have expressed myself more 'maturely', as I've been taught these rules at the University. Instead, I put it simpler, just as a reference to how odd it appears to many Europeans in general, but thank you for this! ✌

[@andrewcasey7023]

I'd Love a video about bread!

[@simplegermany]

Coming soon … 😇

[@indiansoul]

11:29 I already made a video about german breads.

[@fabulouslc483]

You forgot to mention about the Bonuscards like Deutschlandcard and Payback card. I am already in Germany since few months and have rarely seen Germans using these cards. Is there any benefit using these? Danke :)

[@simplegermany]

Yeah, there are some benefits from the Payback program. You can check out our detailed guide about it here: www.simplegermany.com/payback-card-germany/

[@songheeahn4869]

Sounds like korean supermarket! Coin for cart and weighting fruits and veggies 😮

[@noorahmed180]

Toll toll kannel Schwestern. God bless you both. Deutschland brot, brotchen und Schokolade schmeckt sehr sehr gut. Especially ritte sport

[@columbannon9134]

Is this for people from another planet for this is in many countries and if you see something you can see what it is without any language needed, plus all things are normally fresh to buy in supermarkets even with a sell by date on most products.

[@learnswahiliwithlucy]

Bread video definitely

[@simplegermany]

Here it is: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqKyYaWJfsR-has 😊

[@MrsPeel2305]

Just eating the best Schwarzbrot with butter, salt and a boiled egg. Delicious.

[@LyzandraAguiar]

It would be really helpful to have a video on cleaning products… I personally find it confusing 🙈

[@bobsheppard8773]

Aldi in the US you need a quarter to use a basket

[@fannychristozova8158]

😉 🎊🥂 🥇 Words are needless! I'm gonna say just this: I've been observing, I'm not around since yesterday or year.. YOU ARE MAGICIANS! To say that you deserve this, is underestimated for me, because you deserve Realiously all! I say now Congrats and ❤❤! 🤘

[@simplegermany]

Awww Fanny!! 🙈🙈 thank you so much for your kind and supportive words!!! We appreciate you so much! (e-high five ✋✋)

[@fannychristozova8158]

@@simplegermany Mondays at 6 pm (because of the EET zone) have become my new normal for "Oh sorry, I can't make it then, I'll be busy." and I'm not only one in this!! When people start Making time for something which will anyway be there to see anytime, you know you've something truly successful going on. E-high five back, girls! Stay safe and see you soon! 🙂

[@sox5404]

danke für das video

[@hashimoto00]

Great channel

[@j7ndominica051]

Can you weigh your vegetables on the self-checkout where you pay with a credit card? It has a scale anyway. Weighing early probably reduces the time one has to spend at the cashier. The drink market looks like it's from 30 years in the past: bottles straight from shipping crates without being arranged on shelves.

[@simplegermany]

No, if you have to weigh the veggies, you need to do it in the veggie section. The German drink markets look that way and the crates are not just shipping crates, but you buy them as such - a typical German 'Getränkekiste'.

[@milkomilchev3599]

you guys can create a new updated video for groceries shopping after the inflation? I think it will be a good comparison to all other countries.

[@simplegermany]

This video explains how to grocery shop and is not about prices. We have an updated cost of living video from last year, where we talk about groceries as well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3rLYqJ-fcx1l7M&pp=ygUdc2ltcGxlIGdlcm1hbnkgY29zdCBvZiBsaXZpbmc%3D

[@christinei.218]

Super informative video! Does the loose bread from supermarket bakery need a label too? Like the produce at at say Edeka needs a label printed?

[@simplegermany]

Usually that’s not the case 🙂

[@cavila31]

Hi! As a fellow latina and curly-hair girl I'd love to know more about how do you manage in Germany? specially getting a curly-hair friendly haircut. Do hairdressers speak english? any recommendations on where to get curly-hair products from? Thanks!

[@simplegermany]

Hey cavila! That’s a good question. I have found hair dressers that speak English. Regarding a curly haircut, I think it depends on the type of haircut and how thick the hair is. I have had no issues getting a haircut for my curly hair. In some occasions I’ve had to remind the hairdresser to use the thinning shears. I’ve heard from other people that finding a hair dresser for Afro hair might be a bit more challenging, but not impossible. I buy my products in DM. Unfortunately, there is not a vast majority of brands or products. Lately I’ve been purchasing products from John Frieda. They are a bit pricier, but I like the quality of them. -J

[@graytoby1]

If you shop at Edeka you don't need that coin for the shopping trolley just FYI. Here's my rating experience of the German supermarkets from Best to worst: 1. Edeka Zurheide 2. EDEKA 3. Rewe 4. Aldi 5. Kaufland 6.Aldi süd & Lidl (they're of equal level) 7. Penny 8. Netto

[@thereviewer4769]

The question i have might not be relevant to 'shopping' but it is related to 'luggage trolley in airports'. in Airports we can pull out a luggage trolley using cards(ex: VISA). Question 1 : Ideally how to redeem the coupon since its a piece of paper, we were not able to figure it out. Where in the airport can we redeem/use the coupon. We have come to Germany for the first time, we noticed few were leaving the carts here & there and just catching their cab. Question 2: Lets say we left the airport in hurry, can we redeem that 1 euro coupon elsewhere?

[@simplegermany]

Mmh, interesting question. Since most luggages have wheels nowadays, we have not used an airport cart in a decade, so we can't tell you the current system, but will check it out next time we are at an airport 😉. There should be however drop off areas at the exits. If you do not collect your coin or coupon at the airport we don't think you will be able to redeem it anywhere else.

[@mahdisatsou1852]

please make a bread video, as someone who comes from a north African country with French colonization background i always end up buying a baguette XD

[@SAM-t5s]

Please make a video on cheap renting options on outskirts of berlin