German supermarkets: the field guide
Aldi, Lidl, Rewe, Edeka, dm and Netto compared, the Pfand deposit system, bagging-speed culture, Sunday closing survival and where expats find world foods.
Last updated: July 13, 2026
Which German supermarket should you use?
Aldi and Lidl cover 80% of needs at the lowest prices, Rewe and Edeka add brand variety and fresh counters at 10-25% more, dm and Rossmann own toiletries, and Turkish/Asian markets fill the international gaps. Everything closes Sundays. Bottles carry a Pfand deposit of €0.08-0.25 refunded at reverse-vending machines.
What this guide covers
, pre-portioned ingredients.
The chains in one line each
Aldi (Nord/Süd): the discounter original - quality private labels, brutal efficiency. Lidl: Aldi with more brands and bakery theater. Netto/Penny: discount tier fillers. Rewe: the pleasant mid-market default, best app/delivery. Edeka: premium-feeling, franchise variety, great meat/cheese counters. Kaufland: hypermarket everything. dm/Rossmann: drugstores that own toiletries, baby, vitamins (supermarket toiletries cost more). Bio Company/Alnatura/Denns: organic tier.
The systems that ambush newcomers
- Pfand: €0.25 single-use plastic/cans, €0.08-0.15 reusable glass - machines at every store print vouchers. A bag of empties is grocery money
- Bagging speed: cashiers scan at combat pace and there is no bagger - throw everything in the cart, bag at the shelf behind. Bring bags (€0.10-0.35 to buy)
- Sunday closing: everything. Plan Saturdays; emergency fallbacks are petrol stations, Spätis (Berlin) and train station stores (Sunday guide)
- Cash pockets: cards now work nearly everywhere - but the bakery might still want coins
- Weighing produce: some chains (Edeka/Rewe partially) self-weigh with printed labels - watch locals first
Where the international food lives
Turkish supermarkets (best produce prices in most cities), Asia markets (every city center), Russian/Polish stores (Mix Markt chain), and the "international" aisle at Rewe/Edeka for homesick basics. US/UK specifics: online importers or the Kaufland world-foods wall.
Price reality (2026 direction)
Weekly solo shop: €40-60 discounter, €60-85 Rewe/Edeka-based. Eggs, dairy and bread remain famously cheap vs most home countries; anything imported or convenience costs double. The budget groceries guide stacks the savings tactics.
Frequently asked questions
Why did the cashier get annoyed?
You bagged at the belt. Cart-first, bag later - it's the system, not you.
Can I return the Pfand anywhere?
Same material class anywhere: any store selling that bottle TYPE must take it (single-use at any chain with the logo).
Delivery?
Rewe delivers in cities, Flink/Wolt quick-commerce at premium, Amazon Fresh in some metros. Germany lags NL here.
Tipping at supermarkets?
Never. Rounding at the bakery: optional cents.
Best value organic?
dm/Rossmann private-label bio and Aldi's bio lines beat dedicated organic chains by 30-50%.
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