Sunday trading laws (Ladenschlussgesetz)

Almost all shops in Germany are closed on Sundays (and public holidays) by law — a genuine cultural difference for most newcomers. Plan grocery shopping and errands for weekdays and Saturday.

Key points to understand

Supermarkets, pharmacies, and most retail are closed on Sundays; petrol-station shops and bakeries in stations are exceptions

Supermarkets, pharmacies, and most retail are closed on Sundays; petrol-station shops and bakeries in stations are exceptions. In practice, this is one of the details newcomers most often ask about, so take a moment to understand how it applies to your situation before moving on.

Verkaufsoffene Sonntage: some cities allow up to four trading Sundays per year around Christmas markets or local events

Verkaufsoffene Sonntage: some cities allow up to four trading Sundays per year around Christmas markets or local events. In practice, this is one of the details newcomers most often ask about, so take a moment to understand how it applies to your situation before moving on.

Pharmacies operate an on-call rota (Apothekennotdienst) on Sundays — check which is open at aponet.de

Pharmacies operate an on-call rota (Apothekennotdienst) on Sundays — check which is open at aponet.de. In practice, this is one of the details newcomers most often ask about, so take a moment to understand how it applies to your situation before moving on.

Practical tips

• Prepare your documents and translations in advance — most delays come from missing paperwork.
• Always note the office name, address, and a contact number before you go.
• Ask the community on MyHAbroad if you’re unsure — chances are someone has already been through it.