Save money by shopping in Germany

There is no denying that everyday life has become enormously more expensive in recent years. Our daily groceries are currently about 14 percent more expensive than at the end of 2021 and the end of the price increases does not seem to be in sight yet. More and more people are therefore making grateful use of offers to save on costs. But did you know that you can also save a lot of money on groceries by shopping in Germany? If you live near the border, a trip to a German supermarket might not be a bad idea.

German supermarkets

In the Netherlands you are of course familiar with all the supermarkets in your area and you know exactly where to go for a bargain or your favorite products. That is why it can be exciting to go to Germany for your daily shopping. Where do you need to go? And do they have the products you often use?

Don’t worry: the range in Germany is fantastic and they often sell the same products in German supermarkets that we have in the Netherlands, only often a lot cheaper. The supermarkets in Germany are also often much larger, so you have more choice. And the range of gluten-free products and organic products is much more extensive in most supermarkets there. Conscious and sustainable shopping therefore becomes a lot easier. But which supermarket is the best to go to?

Just like in the Netherlands, there are several large supermarket chains in Germany that you can choose from. Which store is most favorable for you, of course, largely depends on where you live. Fortunately, many German supermarkets are also located near the border, so it is easy for you to do your shopping here.

An overview of some German supermarkets:

• Aldi Nord
• Aldi South
• Lidl
• Edeka
• Kaufland
• REWE

Why are German groceries cheaper?

It can be difficult to understand why groceries in Germany are so much cheaper than in our country. After all, it’s just around the corner and there can’t be that much difference in production costs, can it? There are several reasons why many products are a lot cheaper in Germany than in the Netherlands.

First of all, Germany applies a lower VAT rate than the Netherlands. In our country we pay 9 percent VAT on essential groceries and 21 percent VAT on ‘luxury’ products. This rate is lower in Germany: there you pay 7 percent VAT on everyday essential groceries and 19 percent on ‘luxury’ products.

In addition to the difference in VAT rate, Germany is of course a considerably larger country than the Netherlands. As a result, national supermarket chains have a strong negotiating position and can agree a low price with suppliers. As a consumer you immediately see the consequences of this.

But let’s not forget that Dutch supermarkets are champions of stunting with prizes. There are all kinds of offers every week that we as consumers benefit from and if you make smart use of them, you can save considerably on groceries. In Germany, the fixed price for products is lower, but there is less stunting with prices there. So if you do your shopping in the Netherlands, you will have to keep an eye on the offer brochures.

What is cheaper in Germany?

So it can certainly pay off to do your daily shopping in Germany. Especially if you live close to the border or are regularly in Germany, you will benefit greatly from this without making unnecessary kilometers. But for what kind of groceries is it best to go to Germany supermarkets? I’d like to sort that out.

• vegetable
• fruit
• preserves
• dried herbs and spices
• dairy products
• baking products
• meat and meat products
• baby food
• pet food
• drugstore products; soap, shampoo, day cream, toothpaste, etc.
• soft drinks
• strong liquors

And while you’re in Germany, don’t forget to drop by the DM. This drugstore chain is a favorite among the Dutch and offers plenty of opportunities to save on personal care products, baby products and much more. And refueling on the road in Germany can also save you money!

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