In Germany, most medications are sold exclusively through licensed pharmacies (Apotheken) — not in supermarkets, not in DM or Rossmann, not online from unverified sources. Apotheken sell both prescription-only medicines (verschreibungspflichtig) and over-the-counter medicines (rezeptfrei), but the physical pharmacy is required for the latter too. Understanding how the system works saves time and avoids mistakes.
Prescription Medications
When your doctor prescribes medication, you receive either a paper prescription (Kassenrezept for GKV patients) or an electronic prescription (E-Rezept, which works via the TK or Barmer app, or as a QR code on your phone). Take this to any pharmacy within four weeks.
For GKV patients, prescription medications cost a flat fee of €5 to €10 per medication package, regardless of the actual medication cost. Some people are exempt from this co-payment (Zuzahlung): children under 18, people with certain chronic illnesses (using the "Befreiungsausweis"), and people whose annual medication costs exceed 2% of their gross income (apply at your Krankenkasse).
Over-the-Counter Medications
Common OTC items at German Apotheken:
- Ibuprofen and Paracetamol: sold in limited pack sizes (packs of 10 or 20 tablets, not bulk boxes like in the UK). Larger quantities require prescription.
- Antihistamines (Antihistaminikum) for allergies
- Throat, cold, and cough remedies
- Wound care, bandages
- Vitamins and supplements
- Emergency contraception ("Pille danach" / morning-after pill): available without prescription since 2015
The pharmacist (Apotheker) in Germany is genuinely trained and consulted — don't hesitate to describe your symptoms and ask for a recommendation. This is normal behavior, not taking up their time.
Night Pharmacies (Nacht-Apotheke)
By law, a rotating set of pharmacies in each district is open overnight and on Sundays/holidays. Find the nearest one:
- The app "Apotheke vor Ort" shows live which pharmacies near you are on duty (Notdienstapotheke)
- aponet.de has a postcode search
- Your closed pharmacy's door always displays which local pharmacy is on duty tonight
Online Pharmacies
Registered online pharmacies (erkennbar by the EU certification logo, a green cross with a flag) are legal in Germany and can fill OTC orders and, with an e-prescription, prescription orders. DocMorris, Apotheke.com, and shop-apotheke.com are established platforms. Shipping typically takes one to two business days. Avoid unknown foreign sites selling German prescription drugs — these are illegal.
What You Can't Buy at an Apotheke
Stronger painkillers (opioids, tramadol), sleep medication (Benzodiazepine), ADHD medication (Ritalin, Vyvanse), and antibiotics require a prescription and cannot be obtained over the counter. In Germany, self-prescribing by visiting multiple pharmacies doesn't work — each fill is logged against your insurance.
Comments