Why Does Everything Close on Sunday?
If you just arrived from China, you might be shocked to find supermarkets, clothing stores, and even DIY markets (Baumärkte) completely shut on Sunday. This is not a holiday — it's the law. The Ladenschlussgesetz (Shop Closing Act) or Ladenöffnungsgesetz (Shop Opening Act) in some states restricts most retail stores from opening on Sundays and public holidays. This tradition has deep cultural and religious roots: Sunday is considered a day of rest (Ruhetag) for both workers and society. Even though Germany is now quite secular, the law remains strong, and most people accept it as a time to relax, spend time with family, or enjoy nature.
What Is Closed on Sunday?
Pretty much all regular shops are closed. This includes:
- Supermarkets (Supermarkt) like Rewe, Edeka, Aldi, Lidl, Netto
- Clothing stores (Bekleidungsgeschäfte) like H&M, Zara
- Electronics stores (Elektronikmärkte) like MediaMarkt, Saturn
- DIY stores (Baumärkte) like Bauhaus, Obi, Hornbach
- Furniture stores (Möbelhäuser) like IKEA
- Most drugstores (Drogerien) like dm, Rossmann (though some in train stations may be open)
- Banks (Banken) and post offices (Postfilialen)
Even many services like hairdressers (Friseure) and car washes (Autowaschanlagen) are closed. So don't plan to run errands on Sunday — you'll be disappointed.
What IS Open on Sunday?
Don't panic — you won't starve or be stranded. Here's what stays open:
Restaurants, Cafés, and Bakeries
Restaurants (Restaurants) and cafés (Cafés) are generally open on Sunday, especially for lunch and dinner. Many bakeries (Bäckereien) open in the morning (often 7:00–11:00 or 12:00) so you can grab fresh bread, rolls (Brötchen), and pastries. Some bakeries have seating and serve breakfast. However, not all bakeries open — check Google Maps or local signs.
Gas Station Shops (Tankstellen-Shops)
Gas station shops are your Sunday lifeline. They sell basic groceries (milk, eggs, bread, canned goods), drinks, snacks, and even some fresh items. Prices are higher than supermarkets — a liter of milk might cost €1.50 instead of €0.90, and a loaf of bread €3.50 instead of €2.00. But it's better than nothing. Look for Aral, Shell, Esso, or Total stations. Some even have a small selection of frozen food.
Pharmacies on Duty (Notdienstapotheke)
Pharmacies (Apotheken) are closed on Sunday, but there is always at least one pharmacy on duty in every area. This is called the Notdienstapotheke (emergency pharmacy). To find it:
- Check the website aponet.de and enter your city or postal code
- Look at the door of any pharmacy — they post a list of the nearest Notdienstapotheken
- Use apps like „Apotheken Notdienst“ or Google Maps (search „Notdienstapotheke“)
The on-duty pharmacy may be a bit far, but it will be open for urgent medication needs. Note: you may pay a small surcharge (€2.50–€5.00) for the emergency service.
Airport and Train Station Shops
Shops at major airports (Flughäfen) and main train stations (Hauptbahnhöfe) are often open on Sunday. For example, at Berlin Hauptbahnhof or Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof, you'll find supermarkets (like Rewe or Edeka), drugstores, and bakeries open from early morning until late evening. Prices are slightly higher, but selection is good. This is a great option if you live near a big station.
Tourist Attractions and Museums
Museums (Museen), galleries (Galerien), castles (Schlösser), and other tourist attractions are typically open on Sunday — in fact, Sunday is a popular day for sightseeing. Check opening hours online, as some close on Monday instead.
Cinemas, Theaters, and Sports Venues
Cinemas (Kinos), theaters (Theater), and sports facilities (like swimming pools — Schwimmbäder) are open. So you can enjoy entertainment.
Can You Get Food Delivered on Sunday?
Yes! Food delivery apps like Lieferando, Wolt, and Uber Eats work on Sunday. Many restaurants (especially Asian, Italian, and fast food) offer delivery. However, selection may be smaller than weekdays, and delivery fees might be higher. Also, grocery delivery services like Flink or Gorillas (rapid delivery in 10–30 minutes) operate on Sunday in many cities, but check availability in your area — they may have limited hours.
Plan Your Grocery Shopping for Saturday Evening
The golden rule: Do your main grocery shopping on Saturday before 8 PM (or earlier, as some stores close at 6 PM or 8 PM). Supermarkets are usually packed on Saturday afternoon, so go early if you can. Many stores close at 8 PM on Saturday and don't reopen until Monday morning. If you forget something, you'll have to rely on gas stations or delivery apps — which cost more.
Are There Exceptions? Some States Allow Limited Sunday Openings
Yes, some German states (Bundesländer) have more relaxed rules. For example:
- Berlin allows up to 10 „verkaufsoffene Sonntage“ (sales-open Sundays) per year, usually during special events or holidays. On these days, many shops in certain districts open from 1 PM to 6 PM or similar.
- Hamburg, Bavaria, and North Rhine-Westphalia also have verkaufsoffene Sonntage, but they are limited and announced in advance.
- Shops in tourist zones (like on the Baltic Sea coast) may open on Sunday during peak season.
Check local news or city websites for announcements. But don't rely on this — it's not every Sunday.
The Cultural Reason: Sunday as a Day of Rest
Why does Germany take Sunday so seriously? The concept of Sonntagsruhe (Sunday peace) is rooted in Christian tradition (the Sabbath) and labor rights. After World War II, the law was designed to protect workers from working seven days a week and to give everyone a common day off. Even today, many Germans value this quiet day — you'll hear fewer cars, see families walking in parks, and enjoy a slower pace. It can feel strange at first, but many expats grow to appreciate it as a forced break from consumerism. So embrace it: go for a walk, visit a museum, or cook a nice meal at home.
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