Shopping & Food

Frequently asked questions

• At what times can I go shopping?

  In general, stores in Germany are closed on Sunday. Sometimes, however, there are “verkaufsoffene Sonntage” when you can go shopping. On any other day of the week you can go shopping. On public holidays, the stores are closed.

  Individual stores are open at different times. Check with the store where you plan to store for opening hours. These are usually written on the door of the store or on the Internet.

• Where can I shop for groceries?

  Groceries and other necessities can be found in supermarkets, shopping centers or specialty shops. The same or similar products often vary in price from store to store.

  Please note: stores in Germany are always closed on Sundays.

• What to consider when returning items you purchased?

  You cannot return items you purchased without reason. Some stores have a return policywith specific time frames. Should you note a material defect, which was present at the time of purchase, you are entitled to make a complaint.

  Please note that you need to present a receipt when returning items. When in doubt, please check with the store about their return policy.

• How do I register with the "Bremer Tafel"?

  The “Bremer Tafel” is a nonprofit organisation where you can receive groceries for you and your family for small donation. Registration of new customers takes place during stated office hours. You will need your “Bescheid nach dem Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz” [Official Notification in accordance with the Asylum Seekers’ Benefits Act]. You will then receive a preliminary pass, which allows you pick up groceries at the Tafel four times at specific times; a small fee of € 2.00 for single applicants or € 3.00 for families is required. Subsequently, you will be issued a permanent pass after you present your notification once again and the data of all household members are recorded. The permanent pass is available at a one-time fee of € 2.50. This allows you to pick up groceries once a week during opening times. The amount of groceries you will receive is based on the number of household members.