Germany – Prescriptions and Medications

What are pharmacies called in Germany, and how do I recognise one?

In Germany, a pharmacy is called an Apotheke. This is a legally protected designation reserved exclusively for licensed establishments that comply with strict national requirements enforced by the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM). You will find no unregulated or informal dispensaries here — every premises bearing the name Apotheke is a fully licensed, professionally run operation.

The Apotheke is immediately identifiable by its bold red “A” symbol mounted prominently at the entrance. It is the sole legal outlet in Germany for purchasing medicines — both prescription and non-prescription — and is staffed by highly qualified pharmacists (Apotheker) who are trained to provide expert guidance on medications.

In contrast to the large pharmacy chains found in countries like the United States (CVS) or the United Kingdom (Boots), German Apotheken do not stock snacks, toiletries, or groceries. Their focus is firmly on healthcare: proper medication use, patient safety, and clinical precision. Inside, you will find a counter-based service where a pharmacist dispenses your medicine directly.

Another key feature that sets Germany apart is the absence of corporate pharmacy chains. Every Apotheke is independently owned and operated by a licensed pharmacist, not a company. This ownership model underpins the consistently high standard of personal service. Drugstore chains such as DM or Rossmann carry only supplements and skincare products — actual medicines are never sold there.

German law mandates that a licensed pharmacist must be physically present in every Apotheke whenever it is open. These professionals are exceptionally well trained and are legally obligated to counsel patients on their prescriptions, including dosing, potential side effects, and drug interactions. You can locate your nearest Apotheke through Apotheken.de, the official national pharmacy directory.

What are pharmacy opening hours in Germany?

Most pharmacies in Germany are open Monday through Friday during standard business hours, generally from 8:00am to 6:00pm. Saturday opening hours are often shorter. That said, hours vary between locations: pharmacies in city centres may open earlier or stay open later, while those in rural areas might close for an extended lunch break.

Pharmacies are typically shut on evenings, Sundays, and public holidays. However, Germany’s well-organised emergency system ensures that medication is never truly out of reach: at any given time, at least one designated emergency pharmacy (Notdienst-Apotheke) in every area remains open around the clock.

German law requires all pharmacies to take turns participating in a rotating Notdienst (emergency duty) rota, guaranteeing continuous access to medicines and pharmacist advice. A nominal surcharge of approximately €2.50 is applied for out-of-hours service, and only urgent medications will be dispensed — the full range of retail services will not be available.

To find the nearest on-call pharmacy outside normal opening hours, visit aponet.de, click the “Notdienst” tab, and enter your town name or postcode in the search box at the top right. The site will display nearby on-duty pharmacies along with their addresses, telephone numbers, and hours. A notice listing the current on-call pharmacy is also displayed on the door of every closed Apotheke.

You can also contact ABDA — the Federal Union of German Associations of Pharmacists (Bundesvereinigung Deutscher Apothekerverbände) — for information on 24-hour and on-call pharmacies in your vicinity. Callers from a landline can use the freephone number 0800 00 22 8 33; from a mobile, dial 22833 (charges apply).

If you arrive at an Apotheke after regular hours, ring the bell at the entrance and wait. A pharmacist will come to the counter, though it may take a few moments — patience is appreciated.

Which medications can I buy over the counter in Germany, and which require a prescription?

Those new to Germany are often surprised to discover that buying medication here — even everyday remedies like cold treatments or mild pain relief — is not possible in supermarkets or drugstores. The Apotheke holds exclusive authority over the sale of all medicines, regardless of whether a prescription is needed.

A range of medications can be obtained without a prescription, provided they are purchased in limited quantities and at lower doses. These over-the-counter products include certain mild analgesics and medicated topical preparations. Even so, you will still need to speak with a pharmacist at the counter rather than simply browsing a shelf and selecting products independently.

For many categories of medication, a doctor’s prescription is required. The Ordinance on the Prescription of Medicinal Products (AMVV) defines precisely which substances must be prescribed. This covers antibiotics, most sleep medications, a wide range of hormonal preparations, and treatments for chronic illnesses. If you are managing a long-term condition or require stronger therapy, a consultation with a doctor and a formal prescription are essential.

Emergency contraception (such as the morning-after pill) is dispensed without a prescription, but involves a brief consultation with the pharmacist, who will ask a few safety-related questions before providing it. For over-the-counter items generally, pack sizes and dosage strengths are restricted — larger quantities or higher-dose formulations require a prescription.

Prescription medicines can also be ordered from licensed online pharmacies in Germany by uploading your eRezept QR code or mailing in a paper prescription. These online pharmacies must be registered under the German Medicines Act and must display the EU common logo, which can be verified through the DIMDI (German Institute for Medical Documentation and Information) database. An important exception applies to controlled substances — opioids, certain ADHD medications, and similar drugs cannot be ordered online and must be collected in person from a physical Apotheke.

Homeopathic and herbal products enjoy considerable popularity in Germany and are legally available, though they are not subject to the same evidence requirements as conventional pharmaceuticals. They are clearly labelled as such and are generally not reimbursed under public health insurance, although some private plans may cover them if a doctor has prescribed them.

How does the prescription system work in Germany?

Since January 2024, the vast majority of prescription medications in Germany are issued digitally via the e-prescription system. Known in German as the E-Rezept, this has largely superseded the familiar pink paper slips that formed the backbone of the prescription system for decades. Germany has positioned itself as one of Europe’s leaders in digital healthcare infrastructure with this transition.

E-prescriptions can be redeemed in three ways: using your electronic health insurance card (eGK), through the official gematik “Das E-Rezept” smartphone app (available for both Android and iOS), or via a paper printout bearing a QR code. Certain private health insurers also issue e-prescriptions through compatible systems.

One of the practical advantages of the e-prescription is the potential to obtain repeat prescriptions without a physical visit to the surgery — provided your health insurance card has already been scanned at the practice during the current billing quarter. Doctors may also issue e-prescriptions during remote consultations, reducing the need for in-person appointments for routine needs.

While digital prescriptions are now the norm, paper versions remain valid and can still be issued — for example, in cases of technical difficulties or during home visits. Receiving a printed slip rather than a digital token is therefore not unusual and should cause no concern at the pharmacy.

Both general practitioners (Hausärzte) and specialists (Fachärzte) are authorised to issue prescriptions in Germany. Once you have your prescription, you may take it to any pharmacy in the country — there is no requirement to use a specific branch or one near your doctor’s practice. The pharmacist will dispense the medication and is legally required to explain how to take it correctly. This flexibility to choose any Apotheke is especially convenient for people who move between locations or travel frequently within Germany.

Compared to systems such as the UK’s NHS — where prescriptions may be linked to a centralised repeat dispensing service or a specific pharmacy — Germany’s e-Rezept model gives patients more freedom, allowing redemption at any participating Apotheke or through a licensed online pharmacy. Prescriptions in the system are stored using encrypted, secure telematics infrastructure, meaning they cannot be lost, damaged, or forged, unlike their paper predecessors.

The process for obtaining and using a prescription in Germany is set out step by step below.

1. Consult a doctor: Book an appointment with your Hausarzt (GP) or a relevant specialist (Facharzt). For general health concerns, a GP is the first port of call. Platforms such as Doctolib make it easy to search for English-speaking or multilingual doctors in your area.
2. Receive your e-Rezept: From 1 January 2024, all prescriptions for prescription-only medicines must be issued electronically. Your doctor will generate the e-prescription digitally; it will either be linked to your health insurance card or transmitted to your e-Rezept app.
3. Select your redemption method: You can redeem your e-Rezept in one of three ways: by presenting your electronic health card (eGK) at the pharmacy counter; by showing the QR code in the official e-Rezept app or forwarding it to an online pharmacy; or by handing over a paper printout with the QR code issued by your doctor.
4. Go to any Apotheke: Present your e-Rezept at any licensed pharmacy in Germany — you are entirely free to choose which one, regardless of location.
5. Collect your medication: The pharmacist — who is legally obliged to advise you on all dispensed prescriptions — will hand over your medication along with instructions on dosage and use.
6. Pay any applicable co-payment: If you hold statutory health insurance, you may be required to pay a co-payment (Zuzahlung). Those who are privately insured will generally pay the full cost at the counter and then seek reimbursement from their insurer.

How much do prescriptions and medications cost in Germany?

Patients covered by statutory health insurance are required to contribute a co-payment of 10 percent of the medication cost per pack, subject to a floor of €5 and a ceiling of €10. (These figures are correct as of 2024 — consult the gesund.bund.de official portal for the most current thresholds, as they are subject to revision.) In practical terms, most insured patients pay somewhere between €5 and €10 per prescribed item, irrespective of the medication’s actual market price.

The total combined co-payments an individual is required to make across all medical services — prescriptions included — is capped at 2 percent of annual gross household income. For those with chronic illnesses, this ceiling drops to 1 percent. This annual limit offers meaningful financial protection for patients who depend on regular or long-term medication, making the German system considerably more affordable than fully out-of-pocket models found elsewhere.

Certain medications carry no co-payment at all. A list of co-payment-exempt medicines is published on the GKV Spitzenverband website. In addition, your health insurer may have negotiated agreements with pharmaceutical manufacturers that eliminate co-payments on particular drugs.

It is worth noting that this public subsidy applies only to clinically necessary prescription medications. Over-the-counter remedies are generally not covered by statutory health insurance, meaning you will pay the full price yourself. Since OTC prices are not legally fixed, it can be worth checking comparison platforms such as medizinfuchs.de or apomio.de before purchasing.

Those with private health insurance typically receive broader medication coverage, potentially including access to newer or specialist treatments. However, the model works differently: you pay the full cost at the pharmacy and then submit a claim to your insurer for reimbursement. The exact amount refunded will depend on your individual policy terms, so it is advisable to check with your insurer — or request pre-authorisation — before filling a prescription.

Because prescription drug prices are regulated by law in Germany, the retail price of any given prescription medicine is identical across every Apotheke in the country. There is therefore no advantage to comparing prices between pharmacies for prescription items — you will pay exactly the same wherever you go.

Will my home-country prescription be accepted in Germany?

As a general rule, German pharmacies do not honour prescriptions issued in other countries. Prescriptions from EU member states may be accepted under specific conditions, but those from outside the EU are typically not recognised unless the issuing doctor holds authorisation to practise within the EU.

In most cases, a prescription written abroad — even within the EU — cannot simply be taken to a German pharmacy and filled. The most reliable course of action for anyone arriving with ongoing medication requirements is to visit a German doctor, present your medical documentation, and obtain a fresh German prescription. This straightforward approach removes uncertainty and ensures uninterrupted access to your treatment.

If you are arriving from another EU country, your prescription may technically fall within the scope of EU cross-border healthcare regulations, but it must conform to the EU’s cross-border prescription directive to be accepted. Even then, your medication may be sold under a different brand name in Germany, requiring either the pharmacist or a doctor to identify the local equivalent. For this reason, it is strongly advisable to bring documentation listing the generic (active ingredient) name of your medication rather than depending solely on the brand name you are familiar with.

The most practical step on relocating to Germany is to arrange a GP consultation as early as possible after arrival. Bring your existing prescription, a letter from your treating physician (translated into German if possible), and any relevant medical records. A German doctor can then evaluate your needs and issue a valid e-Rezept if appropriate. Telemedicine services such as TeleClinic, ZAVA, and Doktor.de can be helpful for straightforward or repeat prescriptions and may help bridge the gap while you establish an ongoing relationship with a permanent GP.

Can I bring my medications into Germany?

Travellers entering Germany are permitted to bring personal supplies of medicines with them in quantities consistent with their ordinary needs during the trip. The accepted standard for personal need is a maximum of three months’ worth of the recommended dose of each individual medication. This allowance applies regardless of where the medicines were originally purchased or whether they are registered for sale in Germany.

It is worth bearing in mind that certain products freely sold as food supplements, vitamin formulations, or herbal preparations in your home country may be classified as medicinal products in Germany — particularly if they are presented as treatments for specific illnesses. In such cases, they fall under the scope of the German Medicines Act. This can take travellers by surprise, so it is sensible to check the regulatory status of any supplements or natural remedies you intend to bring with you.

Importing prescription medicines by post is strictly prohibited under German customs regulations. Once you are residing in Germany, you cannot have medications sent to you from abroad — all medicines must be obtained through the German pharmacy system, either by visiting an Apotheke in person or by ordering from a licensed online pharmacy.

Stricter rules govern controlled substances — including strong opioid analgesics, benzodiazepines, and certain ADHD treatments — both in terms of importing them and obtaining them within Germany. If you are travelling with such medications, carry a doctor’s letter (ideally translated into German) explaining your diagnosis and treatment plan. For stays within the Schengen Area exceeding 30 days, a certificate from a competent authority in your home country may be required for certain controlled substances. Always consult the latest guidance from the German Customs authority (Zoll) before travelling, as these regulations can change.

How do expats access prescription medications through health insurance in Germany?

If you are enrolled in Germany’s statutory health insurance system, your prescribed medications are substantially covered by your insurer. At the pharmacy, the pharmacist will scan your health insurance card to bill your insurer directly. You will generally be asked to pay only the applicable co-payment (Zuzahlung). The whole process is seamless — there are no claim forms to complete or paperwork to submit for standard prescriptions.

Reimbursement is handled digitally via your Gesundheitskarte (electronic health card). When you present your card, the pharmacy charges your insurer automatically and simply informs you of any co-payment due. This is notably more straightforward than systems in countries such as Australia — where patients may need to retain receipts and wait for a Medicare rebate — or certain private insurance models that require manual claims submission.

Private health insurance generally offers wider medication coverage, including access to more specialised or recently introduced treatments. However, the process differs: you pay the entire cost upfront at the pharmacy and then submit a reimbursement claim to your insurer. The proportion reimbursed will depend on the specific terms of your policy, so it is worth checking these in advance or seeking pre-authorisation for higher-cost prescriptions.

Expats without any German health insurance coverage should be aware that non-prescription medicines must be paid for entirely out of pocket, as most health plans do not cover them. For prescription medications, uninsured individuals will face the full retail price which, while consistent across all pharmacies due to regulated pricing, can be substantial for specialist or branded drugs.

The majority of expats employed in Germany are obliged to enrol in either public (statutory) or private health insurance. Statutory health insurance (GKV) meets most of the cost of approved prescription medicines, while private insurance (PKV) uses a reimbursement model that may extend to a broader range of treatments. If you have not yet registered with a German insurer, doing so should be a priority immediately after arrival — both for general healthcare access and to ensure you can afford any regular medications you require. The GKV Spitzenverband website offers authoritative information on statutory health insurance in Germany.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I run out of medication in Germany?

If your supply of prescribed medication runs out, contact a local GP (Hausarzt) at the earliest opportunity. In a genuine emergency, attend the nearest hospital emergency department (Notaufnahme). For less urgent situations, telemedicine services such as TeleClinic or Doktor.de can sometimes issue an e-Rezept remotely without requiring you to come in. Outside of normal pharmacy hours, use aponet.de to find your nearest Notdienst-Apotheke — the on-call pharmacy can dispense essential medications when regular pharmacies are closed.

Are brand-name medications available in Germany?

Brand-name medicines are stocked at Apotheken across Germany, but depending on your health insurance arrangement, the pharmacist may be required — or may offer — to substitute a generic equivalent (Generikum). Generics contain the same active ingredient and are held to the same regulatory standards as branded products. If you have a clinical reason to require the brand-name version specifically, speak to your prescribing doctor, who can indicate this on your prescription.

How do I find a pharmacist or doctor who speaks languages other than German?

Online appointment platforms such as Doctolib allow you to search for doctors by language preference, making it straightforward to find an English-speaking or multilingual GP or specialist. Your country’s embassy in Germany may also maintain a list of recommended practitioners, and local expat communities are often a useful source of personal recommendations. In larger cities — particularly in areas with significant international populations, near universities, or in business districts — many Apotheken employ staff who speak multiple languages.

What happens in a medical emergency and I need medication immediately?

Dial 112 for any life-threatening emergency, or 116 117 for urgent but non-critical medical queries (Germany’s national out-of-hours doctor line). Every area has a Notdienst-Apotheke on duty outside normal hours, capable of dispensing urgent medications. You can find your nearest one at aponet.de, or look for the notice posted on the door of any closed pharmacy — it will list the currently on-call Apotheke nearby.

Can I order medications online in Germany?

Licensed online pharmacies are authorised to fulfil both electronic and paper prescriptions and offer a convenient way to order over-the-counter products as well. Any online pharmacy operating legally in Germany must be registered under the German Medicines Act and display the EU common logo — this can be verified through the DIMDI database. One important limitation is that controlled substances cannot be ordered online; these must always be collected in person at a physical Apotheke.

Do German pharmacies stock medications that are common in other countries?

Germany has an extensive range of medicines available, but the specific brand names you are used to from your home country may not exist here. The same active compound is frequently marketed under a different brand name in Germany. Rather than searching by brand, focus on the generic or active ingredient name — your pharmacist or doctor can identify the German equivalent without difficulty. Also be aware that some medications available without a prescription in other countries may require a prescription in Germany, so it is always worth consulting a pharmacist if you are unsure.

Are children and elderly people exempt from prescription co-payments?

Children under 18 are entirely exempt from prescription co-payments in Germany — any medication covered by their statutory health insurance is dispensed at no charge to the patient. For people with chronic conditions — including many elderly patients — the annual co-payment cap is halved to 1 percent of gross household income, rather than the standard 2 percent, providing substantial financial relief. Your statutory insurer (Krankenkasse) can confirm the precise exemption criteria that apply to your situation, as these are assessed each year.

What should I do with leftover or expired medications in Germany?

There is no single nationwide scheme for disposing of unwanted or out-of-date medicines in Germany. You should not dispose of them via the toilet or in your regular household waste bin, as both methods carry environmental risks. Many Apotheken will accept returned medications and arrange for their safe disposal — your local pharmacist is the best first point of contact. Some municipalities operate dedicated collection points or have specific local guidance; check with your local authority (Gemeinde or Stadt) to find out what options are available in your area.