Pharmacy & medication in Germany

Navigating medication and pharmacies in Germany can feel overwhelming, even when you know exactly what you need!

That's because things work differently here: pharmacies (called Apotheken; not to be confused with drugstores) are highly regulated, and even common medications like ibuprofen or antihistamines could require a prescription.

Whether you're managing a chronic condition, recovering from an illness, or just trying to find cold medicine, this post will help you understand how the system works.

In this guide, you'll learn:

• How pharmacies work in Germany and how they differ from what you may be used to
• What medications require a prescription, and what you can buy over the counter
• How to get and fill a prescription step-by-step (including the eRezept system)
• What medicines public and private health insurance will (and won't) reimburse
• How to bring medication from abroad, including controlled substances
• How to find a pharmacy near you — even on Sundays, late at night, or during bank holidays
• How online pharmacies work in Germany

Let's start.

What is an Apotheke?

In Germany, a pharmacy is called an Apotheke. This title is legally protected: only licensed pharmacies that meet strict national standards can use it. Germany's pharmaceutical standards are enforced by federal bodies like the BfArM (Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices) and state pharmacy authorities (Landesapothekerkammern).

There are approximately 17,500 registered pharmacies across Germany (ABDA), making them one of the most accessible parts of the healthcare system. With over 105,000 approved medicinal products on the market, German pharmacies stock a wide range of treatments.

Each Apotheke must have a licensed pharmacist (Apotheker) on site during business hours. They do more than just hand over medications: they provide expert advice, check for drug interactions, and help guide your treatment.

At the entrance, you'll spot an Apotheke with its distinctive red "A" sign.

How Apotheken are different from pharmacies abroad

German pharmacies are healthcare-focused. Unlike large chains in the US or the UK (like CVS or Boots), they don't sell snacks, cosmetics, or groceries. Instead, they emphasize personal care, safe medication use, and clinical accuracy.

A few things you should know:

• No self-service for prescriptions: You can't grab medication from a shelf. A pharmacist must dispense prescription drugs.
• Counseling is standard: Pharmacists are legally required to advise you on all prescriptions.
• Independent ownership: Chains don't exist — individual pharmacists, not corporations, own pharmacies.

Germany's Pharmacy Law (Apothekengesetz) prevents corporate ownership or vertical integration (e.g., drugmakers owning pharmacies). One pharmacist can operate a main pharmacy and up to three branches. No more.

This allows most pharmacies to offer high-quality, personalized care while avoiding conflicts of interest.

Pharmacies vs. Drugstores: What's the difference?

One thing that often surprises expats: in Germany, pharmacies (Apotheken) and drugstores (Drogerien) serve very different purposes.

Quick rule of thumb: If it impacts your health significantly or requires medical supervision, go to a pharmacy. For supplements, vitamins, cosmetics, and household items, a drugstore will do the trick and save you a few euros.

It's important to know that in Germany, even common medications like paracetamol and ibuprofen are apothekenpflichtig (pharmacy-only). Drugstores cannot sell pharmaceutical products — only supplements, vitamins, and wellness items.

Prescription vs. Over-the-counter medication

In Germany, medication is tightly regulated to protect patients and ensure treatments are used appropriately. Knowing what requires a prescription (and what doesn't) can help you make informed choices and avoid surprises at the pharmacy.

What medicines require a prescription?

Germany's Medicinal Products Prescription Ordinance (AMVV) outlines which drugs must be prescribed by a doctor.

These usually include:

• Antibiotics: to prevent misuse and resistance.
• Mental health medications: e.g., antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics.
• Controlled substances: e.g., opioids, ADHD medications, and sedatives.
• Hormonal treatments: e.g., birth control pills and hormone therapies.
• Heart and metabolic drugs: e.g., insulin or blood pressure meds.

Germany is stricter than many countries. For example, ibuprofen over 400 mg, codeine-based cough syrups, and some antihistamines require a prescription, even if they don't in the U.S. or UK. Melatonin was also prescription-only in Germany until recently, which surprises many expats who are used to buying it over the counter at home.

What medicines are available over the counter?

You can buy many medications without a prescription, including:

• Mild painkillers (up to 400 mg ibuprofen, paracetamol, aspirin)
• Cold and flu relief
• Allergy medicines like loratadine or cetirizine
• Antifungal and wound care products
• Antacids and digestive supplements
• Emergency contraception (like the "morning-after pill") — available without a prescription but requires a consultation with a pharmacist who will ask safety-related questions. Learn more in our guide to pregnancy and family planning in Germany.

However, doses and pack sizes for OTC medication are limited. Stronger versions or larger boxes must be prescribed. Only licensed pharmacies (Apotheken) sell medications — drugstore chains like DM or Rossmann carry only supplements and skincare, not actual drugs.

Prices for OTC items aren't regulated, so it's worth comparing online platforms like medizinfuchs.de or apomio.de for better deals or finding a reference price.

Homeopathy and herbal remedies

Widely used in Germany, homeopathic and herbal products are legally available but don't require the same scientific proof as standard medicines.

They're labeled accordingly and mostly not covered by public insurance, though some private plans might reimburse them if prescribed.

Still, you should be able to get most over-the-counter.

How to get a prescription in Germany: Step by step

In Germany, getting a prescription is usually straightforward, but the process may differ slightly depending on your insurance status and the type of medication.

1. Visit a doctor

Start by seeing a general practitioner (Hausarzt) or a medical specialist. After assessing your condition, the doctor decides whether medication is necessary. If you're new to Germany, check our guide on finding a doctor.

2. Receive your prescription

As of January 1, 2024, those with public health insurance receive prescriptions electronically via the eRezept system. You'll either get:

• A digital QR code in the official Gematik eRezept app, or
• A printed QR code, if you prefer a paper format.

Physical (paper) prescriptions are still used in some cases:

• If you have private insurance (though some PKV insurers are beginning to adopt eRezept)
• For over-the-counter or non-covered medications
• If you don't have a German electronic health card (eGK)
• For controlled substances, which require a special narcotic prescription form (BtM-Rezept, printed on yellow paper)

3. Go to a pharmacy

Bring your eRezept or paper prescription to a licensed pharmacy (Apotheke), where the pharmacist will fill your order and explain how to take the medication.

You can also redeem your eRezept at online pharmacies by uploading the QR code through their app or website.

4. Helpful tips for getting and using prescriptions

• Carry your health insurance card and a valid photo ID.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain dosage instructions in English.
• Telemedicine platforms like TeleClinic, ZAVA, or Doktor.de are useful for minor issues or repeat prescriptions. However, they follow strict rules, and not all medications — especially controlled substances — can be prescribed online.
• If you also need time off work, your doctor can issue a sick note at the same appointment.

Useful German phrases for the pharmacy

Here are some helpful phrases for your pharmacy visit:

• "Ich habe ein Rezept von meinem Arzt" — I have a prescription from my doctor
• "Haben Sie dieses Medikament?" — Do you have this medication?
• "Gibt es ein günstigeres Alternativprodukt?" — Is there a cheaper alternative?
• "Ich brauche etwas gegen Kopfschmerzen / Erkältung / Allergie" — I need something for a headache / cold / allergy
• "Kann ich das ohne Rezept bekommen?" — Can I get this without a prescription?
• "Haben Sie einen Notdienst heute Nacht?" — Do you have emergency service tonight?
• "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" — Do you speak English?

Most pharmacists in larger cities speak English, but in smaller towns it's less common. Don't hesitate to ask — they are legally required to ensure you understand your medication.

Can someone else pick up my prescription?

Yes. In most cases, someone else can pick up your prescription medication for you. They'll need to bring either:

• Your eRezept QR code (from the app or a printed copy), or
• Your paper prescription

For standard prescriptions, no additional ID or authorization is typically required. However, for controlled substances (BtM prescriptions), the pharmacy may ask for identification or refuse to dispense to a third party. Check with your pharmacy in advance if you're unsure.

Do German pharmacies accept foreign prescriptions?

Generally, no. German pharmacies are not legally required to fill prescriptions from foreign doctors. In practice:

• EU prescriptions may be accepted at the pharmacist's discretion, especially for non-controlled medications, but it's not guaranteed.
• Non-EU prescriptions are almost never accepted.

If you're relocating to Germany, bring enough medication to cover you until you can see a doctor and get a German prescription. For ongoing treatments, ask your home doctor for a detailed medical letter so your new German doctor can quickly continue your prescriptions.

What to do if you lose your prescription

Losing your prescription can be inconvenient, but it's manageable.

First things first: Pharmacies cannot dispense medication without a valid prescription form.

In some cases, pharmacists may contact the issuing doctor to verify the prescription, especially for regular patients or urgent cases, but this isn't guaranteed.

If verification isn't possible, you must revisit your doctor to get a replacement. Alternatively, you can use a telemedicine platform (e.g., TeleClinic) to speed up the process. With the eRezept system, your electronic prescription is stored digitally and can be retrieved through the app — making lost paper prescriptions less of a concern for publicly insured patients.

German health insurance coverage for medicine

The amount you pay and what gets reimbursed can vary significantly depending on whether you have public or private health insurance.

Here's a breakdown to help you understand how it works.

Costs and reimbursement with public health insurance

If you're insured through Germany's public health insurance system, the medication cost is usually partially covered, but you'll typically need to make a co-payment.

The typical co-payments are:

• 10% of the drug's price, with a cap of €5 to €10 per prescription
• Children under 18 are exempted

There's a cap on how much you'll pay out-of-pocket for medication to prevent excessive costs. This cap is generally 2% of your gross income, or 1% for those with chronic illnesses.

Once you've reached this annual cap, you can apply to your insurer for a Zuzahlungsbefreiung (co-payment exemption certificate). This exempts you from all prescription co-payments for the rest of the calendar year — a significant benefit that many expats don't know about. Keep your pharmacy receipts to document your spending.

It's important to note that this applies only to medically necessary medications. Over-the-counter medications are usually not covered by public insurance, and you'll need to pay yourself. However, your pharmacist may be able to suggest alternative medications that are covered. To understand how deductibles work more broadly, see our dedicated guide.

The G-BA (Gemeinsamer Bundesausschuss) website provides specific information about whether a medication is reimbursable under public health insurance.

Pharmacies process reimbursement digitally using your Gesundheitskarte (electronic health card). When you hand over your card, the pharmacy directly bills your insurer and tells you the co-pay amount, if any. You don't need to fill out forms or handle reimbursement paperwork for standard prescriptions.

Costs and reimbursement with private health insurance

With private health insurance, you typically get broader coverage for medications, including access to newer or specialized treatments. However, the exact details of what's covered depend on the terms of your plan.

For example, at Feather, here's how medication coverage works:

• Standard and Plus plans: 80% of medication costs are covered up to €2,000 per year. After that, 100% coverage is provided for additional costs. For generic medications, 100% coverage is available from the start.
• Premium plan: Offers 100% coverage for both generic and non-generic medications.

While coverage with private health insurance can vary, the general structure is similar. If you're unsure whether a specific medication is covered, it's always a good idea to contact your insurer for confirmation or pre-approval. Expats coming to Germany on expat health insurance plans should check their specific policy terms for medication coverage.

In any case, you'll have to pay for the medicines yourself, and ask to get reimbursed by uploading your receipts in your company's claim portal.

Bringing medication from abroad

If you're traveling to or relocating to Germany, you can bring medication with you, but strict rules apply.

According to German Customs (Zoll):

• You can carry a 3-month personal supply.
• The medication must be for personal use only.
• If it's prescription-only in Germany, you must carry a valid prescription.

Medications containing controlled substances (like Adderall (amphetamine) or certain opioid painkillers) may be banned or restricted. Possession without prior authorization could lead to seizure and/or legal issues.

Even if the drug is legal in your home country, it may be classified differently in Germany.

Refer to the BfArM (Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices) to check legality. Alternatively, visit your local German embassy or consulate website for country-specific guidance.

In any case, remember these best practices:

• Carry a doctor's note stating the medical necessity of your medication.
• Bring a translated prescription (in German or English).
• Keep medications in original packaging with clear labels.
• For Schengen travel with controlled substances, you'll need a Schengen Certificate — a form signed by your doctor and stamped by a health authority in your country. It's valid for up to 30 days.

ADHD medication and controlled substances in Germany

This is one of the most common pain points for expats. Here's what you need to know:

• Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) is not available in Germany. It is not approved or marketed here.
• Alternatives include Ritalin/Medikinet (methylphenidate) and Elvanse/Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine), both of which are available in Germany.
• These medications require a BtM-Rezept — a special narcotic prescription on yellow paper. Only certain doctors (typically psychiatrists or neurologists) can issue them.
• BtM prescriptions are valid for 7 days and cannot be filled online or by a third party.
• If you're moving to Germany, bring a detailed psychiatric report and enough medication for the transition period. Finding a therapist or psychiatrist can take time.

If you have a pre-existing condition requiring ongoing controlled medication, plan your transition carefully — gaps in access are possible while you establish care in Germany.

How to find a pharmacy near you

Using apps and directories

These tools will help you find pharmacies in your area:

• Apotheken.de: The official pharmacy directory. Search by location and filter for features like emergency service or eRezept support.
• Apothekennotdienst (aponet.de): Lists pharmacies providing Notdienst (emergency service) during nights, Sundays, and holidays.
• Google Maps: Also useful, but remember that opening hours are not always accurate, especially on weekends or holidays.

When are pharmacies open?

Standard opening hours for pharmacies are:

• Monday to Saturday: 9:00 – 18:30
• Closed on Sundays and public holidays

However, hours can vary by location. Some urban pharmacies open earlier or close later, while rural ones could take extended lunch breaks.

What to do if a pharmacy is closed

German law requires pharmacies to participate in a rotating Notdienst (emergency duty) system to ensure access when needed.

At least one pharmacy in every area is:

• Open overnight, on Sundays, or holidays
• Marked as "Notdienst Apotheke" in search apps or on physical notices

You can find the nearest on-duty pharmacy using:

• Aponet Notdienst Finder
• Local pharmacy windows: most display a printed list of emergency locations

Note that:

• A small service fee of €2.50 (Notdienstgebühr) is added for emergency pharmacy usage.
• Only urgent medications will be dispensed; you won't get full retail service.
• The doors might be locked, or the pharmacy might look closed. You could have to ring a bell and wait.

Pharmacists are not emergency responders. If you're experiencing a health crisis, a pharmacy may be unable (or not allowed) to help. Instead, call 116 117 for the on-call medical service. For true emergencies — chest pain, seizures, or severe injuries — call 112, the EU-wide emergency number.

Learn more about emergency services in Germany.

Online pharmacies in Germany

Buying medication online is legal in Germany, and it's growing in popularity — especially for OTC products where prices can be significantly lower than at your local Apotheke.

How online pharmacies work

Licensed online pharmacies operate under the same regulations as brick-and-mortar pharmacies. They must:

• Be registered with the German online pharmacy register (maintained by BfArM)
• Display the EU safety logo — a green cross that links to the official register when clicked
• Have a licensed pharmacist available for consultations

Major online pharmacies in Germany include shop-apotheke.de, DocMorris, and medpex. These are legitimate, regulated pharmacies.

What you can buy online

• OTC medications: Often 20-40% cheaper than in-store, especially for common items like pain relief, allergy medication, or cold remedies. Use medizinfuchs.de or apomio.de to compare prices.
• Prescription medications: You can upload your eRezept QR code to have prescriptions filled online and delivered to your door.
• Controlled substances (BtM): Cannot be ordered online. These must always be dispensed in person at a physical pharmacy.

Delivery usually takes 1-3 business days, and many online pharmacies offer free shipping above a certain order value.

Staying safe

Always verify an online pharmacy is legitimate before ordering. Click the EU safety logo on the pharmacy's website — it should redirect you to the official BfArM register entry for that pharmacy. If there's no logo or the link doesn't work, don't order from that site.

Additional services offered by German pharmacies

German pharmacies are increasingly becoming local health hubs, providing medication, valuable health services, and advice.

Medication counseling and advice

In Germany, counseling is not just a courtesy — it's a legal requirement for many prescriptions.

Pharmacists are expected to:

• Check for drug interactions between your new and existing medications.
• Explain how to take the medication properly, especially for first-time users.
• Offer advice on side effects, storage, or alternatives if there's an issue.

These services are included in the price of your medication, so take full advantage of them. Don't feel bad for asking "too many questions" or not speaking German. Even if they don't speak English, they are mandated to help you understand your prescription.

Preventive health services (vaccinations and tests)

Since 2022, German pharmacists have been authorized to administer certain vaccinations. Currently, pharmacists can provide:

• Influenza (flu) vaccinations — for adults, often available on a walk-in basis during flu season
• COVID-19 vaccinations — including boosters

Some pharmacies also offer:

• Blood pressure monitoring
• Cholesterol testing
• HIV self-test kits
• Diabetes risk screening

Note that pharmacists cannot administer all vaccines — childhood vaccinations, travel vaccines, and others are still provided only by doctors.

Learn more about vaccinations in Germany.

Medication management and review

If you take multiple medications, many pharmacies offer a Medikationsanalyse (medication review). A pharmacist reviews all your current prescriptions and OTC products together, checking for interactions, redundancies, or dosage issues. This service is especially valuable for people managing chronic conditions or those who see multiple specialists. If you're taking dental-related medication (e.g., post-procedure antibiotics or pain management), check whether your dental insurance covers the costs.