Pharmacy & medication in Germany

In Germany, medication is sold almost exclusively through pharmacies (called Apotheken). Even paracetamol and ibuprofen are pharmacy-only, and many drugs you'd grab off a shelf elsewhere need a prescription here. That surprises a lot of people, so it's worth knowing how the system works before you need it.

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 on holidays
• How online pharmacies work in Germany

Brought to you by Feather, a licensed insurance broker helping expats and internationals in Germany (and beyond) find the right cover.

Germany pharmacies and medication: At a glance

• With public health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, GKV), you pay a co-payment of 10% of the drug's price. Minimum €5, maximum €10 per item. Children under 18 pay nothing.
• Your annual out-of-pocket medication costs with GKV are capped at 2% of gross income (1% if you have a chronic illness). After that, you can claim a full co-payment exemption.
• Private health insurance (private Krankenversicherung, PKV) usually covers medication more broadly. Feather's Standard and Plus plans cover 80% of costs up to €2,000 a year, then 100%, with generics covered 100% from the start.
• Prescription validity depends on the type: 28 days for a public (Kassenrezept) prescription, 3 months for a private one (Privatrezept), and just 7 days for controlled substances (BtM-Rezept).
• Controlled substances can't be ordered online or filled from a foreign prescription; they must be dispensed in person.
• There are around 16,600 pharmacies across Germany (Marketscreener), and an emergency-duty (Notdienst) pharmacy is always open nearby.

What is an Apotheke?

An Apotheke is a German pharmacy, and the title is legally protected; only licensed pharmacies that meet strict national standards can use it. Each Apotheke must have a licensed pharmacist (Apotheker) on site during business hours, who does far more than hand over medication: they check for drug interactions, explain your treatment, and give expert advice.

There are around 16,600 pharmacies across Germany, making them one of the most accessible parts of the healthcare system. With more than 100,000 approved medicinal products on the German market (Medscape), pharmacies stock a wide range of treatments.

Germany's pharmaceutical standards are enforced by federal bodies like the BfArM (Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices) and state pharmacy authorities (Landesapothekerkammern). At the entrance, you'll spot an Apotheke by its distinctive red "A" sign.

How are German pharmacies different?

German pharmacies are healthcare-focused, not retail stores. Unlike large chains abroad (like CVS or Boots), an Apotheke doesn't sell snacks, cosmetics, or groceries. Instead, it emphasizes personal care, safe medication use, and clinical accuracy, and a pharmacist is always on hand to advise you.

A few things worth knowing:

• No self-service for prescriptions: You can't grab prescription medication from a shelf. A pharmacist must dispense it.
• Counseling is standard: Pharmacists are legally required to advise you on all prescriptions.
• Independent ownership: The big chains you know from home don't exist. Individuals, not corporations, own German pharmacies.

Germany's Pharmacy Law (Apothekengesetz) prevents corporate ownership and vertical integration (for example, drugmakers owning pharmacies). One pharmacist can run a main pharmacy and up to three branches. The result: most pharmacies offer high-quality, personalized care while avoiding conflicts of interest.

Pharmacy vs. drugstore

In Germany, only pharmacies (Apotheken) can sell medication — both prescription and over-the-counter, including everyday drugs like paracetamol and ibuprofen. Drugstores (Drogerien) like DM, Rossmann, and Müller sell only supplements, vitamins, cosmetics, and toiletries; they can't dispense any pharmaceutical products or employ an on-site pharmacist.

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

What medicines require a prescription in Germany?

In Germany, antibiotics, mental-health medications, controlled substances (opioids and ADHD drugs), hormonal treatments like birth control, and heart or metabolic drugs such as insulin all require a doctor's prescription under the Medicinal Products Prescription Ordinance (AMVV). Germany is stricter than many countries. Even ibuprofen above 400 mg and codeine-based cough syrups are prescription-only.

Here's the breakdown of what typically needs a prescription:

• 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 medication.

A few catch expats off guard. Ibuprofen over 400 mg, codeine-based cough syrups, and some antihistamines need a prescription here even when they don't in the US or UK. Melatonin was also prescription-only in Germany until recently, which surprises many people used to buying it freely back home.

What medicines are available over the counter?

Plenty of medications are available over the counter (OTC) in Germany without a prescription, but only at a pharmacy (Apotheke), never at a drugstore. These include:

• 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
• Homeopathic and herbal products
• Emergency contraception (like the "morning-after pill") — no prescription needed, but the pharmacist will ask a few safety-related questions first. Learn more in our guide to pregnancy and family planning in Germany.

Doses and pack sizes for OTC medication are limited, though. Stronger versions or larger boxes must be prescribed. And since OTC prices aren't regulated, it's worth comparing platforms like medizinfuchs.de or apomio.de to find a better deal or a reference price.

How to get a prescription in Germany

Getting a prescription in Germany is usually straightforward, though the process varies slightly depending on your insurance status and the type of medication. Here's how it works.

1. Visit a doctor

Start by seeing a general practitioner (Hausarzt) or a specialist. After assessing your condition, the doctor decides whether medication is necessary.

Need time off work too? Your doctor can issue a sick note at the same appointment.

New to Germany? Check our guide on finding a doctor.

2. Receive your prescription

Since 2024, prescriptions for public health insurance (GKV) patients are issued electronically via the eRezept system, which is now the standard. You'll get either:

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

A German prescription's validity depends on the type: 28 days for a public (Kassenrezept) prescription, 3 months for a private one (Privatrezept), and just 7 days for a controlled-substance prescription (BtM-Rezept).

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

• If you have private insurance (though some PKV insurers are starting to adopt eRezept)
• For over-the-counter or non-covered medications
• If you don't have a German electronic health card (elektronische Gesundheitskarte, eGK)
• For controlled substances, which need 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 fills your order and explains how to take the medication. You can also redeem your eRezept at online pharmacies by uploading the QR code through their app or website.

Can someone else pick up my prescription?

Yes — in most cases, someone else can collect your prescription medication using your eRezept QR code (from the app or a printed copy) or your paper prescription. For standard prescriptions, no extra ID or authorization is usually needed.

The exception is controlled substances. For a BtM prescription, the pharmacy may ask the person collecting it for identification, or refuse to dispense to a third party altogether. If you're unsure, check with your pharmacy in advance.

Do German pharmacies accept foreign prescriptions?

Generally, no. German pharmacies aren't 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 pick up where they left off.

What should I do if I lose my prescription?

If you lose a paper prescription, a German pharmacy can't dispense your medication without a valid form. You'll usually need to revisit your doctor, or use a telemedicine platform like TeleClinic, to get a replacement. If you're publicly insured, your eRezept is stored digitally in the app — so a lost prescription is rarely a problem.

In some cases, pharmacists may contact the issuing doctor to verify a prescription, especially for regular patients or urgent situations. But this isn't guaranteed, so don't count on it.

Does German health insurance cover medication?

Yes, though how much you pay and what gets reimbursed depends on whether you have public or private health insurance. Public insurance covers medically necessary prescriptions with a small co-payment; private insurance usually covers more, including newer treatments. Here's how each works.

How much do prescriptions cost with public health insurance?

With Germany's public health insurance (GKV), you pay a co-payment of 10% of each drug's price, with a minimum of €5 and a maximum of €10 per item (this may go up to €15 in 2027, though the timeline for implementation is murky). Children under 18 pay nothing. Your annual out-of-pocket medication costs are capped at 2% of gross income (1% if you have a chronic illness), after which you can claim a full co-payment exemption.

Once you've hit that annual cap, you can apply to your insurer for a Zuzahlungsbefreiung (co-payment exemption certificate). It exempts you from all prescription co-payments for the rest of the calendar year. Keep your pharmacy receipts to document your spending.

This applies only to medically necessary medications. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications usually aren't covered by public insurance, so you'll pay for those yourself (though your pharmacist may be able to suggest a covered alternative). To understand how deductibles work more broadly, see our dedicated guide.

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

Pharmacies handle reimbursement digitally using your Gesundheitskarte (electronic health card). When you hand it over, the pharmacy bills your insurer directly and tells you the co-pay, if any. No forms, no paperwork for standard prescriptions.

Does private health insurance cover medication?

Yes, private health insurance (PKV) in Germany typically covers medication more broadly than public insurance, including newer and specialized treatments. Exact coverage depends on your plan. At Feather, for example, medication coverage works like this:

• Standard and Plus plans: 80% of medication costs covered up to €2,000 per year, then 100% coverage for anything above that. Generic medications are covered 100% from the start.
• Premium plan: 100% coverage for both generic and non-generic medications.

The general structure is similar across private insurers, though details vary. If you're not sure whether a specific medication is covered, contact your insurer for confirmation or pre-approval.

With private insurance, you usually pay for the medication yourself first, then claim it back. At Feather, by uploading your receipts in your claim portal.

Can I bring medication into Germany from abroad?

Yes. According to German Customs (Zoll), you can bring up to a 3-month personal supply of medication into Germany, for personal use only. If a drug is prescription-only in Germany, you must carry a valid prescription. Controlled substances (like Adderall or opioid painkillers) may be banned or restricted, and possession without authorization can lead to seizure or legal trouble.

Here's the catch: even if a drug is legal in your home country, it may be classified differently in Germany. Check its legality with the BfArM before you travel, or your local German embassy or consulate for country-specific guidance.

Best practices for bringing medication in:

• Carry a doctor's note stating the medical necessity of your medication.
• Bring a translated prescription (in German or English).
• Keep medications in their original packaging with clear labels.
• For Schengen travel with controlled substances, you'll need a Schengen Certificate. It’s 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

ADHD stimulant medication in Germany is tightly controlled: Adderall isn't approved here, the available alternatives require a special narcotic prescription (BtM-Rezept) valid for only 7 days, and these medications can't be ordered online or picked up by a third party. This is one of the most common pain points for expats, so here's what to know:

• Adderall is not available in Germany. It's neither approved nor marketed here.
• Alternatives include Ritalin/Medikinet (methylphenidate) and Elvanse/Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine).
• These require a BtM-Rezept. ****It’s a special narcotic prescription (Betäubungsmittel, BtM) on yellow paper. Only certain doctors, usually psychiatrists or neurologists, can issue one.
• A BtM prescription is valid for 7 days and can't be filled online or by a third party.

Moving to Germany? Bring a detailed psychiatric report and enough medication for the transition. Finding a therapist or psychiatrist can take time.

If you have a pre-existing condition that needs ongoing controlled medication, plan your move 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 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) at night, on Sundays, and on holidays.
• Google Maps: Useful too, but opening hours aren't always accurate, especially on weekends or holidays.

When are pharmacies open?

Standard pharmacy opening hours in Germany are:

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

What to do if a pharmacy is closed

German law requires pharmacies to take turns in a rotating Notdienst (emergency duty) system, so at least one pharmacy in every area is always open: overnight, on Sundays, and on holidays. Around 1,200 pharmacies staff this emergency rota each night across Germany (ABDA). They're marked as "Notdienst Apotheke".

Find the nearest on-duty pharmacy using:

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

A few things to expect when using an emergency-duty pharmacy:

• A €2.50 service fee (Notdienstgebühr) applies.
• Only urgent medications are dispensed; you won't get full retail service.
• The doors may be locked, and the pharmacy may look closed. You might have to ring a bell and wait.

Pharmacists aren't emergency responders. If you're having a health crisis, a pharmacy may be unable (or not allowed) to help. Call 116 117 for the on-call medical service. For true emergencies — chest pain, seizures, 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 growing in popularity, especially for OTC products, where prices can be much lower than at your local Apotheke.

How online pharmacies work

Licensed online pharmacies follow the same regulations as brick-and-mortar ones. 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. Compare prices at medizinfuchs.de or apomio.de.
• Prescription medications: Upload your eRezept QR code to have prescriptions filled online and delivered to your door.
• Controlled substances (BtM): Can't 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 check that an online pharmacy is legitimate before ordering. Click the EU safety logo on its 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 local health hubs, offering medication, health services, and advice under one roof.

Medication counseling and advice

In Germany, counseling is 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.
• Advise on side effects, storage, or alternatives if there's an issue.

These services are included in the price of your medication, so make the most of them. Don't feel bad about asking "too many questions" or not speaking German; even if a pharmacist doesn't speak English, they're required to help you understand your prescription.

Preventive health services (vaccinations and tests)

Since 2022, German pharmacists have been authorized to give flu and COVID-19 vaccinations to adults; often on a walk-in basis during flu season. Childhood vaccines, travel vaccines, and others still require a doctor.

Some pharmacies also offer:

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

Learn more about vaccinations in Germany.

Medication management and review

If you take several medications, many pharmacies offer a Medikationsanalyse (medication review). A pharmacist looks at all your current prescriptions and OTC products together, checking for interactions, redundancies, or dosage issues. It's especially valuable if you're managing chronic conditions or seeing multiple specialists. Taking dental-related medication (like post-procedure antibiotics)? Check whether your dental insurance covers the costs.