'Pharmacies in Germany: How to Buy Medications, Prescriptions, and

A pharmacy in Germany isn’t just a store that sells pills. Most medications are sold exclusively through pharmacies; prescription drugs are dispensed only with a doctor’s prescription; and at night or on Sundays, not every pharmacy is open—only the on-call Notdienst-Apotheke. For newcomers, the main challenge is figuring out when to see a doctor, when it’s okay to ask a pharmacist, and how to safely buy medication online.

How to Find a Pharmacy in Germany

A German pharmacy is easily recognizable by the red letter A. This symbol has been used as the official identifier for pharmacies since the 20th century, although the history of pharmacies in Germany goes back much further: the Löwen-Apotheke in Trier is considered one of the oldest known pharmacy locations.

The network of pharmacies remains dense, but their numbers are declining. By the end of 2025, according to ABDA, there were 16,601 pharmacies left in Germany. For residents, this means that in some areas, the trip to the nearest pharmacy may become longer, while the role of on-call pharmacies and delivery services is growing.

Which Medications Are Available Over the Counter, and Which Require a Prescription

In Germany, it’s important to distinguish not by brand but by the legal status of the medication.

Freiverkäufliche Arzneimittel — products that can be sold not only at pharmacies, such as certain teas, basic vitamins, and personal care products. If you’re choosing supplements, it’s helpful to research separately which vitamins are commonly purchased in Germany.
Apothekenpflichtige Arzneimittel — over-the-counter medications that are still sold only at pharmacies. These often include pain relievers, cold remedies, allergy medications, and treatments for heartburn or diarrhea.
Verschreibungspflichtige Arzneimittel — prescription medications. Antibiotics, many strong painkillers, and a significant portion of specialized medications are not available over the counter.
Strictly regulated medications—for example, drugs subject to the regulations for Betäubungsmittel. These require separate prescriptions and are subject to stricter dispensing procedures.

A pharmacist can explain how to take a medication, check for interactions with other drugs, and suggest a specific form of the medication, but they are not a substitute for a doctor. If your symptoms are severe, unusual, last for several days, involve a child, pregnancy, a chronic illness, or a risk of an allergic reaction, it’s best to make an appointment with a doctor.

How Prescriptions and E-Rezepts Work

Starting in 2024, prescription medications for patients with public health insurance will generally be issued as an E-Rezept. You can present it at a pharmacy using your electronic health card (eGK), the E-Rezept app, or a printed paper code. In some cases, paper prescriptions are still used—for example, for certain specialized prescriptions or in cases of technical exceptions.

In a separate article on , German prescriptions typically explain the old color-coding system:

pink/red prescription — the medication is covered by and (state health insurance), but adult patients usually pay a copayment;
Blue prescription — most commonly used for private insurance: the patient pays at the pharmacy and then submits the receipt to their private health insurance provider 10_PUBLISHED/content/en/Private Health Insurance in Germany Who PKV Is Suitable For and How It Differs from GKV;
green prescription — a doctor’s recommendation for a medication that you usually have to pay for yourself.

A green prescription doesn’t mean the medication is ineffective: a doctor may recommend an over-the-counter remedy, but the GKV doesn’t always cover it. Some health insurance providers voluntarily reimburse part of these costs as a bonus or an additional service. If this is important to you, check your health insurance provider’s terms and conditions; for recurring expenses, it makes sense to compare rates and reimbursement rules, not just the premium amount and the option to switch health insurance providers at 10_PUBLISHED/content/en/How to Change Public Health Insurance in Germany.

How much does a patient pay under GKV?

For adults with public health insurance, the standard copayment for a reimbursable medication is 10% of the price, but usually no less than 5 euros and no more than 10 euros. If the medication costs less than 5 euros, the patient pays no more than the actual price. Children and adolescents under 18 are generally exempt from such copayments under the GKV.

There are exceptions: some medications are exempt from copayments, some over-the-counter drugs aren’t covered by insurance, and for chronic conditions, you can check your eligibility for Zuzahlungsbefreiung. Therefore, in cases of uncertainty, it’s best to check with your doctor, the pharmacy, or your Krankenkasse to see if a specific medication will be covered.

How to Buy Medicine at a Regular Pharmacy

The simplest scenario looks like this:

If you have mild symptoms, you can go to a pharmacy and describe your problem: a runny nose, pain, allergies, an upset stomach, or a fever.
If you need a prescription medication, first see a doctor and get an E-Rezept or another valid prescription.
At the pharmacy, present your eGK, E-Rezept code, paper prescription, or private prescription.
The pharmacist checks availability, dosage, and any possible restrictions, and explains how to take the medication.
If a medication is out of stock, it can often be ordered for delivery the same or next business day; delivery times depend on location and shipping.

In small towns and rural areas, pharmacies sometimes offer delivery, especially for elderly or seriously ill patients. This is not a universal right, but a service provided by specific pharmacies.

Online Pharmacies: When They’re Convenient and How to Avoid Counterfeits

Online pharmacies are convenient for over-the-counter medications, repeat orders, and price comparisons. Prescription medications can also be ordered online, but only with a valid prescription or E-Rezept and through a licensed pharmacy.

Before placing an order, check the following:

Does the website have an “Impressum” section with the pharmacy’s actual contact information?
whether the responsible pharmacist and the regulatory authority are listed;
Does the website have the European safety seal for online medication sales?
Does the sign indicate that the pharmacy is listed in the BfArM Mail-Order Pharmacy Register (Versandhandels-Register BfArM)?
Check whether the website offers prescription medications “without a prescription.”

The last point is a red flag. If a website promises antibiotics, strong painkillers, hormonal medications, or prescription drugs without a doctor’s prescription, it’s best not to buy them: the risk of counterfeits, incorrect dosages, and problems at customs outweighs any savings.

Opening Hours and On-Call Pharmacies

Regular pharmacies are not required to be open 24 hours a day. They are often open from the morning until early evening, have reduced hours on Saturdays, and are closed on Sundays. Specific hours depend on the city, neighborhood, and the pharmacy itself.

If you need medication urgently at night, on a Sunday, or on a holiday, look for a Notdienst-Apotheke—an on-call pharmacy. The most reliable way is to check the official Notdienstsuche on aponet.de, enter your city or ZIP code, and view the nearest options. The address of the on-call pharmacy is also often posted on the door of a closed pharmacy.

At night, the door may be locked. Usually, you need to ring the bell, and the pharmacist will assist you through a special window. The pharmacy may charge a Notdienstgebühr for using the emergency service; if the doctor has noted the urgency on the prescription, this fee may be covered by insurance.

How to Find German Equivalents of Your Usual Medications

It’s better to focus on the active ingredient rather than the brand name from another country. The same active ingredient can come in different brands, dosages, and dosage forms.

Examples that Russian-speaking residents of Germany often encounter:

Ibuprofen and Paracetamol are easily recognizable in German pharmacies, but the dosage and form may require consultation or a prescription.
Aspirin—a Bayer brand; various forms of acetylsalicylic acid are available in Germany, but you should pay particularly close attention to the contraindications.
Instead of the familiar “No-Shpa,” the pharmacist may offer remedies for cramps, such as medications containing butylscopolamine, but the choice depends on your symptoms.
For a runny nose, people often ask for Nasenspray; for children, be sure to specify the age: für Kinder.
For a cough, they may recommend medications containing ambroxol—such as those under the Mucosolvan brand—if they’re appropriate for your symptoms.
For heartburn, antacids and acid-reducing medications, including those containing omeprazole, are available; these should not be taken long-term without consulting a doctor.
For allergies, pharmacies often carry medications containing cetirizine or dimetindene, including brands like Fenistil.
For skin care and minor injuries, they may recommend Bepanthen, iodine-based ointments, or antiseptic sprays.

You shouldn’t simply bring your entire first-aid kit from another country as-is. Some medications that are common in Russia or CIS countries aren’t sold in Germany, have a different classification, or require a prescription. This is especially true for antibiotics, antiviral medications, strong pain relievers, children’s medications, and medications for chronic conditions.

What to Tell a Pharmacist in German

Useful phrases:

Ich brauche etwas gegen Kopfschmerzen. — I need something for a headache.
Ich habe Fieber / Husten / Halsschmerzen. — I have a fever / cough / sore throat.
Ist das rezeptfrei? — Is this available without a prescription?
Ich nehme schon andere Medikamente. — I’m already taking other medications.
Ist das für ein Kind geeignet? — Is this suitable for a child?
Wie oft soll ich das nehmen? — How often should I take this?
Gibt es ein günstigeres Präparat mit demselben Wirkstoff? — Is there a cheaper medication with the same active ingredient?

If your German isn’t very good yet, you can show the pharmacist the name of the active ingredient, the packaging of your old medication, or a list of the medications you’re already taking. This is safer than trying to find a substitute based solely on a similar-sounding name.

A Quick Checklist Before Buying

If you have serious symptoms, see a doctor first, then go to a pharmacy.
For prescription medications, you need a valid prescription or an E-Rezept.
If you have GKV coverage, factor in a possible copay in advance.
Buy online only through registered Versandapotheken.
To find a pharmacy on duty, check Notdienstsuche, not random old lists.
Look for generic equivalents based on the active ingredient and check the dosage with a pharmacist.