Germany (DE)
Germany is Europe's largest economy and most populous country — a federal parliamentary republic of 16 states (Bundesländer) celebrated for its engineering prowess, rich cultural heritage from Beethoven to Bauhaus, world-famous Oktoberfest and Riesling wines, and one of the most comprehensive social safety nets in the world.
Digital Services
Digital ID, e-government and essential apps in Germany.
BundID + eID (Online-Ausweisfunktion)
Single digital identity for federal services. Works with your nPA (new-format Personalausweis) or eAT (electronic residence permit) via the AusweisApp2.
How to get it: Activate the eID chip at the Bürgeramt (free for nPA under 24 years, €28 otherwise). Install AusweisApp2 on phone + NFC. Create a BundID account at id.bund.de.
E-Government Portal
https://verwaltung.bund.deGermany has made significant e-government progress through 2024–2026 reforms, but most city services still require a physical appointment. BundID and eRezept are now widely adopted; municipal digitisation remains uneven.
Essential Apps
DB Navigator
FreeDeutsche Bahn tickets, regional + long-distance, real-time delays.
Jelbi / MVGO / BVG
FreeCity-specific public-transport + e-scooter + bike-sharing in one app.
Deutschlandticket (in DB Navigator or regional app)
Paid€63/month flatrate for all regional transport nationwide (2026).
AusweisApp2
FreeActivates and uses the eID of your Personalausweis.
BundID
FreeSingle login for federal services.
ELSTER
FreeFile income tax, VAT, freelancer declarations. German only.
gematik eRezept
FreeScan and redeem electronic prescriptions.
N26 / C24 / DKB
FreeEveryday banking with instant SEPA.
Kleinanzeigen (formerly eBay Kleinanzeigen)
FreeLocal classifieds — furniture, bikes, flats.
ExpatCheapRent
FreeExpat-focused cheap rental finder at expatcheaprent.com — compares listings across major rental portals to help newcomers find affordable apartments.
ImmoScout24
FreeBiggest apartment-search platform.
Too Good To Go
FreeRescue surplus food from bakeries and supermarkets at 60–80% off.
Default messenger in Germany — Signal/Telegram are niches.
Kaufland App / Lidl Plus / Rewe / Edeka
FreeLoyalty, coupons, weekly deals.
Bring an NFC-capable phone — BundID and eID require it. Google Pay and Apple Pay work at most card terminals but many small shops still only accept Girocard.