9 best mobile apps in Germany

Travelling and moving to a different country has become so much easier today with the help of smartphones. In the palm of our hands we can do anything from ordering food to learning a language. This is a list of some German apps that will make your time in the federal republic a little easier. 

The most useful apps in Germany

Germany has some great apps that are essential for people living or visiting for a wide variety of purposes. Here are our picks for some must-have apps for everyone in Germany, from travel to food delivery.

1. DB Navigator

The best app for travel in Germany! The DB app allows you to turn your smartphone into a travel card and get around without having to stand in line for a ticket. It is perfect for regional public transportation and long-distance travel, combining metro, tram, train and bus. You can also check travel updates for planned works or unexpected delays and map your trip. 

Other great apps for transportation in Germany include Google Maps and Citymapper. You can also hail a ride with an app like Uber, Bolt or Freenow. Wherever you are living in Germany, the local transport association will likely have a helpful app too!

2. Your bank's app

Germany may be tech-phobic in many ways, but most German banks, especially large banks and mobile banks, do offer online banking services. Getting yourself set up with a banking app makes it much easier to manage your finances on the go, pay bills, and send and receive money. 

3. Your health insurance app

Whichever company you choose to take out your health insurance, it's likely that they have their own app. It can be useful to download this onto your phone, as it means you can upload receipts and invoices in real-time to ensure you get them reimbursed as soon as possible. The same goes for any other kinds of insurance you might have. 

Bonus tip: getting an appointment with a doctor can be hard in Germany. Therefore both Doctolib and Jameda also offer apps to help you find available appointments with nearby doctors. 

4. DeepL Translate

Stuck with German grammar? DeepL Translate is a great app to help with that, providing fast, accurate and high-quality translations in 26 languages, including German. You can translate speech to text using the microphone, and listen to the translated text as well. The app focuses on correct grammar within the translation, making it very useful for a language like German. The translation is also designed to be more nuanced, keeping as much of the intent and meaning from the original text as possible.

Google Translate also offers a similar app. If you are looking to learn German but don't fancy taking a German course, check out our list of the best apps to learn German.

5. Check24

If you took out your utilities in Germany via the Check24 comparison site - many people do - then it's also worth downloading their app to manage all of your transactions, bookings and contracts. You can even manage other types of contracts here, as well, such as for your mobile phone and internet. 

If you're a little confused by the waste disposal system in Germany, it's also worth downloading the app of your local municipal waste collection company. They can send you notifications to remind you which bins to put out on which day for collection! 

6. Deutsche Post

If you're going to be sending letters and parcels in Germany, it's a good idea to download the Deutsche Post app to purchase stamps and frank parcels, find your local post office and Packstation, track your shipments, and more.

6. Spotted By Locals

While the tourist attractions in Germany are wonderful, it's also nice to get off the beaten track sometimes, and the Spotted By Locals app is the perfect way to help you find your spot. Locals write about their favourite places in the country and provide insider tips. The app acts like your own personal city tour guide, helping you find the cutest cafes, quirkiest bars and quietest spots. 

7. ARD Mediathek

A great way to broaden your German horizons is the ARD Mediathek, the streaming platform for the entire ARD, the German public broadcasting and media network. Watch movies, series, documentaries, news, livestreams and much more from your smartphone or tablet, and explore German culture and language like never before. 

Whether you have a TV or not, paying the radio tax (Rundfunkbeitrag) is mandatory in Germany, so you may as well take advantage of what the service offers you.

8. Uber Eats 

Order all your favourite food with the click of a button. Whether it's a chain restaurant that brings you nostalgia for home or the best local cafe, Uber Eats has everything listed. Have your food delivered to your apartment at your convenience, and make sure to look out for vouchers and daily deals.

Other good food delivery apps in Germany include Lieferando.de and Wolt. 

9. CarrotWeather

This unique app is great way of checking the weather in Germany - but with a little twist! The CarrotWeather app comes with five different settings that deliver accurate weather predictions in a satirical fashion. The app offers more than just the weather - there are also secret locations to explore, and news-style weather report videos. Lastly, this is the only weather app that tells you a funny new joke every day to make you smile, even when it's raining.

Other popular weather apps include DWD WarnWetter, Wetter.de and AccuWeather. Finally, you might also want to download the warning apps NINA and NORA to be alerted in cases of emergencies in your area such as flood and weather warnings, and police warnings. 

Download these German apps today!

There are so many apps for visitors and residents in Germany to choose from, so these are only just a selection. If you've got more to add, let us know in the comments below!