Whether visiting or planning a move, these best Germany apps will keep you well connected in Deutschland.
Any form of travel requires the juggling of information, and thankfully with mini computers in our pockets and the right apps downloaded, you’ll be travelin’ around Germany like a local.
From transportation, accommodation, and even food delivery options, keeping track of your current plans is essential, and having pertinent information at your fingertips is crucial for smooth and relaxing adventures. Especially when visiting a new place like Germany!
Many of the apps you know and use in the U.S. are also common in Germany, but not all! Some apps like Uber, while available in some places in Germany, aren’t as popular as at home. This list also shares Germany-specific apps you need for convenience.
Without further ado, here’s an ultimate list of the best apps for Germany I found helpful during my travels and many years spent living in Germany.
Read More: Pros and Cons of Living in Germany for Immigrants + Expats
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19 Best Apps for Germany Travel and Life Abroad
1. DB Navigator: Train travel in Germany
DB or Deutsche Bahn is the national train company that operates throughout the country, and DB Navigator is the place to book tickets and check current train routes and schedules. The app is easy to use, has an English setting, and allows you to skip the hassle of buying tickets in person and then validating them.
2. Free Now, Taxi.EU, Uber: Ride-hailing apps in Germany
Unlike the U.S., Uber isn’t necessarily the best app for booking taxis in Germany. The county has long resisted the app, although it has increased in popularity and can be used in the country’s biggest cities.
That means the best option for taxi service in Germany that you can book from your phone is either Free Now or Taxi. EU. Both are popular options used in other European countries and are basically the same as the Uber experience at home.
3. BVG: Public transportation in Berlin
Visiting and living in Berlin is much easier with the BVG app on your phone. An acronym that stands for the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe, this company manages most of the city’s public transportation. So when taking the bus, tram, or U-Bahn (Underground), this is the app for routes, times, and tickets.
Remember to use the DB navigator app mentioned above for travels via the S-Bahn and any regional/international trains.
4. Google Translate: Translate German on the go
This one, to me, is a no-brainer! Google Translate is a helpful app for navigating everything regarding life in Germany, from what the heck is on a menu to important train station announcements and more. I’ve noticed it seems reasonably accurate and does a fairly decent job of translating.
5. Babbel & DuoLingo: Learn German apps
Or master the German language before you visit with language learning apps like Duolingo and Babbel! German is notoriously difficult to learn, thanks to all the unique rules and pronunciation.
But Germans will greatly appreciate the effort, even if they speak English flawlessly. But in small towns, not everyone will speak English, so having survival German under your belt can come in handy.
6. Lieferando: Germany’s food delivery app
When hunger strikes but you don’t have the energy to cook or leave the house, Lieferando is your guy! This is Germany’s food delivery app! Lieferando uses your location to find nearby restaurants that are open for delivery and willing to deliver to where you’re at.
Most places have a small delivery fee or minimum to score free delivery, and you can tip and pay in the app with a credit card.
7. Flixbus: Budget national and international bus travel
Flixbus is a budget-friendly way to get around Germany and to other major cities across Europe. Most Flixbus routes only operate out of the biggest cities in Germany and Europe, but bus rides can be as low as $15 within Germany. Some places even have Flixtrains, budget train routes, which are usually a much better deal than riding the train with DB.
8. Ryanair & EasyJet: Budget airlines in Germany and Europe
One thing I particularly love about living and traveling in Germany is all the budget travel options, especially the vast number of budget flights available. Two of the biggest budget airlines in Europe are Ryanair and EasyJet.
Budget airlines usually have limited routes and dates, but you can find cross-Europe flights for sometimes as low as $20 one way. There are many other budget airlines scattered around Europe, often tied to a specific country like Volotea (Spain), Wizz (UK), Norwegian (Norway), etc.
9. Voi, bolt, bird: Ride e-scooters around Germany’s major cities
Who needs a taxi when you can rent e-scooters? This fun new way to get around is pretty common in many of Germany’s major cities. The most popular e-scooter apps are Voi, Bolt, and Bird.
Many also double as a place to rent e-bikes if available. The apps usually charge a set start rate of €1 or so and then charge a per-mile or per-minute rate. Some even offer day or hourly passes at a discount. But be safe, and follow all traffic laws!
10. Citymapper and Google Maps: Navigate all public transportation options in Germany
Citymapper and Google Maps are two apps that allow you to plan the best way to get somewhere with all public transportation options. While they’re not always accurate, I’ve found them to be a great starting point and accurate most of the time.
Once you have your best route mapped out, you can use DB navigator or the BVG app to book.
11. Get Your Guide + Spotted by Locals: Plan and book things to do in Germany
Founded in Germany, Get Your Guide is a fantastic place to book private and group tours and activities in Germany and really most places in the world. The app is pretty easy to use and allows you to book right from your phone.
Spotted by Locals is another great app that allows Germans and locals to share what they feel is the best thing to do in their city. You have to pay a small fee to access in-depth local guides, but once you do, it’s an all-in-one place to save recommendations for things to do, places to eat, and travel routes for use on your phone, even without data.
However, it’s really only good to use in major cities like Berlin and Frankfurt and not great for small towns in Germany.
12. Booking.com & HostelWorld: Book hotels in Germany and Europe
Whenever I’m planning a trip that requires an overnight stay, the first place I look for accommodation is Booking.com and/or Hostelworld.com.
Booking.com usually offers the best selection of hotels in Europe, and because I have Genius level 3 booking, I get pretty good pricing. But it doesn’t hurt to compare the price on booking with the hotel directly to see which is best.
Hostelworld.com is the best booking platform for cheap hostel stays. While I no longer stay in hostel dorms all that often, many hostels in Europe have privates and smaller private dorms that are excellent for group travel. For example, I’ve stayed in hostels with private rooms that have 2-4 bunk beds.
13. N26 & Revolut: Online banking in Germany
For expats specifically in the market for opening a bank account, I highly recommend looking into N26 and Revolut.
N26 is an online banking option in Germany that makes opening an account super easy and convenient, and they don’t charge a fee. This German company gets fantastic reviews and offers financial protection up to €100,000 by the German Deposit Protection Scheme. You need proof of residency before you can open an account.
Revolut is a fintech company based in the UK that offers banking services and makes it easy to open an account online. Because it’s a European banking solution, it’s a decent option for those moving to Germany in need of an account with an IBAN. It’s also easier to open than N26, requiring only a phone number. Just know it’s not technically a bank, and I recommend looking into reviews to make sure it’s right for you.
My experience with the brick-and-mortar banks in Germany has been a bit inconvenient due to outdated tech and high fees for a debit card. For example, I bank with Sparkasse and pay about €5 a month for an EC card. And anytime I have an issue, I have to go into the actual bank. Don’t make my mistake, and choose an online bank.
14. Finya, Tinder, etc.: Dating apps in Germany
I’m happily in a serious relationship, so I can’t personally comment on what using dating apps in Germany is like, so I’ll let My Life in Germany, another travel blog, share in greater detail her recommended dating apps and websites.
But for those moving to Germany and searching for love, some of the classic dating apps like Tinder and Bumble are used here. If you’re specifically looking to use a strictly German dating app, Finya should be your go-to.
15. Komoot: Hiking in Germany app
Those who enjoy hiking and want to know where to find the best hiking trails in Germany should download Komoot! Komoot is Germany’s AllTrails (which is also usable here, but it doesn’t have as many trails listed).
Komoot allows you to search for nearby hiking trails using your location and tells you important info like difficulty, distance, trail maps, user reviews, and more. You can even record your hikes in the app if you pay for premium features.
16. ARD Mediathek, DW, and Expats in Germany: Stay connected to German news
If you’re living in Germany and want to stay up to date with the current happenings around the country, ARD Mediathek is a great place to start. ARD is one of Germany’s largest public TV broadcasters and offers news, movies, and more for free.
DW is Germany’s leading news publication. Their app makes it easy for expats, immigrants, and travelers in Germany to access news in English and multiple different languages. It’s a convenient way to stay connected.
I Am Expat isn’t an app, but I wanted to shout it out as a great community for foreigners living in Germany. It’s a blog with a Facebook group that shares helpful articles that share important cultural tips, events, things to know, and news too, and all in English. While geared towards expats in Germany, it can also be a helpful resource for those visiting the country. The Local is another helpful informational site in English.
17. Whatsapp: Text over WiFi
If you have any plans or need to connect with Germans or Europeans, you’re going to need WhatsApp. Even though many locals have iPhones and Androids, WhatsApp tends to be the preferred method of communication here.
Much like iMessage, WhatsApp is a messaging over WiFi app that makes it easy to connect with others without paying SMS charges. You can also make phone calls over WiFi on WhatsApp.
18. Immoscout24: Apartment and house rentals in Germany
Immoscout24 is a great app for those searching for a place to live in Germany. Immoscout is one of the leading websites for housing listings, and having the app makes it all the easier to find a new home.
One of the leading housing portals operating throughout Germany is Immoscout24. Using their app, you’ll be able to access listings for thousands of potential new homes. It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking for a city-center studio in Stuttgart or a beautiful Bavarian chalet. You’ll soon find what you’re after. The app allows you to search homes, arrange viewings, and receive new listing alerts straight to your phone.
19. Other Helpful Apps for Germany and General Europe Travel
Here are some other, lesser important Germany travel apps that you may find useful!
- EasyPark is a nice app to have for those with a car in Germany. It allows you to pay for street/metered parking conveniently for your phone, and to top up your parking time if needed, without returning back to your car. Not everywhere uses EasyPark, but it’s handy in certain parts of Germany and other European countries.
- Flush is an app that can help you find a public restroom while traveling, which in Germany and Europe is surprisingly hard to do!
- Air Alo is an app that makes it easy to buy and put an e SIM card on your phone so you can stay connected on the go. Your phone has to be unlocked and compatible to have an e SIM to use.