Must Have Mobile Apps for Traveling in Germany

🚆 Getting Around: Public Transport Made Easy

1. DB Navigator (Deutsche Bahn) – Your Train Lifesaver

"The only transport app you'll use daily"

• Key Features:

  • Real-time delay maps show congestion hotspots

  • "My Train" tracks your specific train live

  • Seat occupancy indicators help you find a spot to sit

• Pro Tip: Book "Sparpreis" tickets early and save up to 70%

• German Quirk: Delayed over 60 minutes? You're eligible for a partial refund

2. BlaBlaCar – Hitch a Ride with Locals

"The social way to travel"

• Why You'll Love It:

  • Often quicker and cheaper than regional trains

  • Chatty drivers offer local tips and stories

  • Pet-friendly rides available

• Stay Safe:

  • Government ID-verified profiles

  • Women-only ride options for solo travellers

  • Ratings for both drivers and passengers

3. FREE NOW– Ride-Hailing app

"Your late-night mobility solution"

• FREE NOW Perks:

  • Access to a large fleet of licensed taxis

  • Option to combine rides with public transport

    
    

💸 Money & Payments

4. N26 / Revolut – Digital Banking Made Easy

"Your Euro account without the paperwork nightmare"

• N26 Wins For:

  • Free German IBAN (a must for rentals and contracts)

  • 3 free ATM withdrawals per month

• Revolut Shines With:

  • Excellent currency exchange rates

  • Virtual cards for safer online shopping

• Cash Still Reigns: 32% of payments in Germany are cash – keep €20-50 on hand!

5. KaufDA + idealo – Smart Shopping Tools

"Deals and discounts without the hassle"

• KaufDA Helps You:

  • Catch weekly grocery deals

  • Spot drugstore discounts (DM, Rossmann)

  • Grab local cashback offers

• idealo Helps You:

  • Compare prices before you buy

  • Set price alerts on big-ticket items

  • Shop with sustainability in mind

🍔 Food

6. Too Good To Go – Mystery Food Bags

"The student budget’s best friend"

• Top Picks:

  • Bakery bags worth €15 for just €3-5

  • Supermarket boxes great for meal prepping

  • Hotel breakfast leftovers – a secret goldmine

• Pro Strategy: Set location alerts for hotspots like organic shops

7. Lieferando

"The food delivery app"

• Use Lieferando When:

  • You're craving local German eats

  • You want to pay in cash

  • You're ordering late at night

8.Wolt

"Food,Groceries and more in Minutes"

• Use Wolt If You Prefer:

  • Upscale restaurants

  • Scheduled deliveries

  • A sleeker, smoother app experience

9. Flink – Groceries in Minutes

"Your fridge's emergency response team"

• Great for:

  • Toiletries at 11 PM

  • Midnight snacks

  • Carrying heavy drinks so you don't have to

  • Last-minute dinner ingredients

🗣️ Language & Communication

10. DeepL – The Translation Hero

"Making German bureaucracy understandable"

• Why You Need It:

  • Understand rental contracts and legal letters

  • Translate official docs and emails

  • Write like a pro in German

• Bonus: Desktop app can translate full documents

11. WhatsApp – The Social Standard

"Germany’s unofficial messaging app"

• Use It For:

  • Chatting with landlords

  • Staying updated in class or work groups

  • Building local friendships

• Local Habits:

  • Voice notes are more common than calls

  • Group chats exist for everything

  • Leaving read receipts off is considered rude

🌳 Exploration & Lifestyle

12. Komoot – Nature, Unlocked

"Your guide to Germany’s outdoors"

• Best Routes Include:

  • Rhine Valley castles

  • Alpine trails in Bavaria

  • Coastal bike rides along the Baltic

13. Meetup – Your Social Icebreaker

"Making friends the easy way"

• Top Groups To Join:

  • "New in [City]" meetups

  • Language exchange events

  • Expat communities and hobbies