8 best mobile apps in Germany

Traveling and moving to another country has become so much easier today with the help of smartphones. In the palm of our hands, we can do everything from ordering food to learning a language. Here is a list of some German apps that will make your stay in the Federal Republic easier.

The most useful apps in Germany

Germany has some great apps that are essential for people who live in or visit for a wide variety of purposes. Here are our picks for some must-have apps for everyone in Germany.

1. Database Browser

The best app for traveling in Germany! The DB app lets you turn your smartphone into a travel card and get around without having to queue for a ticket. It is perfect for regional public transport and long-distance travel, combining metro, tram, train and bus. You can also check travel updates for scheduled work or unexpected delays, and plan your trip. Another great app for transportation in Germany is Google Maps.

2. Wise

Wise is a fantastic way to send, spend, convert and receive money internationally. This app is great for everyone and offers cheaper and faster money transfers to over 80 countries. You also get a debit card that can be used worldwide, while your account can hold over 50 currencies and convert between them instantly. This is optimal for expats or new residents managing their finances in their old home and new home in Germany.

3. Spotted by locals

While Germany’s tourist attractions are beautiful, 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 niche. Locals write about their favorite places in the country and provide insider tips. The app acts as your own personal tourist guide, helping you find the cutest cafes, quirkiest bars, and quietest spots. Discover wonderful new restaurants, bakeries, cafes and more!

4. ARD Media Library

A great way to broaden your German horizons is the ARD Mediathek, the streaming platform for all ARD, the German public broadcasting and media network. Watch movies, series, documentaries, news, live streams and more from your smartphone or tablet, and explore German culture and language like never before. The platform offers entertaining content, information, culture, education, fun programs and hidden gems in regional and national dialects – perfect if you are learning German!

5. Uber Eats

Order all your favorite dishes in one click. Whether it’s a chain restaurant that brings you nostalgia for home or the best local coffee shop, Uber Eats has it all listed. Have your food delivered to your apartment at your convenience and be sure to look for coupons and daily deals. Experience local German cuisine or international dishes from the comfort of your home. Other good food delivery apps in Germany include Lieferando.de and Wolt.

6. Immoscout24

One of the most important things that expats and new residents need to do when moving to a new country is finding accommodation. The ImmoScout24 app is perfect for finding your new apartment or house anywhere in Germany. You can communicate with suppliers directly and securely, making it easy to track your communication history. It also comes with a reminder list, integration via Google Street View and direct display of search results on a map. Other great alternatives for finding accommodation are IamExpat Housing (of course!) or Housing Anywhere.

7. Translate in depth

Stuck with German grammar? DeepL Translate is a great app to help you, providing fast, accurate, and high-quality translations in 26 languages, including German. You can translate speech to text using the microphone and also listen to the translated text. The app focuses on correct grammar in translation, which makes 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 of the original text as possible.

8. Carrot Weather

This unique app is a great way to check the weather in Germany – but with a little twist! The CarrotWeather app comes with five different settings, ranging from primitive “professional” to unpredictable “overkill”, which provide satirically accurate weather forecasts. The app offers more than just the weather – there are also secret places to explore and news-style weather report videos. Finally, it’s the only weather app that tells you a fun new joke every day to make you smile, even when it’s raining.

Download these apps today!

There are so many apps for visitors and residents in Germany to choose from, so this is just a selection. If you have more to add, let us know in the comments below!

Casey J. Nelson