There’s nothing like the thrill of shopping secondhand and finding a unique treasure. From a vintage dress to a retro record, or a unique piece of furniture, I love the experience of searching through used items and discovering a hidden gem.
It’s not only friendly on the wallet but also helps reduce waste and gives items a second life. I’m hooked on secondhand shopping.
Then I moved to Germany.
Online marketplaces existed but because my language skills were non-existent, I was terrified to contact sellers.
How do I ask if an item is available?
What does “VB” mean?
I couldn’t find any secondhand stores like at home. Bric-a-brac charity shops where you could furnish your entire house for next to nothing.
After four years in Germany, I’ve mastered the art of shopping secondhand both online and in shops.
In this post, I’ll offer you an overview of where to find secondhand goods and share some useful German phrases to help you to shop secondhand in Germany.
Do people shop secondhand in Germany?
Yes, but thrifting isn’t a widespread activity in Germany.
Germany’s commitment to sustainability means that many Germans take great care of their possessions and prefer to rehome them. Typically, your purchase will comes with its original packaging!
You will find plenty of choices online, shops selling used items and flea markets so that you can shop secondhand in Germany.
Online Marketplaces to Shop secondhand in Germany
By far the easiest place to shop secondhand in Germany is online. Yes, you will have to manage negotiations and arrangements in German, but you’ve got this!
Google Translate always helps when you’re stuck.
eBay Kleinanzeigen
Known as Germany’s Craigslist, this site is the best place to start when you want to shop secondhand in Germany.
Head here: https://www.kleinanzeigen.de/
Best for: Household appliances, furniture, bikes, electronics, clothes for the whole family.
Pick-up or postage? Typically pick-up but for some items postage is available.
Payment: Cash on pickup, via PayPal or direct bank transfer or through the platform’s payment system.
Pros
- Huge userbase: You’ll almost definitely find what you’re looking for.
- Easy searchability: Filters and categories help speed up your search.
- Public Ratings: allowing you to decide who to trust.
Cons
- Scammers: Be very cautious about messages from unknown people; ignore requests to confirm your details through Telegram or WhatsApp.
- Pickup coordination: Arranging a pickup time can be tricky.
Personal experience: My first successful purchase from eBay Kleinanzeigen was an old postage box now that I now use for shoes. As a result, a small piece of our city’s history has been incorporated into our home’s decor. Using Google Translate allowed me to successfully negotiated the price and collection time with the seller, giving me a huge confidence boost for my next purchases.
Vinted
Another large site with branches around the world.
Head here: https://www.vinted.de/
Best for: Clothes, shoes, bedding.
Pick-up or postage? Postage is preferred by the majority of vendors, with many options for delivery.
Payment: PayPal, direct bank transfer or payment through the platform’s payment system.
Pros:
- Extensive range of clothing: You’ll find everything your family needs.
- Speciality items: Snow gear and maternity wear are readily available.
- Buyer protection as standard: You will be refunded if your items aren’t posted within a week of purchase.
Cons
- Overwhelm: The number of postage and delivery options can be a lot to learn.
Personal experience: Overall, Vinted is my go-to marketplace for used clothes. Every year I add to my Winter wardrobe through Vinted, snapping up bargains on Fjällräven snow jackets, cardigans and bags.
Facebook Marketplace
Best for: A little bit of everything.
Pick-up or postage? Negotiated with the seller.
Payment: Negotiated with the seller.
Pros:
- Accessibility: Everyone already has a Facebook account!
- Connection to locals: You can meet more people from your new home.
Cons:
- Limited range: Very few listings compared to Facebook Marketplace in other places.
Personal experience: Since living in Germany, I have never bought anything from Facebook Marketplace. Here in Dresden, the people I know barely use this marketplace.
Where to shop secondhand in Germany offline
Flea markets (Flohmarkt)
Known locally as Flohmarkt, these are open-air markets where people sell their old gear.
Often held in parks, schools and churches, here is your chance to get thrifting! Community organisations manage these markets seasonally, allowing you to update your wardrobe as the weather changes.
Pros:
- Direct Interactions: You can see, touch and sometimes even try on the used items for sale before committing to buying them.
- Local connection: Get to know some locals while you’re there.
- Simplicity: No postage or payment methods to negotiate.
Cons:
- Not well advertised: These markets are rarely well publicized.
- Cash Only: Generally, only cash is accepted.
Personal Experience: So far, I have always left these markets with full hands! They’re by far my favourite way to shop secondhand in Germany.
Secondhand and Thrift Shops
These look just like regular retail stores from the outside (unlike back in Australia where thrift stores tend to look overcrowded and a bit disorganised!).
Pros:
- Specialisation: Every shop tends to have a speciality, so you know what you can expect.
Cons:
- Opening hours: Often these stores have fewer opening hours than usual retail outlets.
Personal Experience: Over the last years these stores have provided me with furniture and goods for my kids.
Clothing Swaps
Organised locally, these are a great way to restock your wardrobe without breaking your bank account or ruining the environment.
Pros:
- Making connections: Meet people from your local area.
- Upgrade and destash: As it’s a swap, you won’t find yourself with too many clothes after your day of shopping secondhand.
Cons:
- Often there’s a small fee to be involved (normally between 5 – 10€).
If you’re keen to get involved, try searching Kleidung austausch and your city to find local events.
Personal Experience: To date, I’ve only attended a clothes-swapping even for children (Kinder Austausch) and loved it! Not only did we find everything our little ones needed but we had the chance to chat to locals and learn more about the community organisations behind these events.
Essential German Phrases to shop secondhand
To help you shop secondhand in Germany, here are a few helpful words and phrases in German.
Whether you’re looking for a new wardrobe piece or a unique item to complete your home, Germany offers plenty of opportunities for shopping secondhand goods online and offline. Remember to use the handy German phrases provided to ease your shopping experience.
Have you discovered any hidden gems or have additional tips? Let me know in the comments below!
