Studying in Germany as a student comes with its own set of challenges. Fortunately, there are various resources and apps that can help you manage your academic life, finances, and day-to-day tasks effectively. Discover the Resources and apps for Students in Germany that will support your journey and make your experience smoother and more manageable.
Studying in Germany as a student offers numerous opportunities, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. Managing your coursework, adapting to a new culture, and handling daily life requires the right tools and resources. Fortunately, various apps can assist with everything from academic research and financial management to transportation and cultural integration. This guide will introduce you to some of the most valuable resources and apps for students in Germany that can enhance your experience and make your academic journey smoother.
1. Language Learning Apps
While many courses in Germany are offered in English, having a good grasp of German can greatly enrich your experience. These language learning apps will help you build your skills and better integrate into the local community:
Duolingo:
Duolingo offers a fun and engaging way to learn German through interactive lessons. It’s ideal for beginners looking to build a solid language foundation.
Deutsche Welle:
Deutsche Welle provides online German courses tailored to different levels of proficiency, focusing on practical language skills for everyday use.
VHS (Volkshochschule):
Volkshochschule, or VHS, offers affordable in-person German classes across various cities, providing a great opportunity to practice with other learners.
Tandem:
Tandem pairs you with native German speakers for language exchange, allowing you to practice German while helping someone else learn your language.
| App/Service | Description |
| Duolingo | Interactive lessons for building German skills. |
| Deutsche Welle | Online courses for practical language skills. |
| VHS (Volkshochschule) | Affordable in-person German classes in various cities. |
| Tandem | Language exchange with native German speakers. |
2. Academic Resources and Tools
Access to reliable academic resources is essential for succeeding in your academic program. These tools will help you manage your studies and conduct research effectively:
Google Scholar:
Google Scholar is an essential tool for finding academic papers, theses, and books. It’s great for keeping up with the latest research in your field.
Zotero:
Zotero helps you collect, organize, and cite research sources, making it especially useful when writing papers and managing references.
Citavi:
Citavi is another popular reference management tool in Germany, offering project management features that are particularly useful for academic work.
OpenLearnWare:
OpenLearnWare provides free access to lecture content from German universities, offering an additional resource for your studies.
| Resource/Tool | Description |
| Google Scholar | Find academic papers, theses, and books for research. |
| Zotero | Collects, organizes, and cites research sources. |
| Citavi | Reference management with project features for academia. |
| OpenLearnWare | Free lecture content from German universities. |
3. Financial Management Apps
Managing your finances is crucial as a student. These apps can help you keep track of your expenses and make smart financial decisions:
N26:
N26 is a mobile bank that offers a user-friendly experience with no hidden fees, making it a great choice for students.
DKB-Cash:
DKB-Cash provides free banking with extensive ATM access across Germany, making it convenient for managing your money.
Wise (formerly TransferWise):
Wise offers low fees and favorable exchange rates for international money transfers, making it ideal for sending money home.
PayPal:
PayPal is widely accepted in Germany and is useful for online purchases and peer-to-peer payments, making it easy to manage smaller transactions.
| App/Tool | Description |
| N26 | Mobile bank with no hidden fees and user-friendly interface. |
| DKB-Cash | Free banking with extensive ATM access across Germany. |
| Wise | Low fees and favorable exchange rates for international transfers. |
| PayPal | Widely accepted for online purchases and peer-to-peer payments. |
4. Transportation Apps
Getting around Germany is essential for both your studies and daily life. These apps for students in Germany will help you travel efficiently:
DB Navigator:
DB Navigator is Deutsche Bahn’s official app and is indispensable for planning train travel, buying tickets, and checking schedules.
Deutsche Bahn Semester Ticket:
Many universities offer a semester ticket for unlimited travel within the state. Use the DB app to manage your travel with this ticket.
FlixBus:
FlixBus is a cost-effective option for intercity bus travel, perfect for exploring Germany and neighboring countries on a student budget.
BlaBlaCar:
BlaBlaCar is a ride-sharing platform that offers an affordable alternative to trains for longer journeys.
Call a Bike or NextBike:
Bike-sharing services like Call a Bike and NextBike are available in many cities, providing an eco-friendly and convenient mode of transportation.
| App/Tool | Description |
| DB Navigator | Deutsche Bahn’s app for train travel, ticketing, and schedules. |
| Deutsche Bahn Semester Ticket | Manage your university-provided semester ticket for unlimited state travel. |
| FlixBus | Affordable intercity bus travel within Germany and nearby countries. |
| BlaBlaCar | Ride-sharing platform for budget-friendly long-distance travel. |
| Call a Bike / NextBike | Bike-sharing services for eco-friendly city transport. |
5. Accommodation Apps
Finding accommodation can be one of the biggest challenges for international students. These apps can help simplify your search:
WG-Gesucht:
WG-Gesucht is the go-to platform for finding shared apartments or WGs in Germany. You can search for housing based on location, budget, and preferences.
Immobilienscout24:
Immobilienscout24 is one of Germany’s largest real estate portals, offering a wide selection of rental properties. Customize your search and contact landlords directly through the app.
Studentenwerk:
Studentenwerk offers affordable student housing options close to campus, providing a cost-effective solution for students.
Wunderflats:
Wunderflats offers furnished apartments for temporary stays, which can be particularly helpful when you first arrive in Germany.
| App/Tool | Description |
| WG-Gesucht | Find shared apartments or WGs in Germany based on location and budget. |
| Immobilienscout24 | Large real estate portal with various rental properties and landlord contact options. |
| Studentenwerk | Offers affordable student housing near campuses. |
| Wunderflats | Provides furnished apartments for temporary stays, ideal for newcomers. |
6. Food and Dining Apps
Finding affordable and tasty meals is important for students. These apps for students in Germany will help you discover new dining spots and save money on food:
Too Good To Go:
Too Good To Go allows you to buy surplus food from local restaurants at a discount, helping you enjoy affordable meals while reducing food waste.
Yelp:
Yelp offers reviews and ratings for local eateries, making it easier to find new places to eat based on recommendations from other users.
| App/Tool | Description |
| Too Good To Go | Buy surplus food from local restaurants at a discount, reducing food waste. |
| Yelp | Find and review local eateries based on user recommendations. |
7. Job Search Apps
Many students balance their studies with part-time work. These apps will help you find student jobs, internships, and networking opportunities:
Zenjob:
Zenjob specializes in student jobs and mini-jobs, offering flexible work that fits around your study schedule.
Indeed.de:
Indeed.de is a comprehensive job search engine listing many English-speaking positions across Germany, including part-time and full-time roles.
Xing:
Xing is Germany’s professional networking platform, essential for building connections and exploring career opportunities.
Aushangservice:
Aushangservice provides access to university job boards for on-campus positions, which are often more flexible for students.
| App/Tool | Description |
| Zenjob | Offers flexible student and mini-jobs. |
| Indeed.de | Job search engine for part-time and full-time roles. |
| Professional networking platform for career opportunities. | |
| Aushangservice | Access to university job boards for on-campus jobs. |
8. Shopping Apps
For budget-conscious students, these shopping apps offer great deals on groceries, furniture, and second-hand items:
ALDI and Lidl:
ALDI and Lidl are discount supermarkets with affordable groceries, perfect for students looking to stretch their budgets.
dm and Rossmann:
These drugstores offer a wide range of personal care and household items at competitive prices.
IKEA:
IKEA is the go-to place for affordable furniture and home essentials, ideal for furnishing your student accommodation.
eBay Kleinanzeigen:
eBay Kleinanzeigen is great for finding second-hand items like furniture and electronics, helping you save money and find unique deals.
| App/Tool | Description |
| ALDI and Lidl | Discount supermarkets with budget-friendly groceries. |
| dm and Rossmann | Drug stores with affordable personal care and household items. |
| IKEA | Affordable furniture and home essentials. |
| eBay Kleinanzeigen | Find second-hand furniture and electronics at great prices. |
9. Health and Well-being Apps
Taking care of your health is crucial, especially while studying abroad. These apps can help you manage your healthcare needs:
TK (Techniker Krankenkasse):
TK’s app allows you to manage your health insurance, find doctors, and access medical services in English.
DoctoLib:
DoctoLib helps you book medical appointments online and find healthcare providers, making it easier to get the care you need.
Apotheken Umschau:
This app helps you locate the nearest open pharmacy, ensuring you have access to medication and health supplies when needed.
| App/Tool | Description |
| TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) | Manage health insurance, find doctors, and access services in English. |
| DoctoLib | Book medical appointments and find healthcare providers online. |
| Apotheken Umschau | Locate the nearest open pharmacy for medication and health supplies. |
10. Entertainment Apps
Relaxation and entertainment are important parts of student life. These apps provide a variety of content to help you unwind:
Netflix:
Netflix offers a wide range of TV shows, movies, and documentaries in multiple languages, providing entertainment for your downtime.
Spotify:
Spotify gives you access to an extensive library of music and podcasts, catering to diverse tastes and languages.
| App/Tool | Description |
| Netflix | Stream a variety of TV shows, movies, and documentaries. |
| Spotify | Access a vast library of music and podcasts. |
11. Cultural Integration Apps
Adjusting to a new culture is easier with the right tools. These apps help you integrate into German society and make the most of your time abroad:
Meetup.com:
Meetup.com connects you with groups and events based on your interests, making it easier to meet people and build a social network.
InterNations:
InterNations offers a supportive community for expats, with events and resources to help you settle in and connect with other internationals.
| App/Tool | Description |
| Meetup.com | Connects you with local groups and events based on your interests. |
| InterNations | Offers a community for expats with events and resources for settling in. |
Conclusion:
Studying in Germany offers an enriching experience, with access to top-quality education and a vibrant cultural scene. By utilizing these apps for students in Germany, you can better handle the challenges of student life and fully enjoy your time in this beautiful country. Whether you’re looking for housing, managing your finances, or simply trying to find the best place to eat, there’s an app to make your life easier. With the right tools, you’ll be well-prepared to make the most of your academic studies in Germany.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are some essential language learning apps for international students in Germany?
For international students looking to improve their German, Duolingo offers interactive and engaging lessons. Deutsche Welle provides comprehensive online courses tailored to different proficiency levels. VHS (Volkshochschule) offers in-person classes throughout Germany, and Tandem connects you with language exchange partners to practice conversational skills.
2. How can I manage my finances effectively while studying in Germany?
Consider using N26 or DKB-Cash for free online banking services to manage your finances. Wise (formerly TransferWise) offers low fees and favorable rates for international money transfers. PayPal is also useful for online payments and peer-to-peer transfers.
3. Which apps are helpful for finding accommodation in Germany?
WG-Gesucht is ideal for finding shared apartments, while Immobilienscout24 offers a wide range of rental properties. Studentenwerk provides affordable student housing, and Wunderflats offers furnished apartments for temporary stays.
4. Are there any apps for managing academic responsibilities?
Yes, Google Scholar is excellent for finding academic papers and research, while Zotero and Citavi assist with reference management. OpenLearnWare provides access to free online lectures from German universities, and Wissenschaftliches-Arbeiten.org offers guidance on German academic writing standards.
5. Which apps can help with daily shopping needs?
For groceries, ALDI and Lidl are popular discount supermarkets. dm and Rossmann offer personal care and household products, while IKEA is great for affordable furniture. eBay Kleinanzeigen is useful for finding second-hand items.
6. How can I manage my health and find medical services?
TK (Techniker Krankenkasse) offers a user-friendly app for managing health insurance and accessing medical services. DoctoLib helps you book medical appointments online, and Apotheken Umschau lets you find the nearest open pharmacy.