Pollen season has arrived in Germany.
More and more people are affected by seasonal allergies each year, partly as a result of climate change.
In Germany, the most common causes of allergies are pollens from trees, grasses, and weeds, as well as several indoor allergens like dust.
You can find out what types of pollen are in the air at any given time by using this pollen risk index tool from the German weather service.
And, to make life a little easier, we’ve put together a straightforward guide to the most commonly used allergy medications in Germany, where to buy them, what they cost and what the rules are around insurance.
You’ll also find a few simple German phrases to help you explain your symptoms clearly at the pharmacy counter.
Common allergy medications in Germany
In Germany, the hay fever (Heuschnupfen) season usually runs from around March to September -- depending on pollen type. Most people who suffer from pollen allergies experience a runny or blocked nose, sneezing and itchy eyes.
Some people in Germany start taking antihistamines (Antihistaminika) daily during pollen season rather than when symptoms start in order to limit any discomfort.
For mild to moderate symptoms, the most common over‑the‑counter options include:
Loratadine – an antihistamine tablet sold without prescription and generally available for around €10 for 100 tablets. Internationally, it's known as Claritin and associated with mild side effects.
Cetirizine – another antihistamine which sells for roughly €8 for 100 tablets and also available without prescription. It reportedly causes drowsiness in some people.
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Levocetirizine – a newer, more expensive antihistamine (around €8 for 20 tablets) but typically with fewer side effects.
Key phrase: Ich möchte 100 Tabletten Cetirizine gegen meinen Heuschnupfen kaufen. (I would like to buy 100 tablets of cetirizine for my hay fever.)
In addition, many people in Germany rely on nasal sprays (Nasensprays). There are three basic types which vary quite dramatically in effect and price.
A regular saline nasal spray (Meerwasser‑Nasenspray) generally uses sea salt for moisturising and cleansing. These are gentle and can be used long-term.
A decongestant (abschwellendes) nasal spray generally contains xylometazoline which constricts blood vessels and provides immediate relief from congestion. These should only be used for short periods (up to 7 days) as they can be habit-forming.
And then there are Korticosteroid-Nasensprays (containing budesonide, fluticasone or mometasone) which have anti-inflammatory properties and reduce allergy symptoms such as swelling, itching and sneezing over the long term, with effects becoming noticeable after one to three days.
Key phrase: Ich möchte ein abschwellendes Nasenspray kaufen (I would like to buy a decongestant nasal spray).
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Saline nasal sprays are available in pharmacies and drugstores including DM and Rossmann. Antihistamines and corticosteroid sprays are non-prescription (rezeptfrei) but can only be purchased in pharmacies (Apotheke), or online from certain drugstores.
Bear in mind that German public health insurance doesn’t cover over‑the‑counter allergy medication. Private insurance may reimburse your costs, but generally only if a doctor issues a prescription.
What to say in German at the pharmacy
German pharmacists are trained to advise on self‑medication, but it always helps to be as clear as you can. Here are some phrases to prepare yourself with for a trip to pick up allergy medicine:
Ich habe Heuschnupfen
I have hay fever
Ich habe eine laufende Nase und muss ständig niesen
I have a runny nose and keep sneezing
Meine Augen jucken und tränen
My eyes are itchy and watery
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Die Nase ist verstopft
My nose is blocked
Die Beschwerden sind leicht / mittel / stark
The symptoms are mild / moderate / severe
Ich nehme keine anderen Medikamente
I’m not taking any other medication
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