📚 Where to Buy New Books in Germany

1. Thalia

Thalia is one of the biggest bookstore chains in Germany and is a good option if you want to buy new books.

You can find:

• English-language books
• German books
• Academic and university books
• Fiction and non-fiction
• Children’s books
• Stationery and reading accessories

Thalia also has physical stores in many German cities, so you can order online and often choose store pickup instead of paying for delivery.

For English-language readers, it’s worth checking their regular promotions before buying at full price.

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2. Hugendubel

Hugendubel is another major German bookstore chain with a large selection of German and English-language books.

One particularly useful option is the KultClub membership. Members can frequently receive discounts on selected English-language books, sometimes around 12–20%, depending on the promotion.

Other benefits may include:

• Discounts on selected books
• Free or reduced delivery under certain conditions
• Store pickup
• Special member promotions

If you regularly buy new books, membership can be worth considering.

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📖 Where to Buy Second-Hand Books in Germany

If you’re trying to save money, second-hand books are often the better option.

Germany has a strong second-hand book market, and you can find books in excellent condition for a fraction of the original price.

1. Medimops

Medimops is one of the most popular options for buying used books online in Germany.

Its catalogue covers a huge range of titles, including:

• English books
• German books
• Fiction
• Non-fiction
• Academic books
• Textbooks
• Older and out-of-print titles

Prices can be surprisingly low, especially if you don’t mind buying a book that has already been read.

Students should also check whether they can access additional discounts through UNiDAYS or other student-discount platforms.

Tip: Always compare the total price, including shipping, before placing an order.

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2. AbeBooks

If you’re looking for something rare, old, out of print, or difficult to find, AbeBooks can be an excellent resource.

The platform connects buyers with booksellers from different countries, so its catalogue can be much larger than what you may find through a typical German second-hand bookstore.

You can find:

• Rare books
• Out-of-print editions
• Used academic books
• International editions
• Collectible books
• Older English-language titles

The downside is shipping.

Because books may come from different countries, shipping can sometimes cost more than the book itself. So always check the final price before ordering.

For a rare or hard-to-find book, however, AbeBooks can be difficult to beat.

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💡 How to Save Money on Books in Germany

If you’re a regular reader, a few simple habits can significantly reduce your monthly book budget.

Buy Used Whenever Possible

Before buying a new book, search for the same edition second-hand. You may find a copy in almost-new condition at a much lower price.

Compare New vs. Used Prices

Don’t assume that every second-hand book is cheaper. Sometimes new books are discounted heavily, so compare both options.

Check Student Discounts

If you’re a student in Germany, check platforms such as UNiDAYS and student programmes offered by individual bookstores.

Consider E-Books

If you read frequently, an e-reader such as a Kindle can reduce the amount you spend on physical books and also save space.

Watch for Free Shipping

Shipping costs can make an inexpensive second-hand book surprisingly expensive. Look for retailers offering free delivery above a certain order value or consider store pickup.

Search for Used Academic Books

University textbooks can be particularly expensive when purchased new. Search second-hand marketplaces before buying a new edition.

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New vs. Second-Hand Books: Which Should You Choose?

Option	Best For	Main Advantage
New books	Latest releases & gifts	New condition and latest editions
Second-hand books	Regular readers	Much cheaper
E-books	Frequent readers	Convenient and often affordable
Rare/used marketplaces	Hard-to-find titles	Huge international selection

For me, the ideal combination is Kindle + carefully selected paperbacks + second-hand books.

You get the convenience of digital reading without giving up the pleasure of owning physical books.

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Final Thoughts

Germany is actually a great country for book lovers. You don’t necessarily need to spend a fortune to maintain a serious reading habit.

For new books, check major bookstores such as Thalia and Hugendubel and look for memberships and seasonal discounts.

For used books, Medimops is a great place to start, while AbeBooks is particularly useful when you’re hunting for a rare or out-of-print title.

And if you’re a student, don’t forget to check student discount platforms before paying full price.

Happy reading! 📚