Can you drink tap water in Germany?

Yes, tap water in Germany is safe, and most people drink it without concern.

Germany’s drinking water is regulated by strict health standards and is tested frequently. The quality is excellent, and it’s safe to drink throughout the country.

Quick Overview

Tap Water Concern:Our Advice
Tap Water Drinkable?✅ Yes, it’s safe to drink
Common Risks:Minimal — high quality standards
Brush Teeth?✅ Yes, no concerns
Wash Fruits/Vegetables?✅ Yes, safe to use tap water
Use Ice in Drinks?✅ Yes, generally safe in restaurants
Safe to Shower?✅ Yes
Filter Bottle Needed?❌ No, not necessary

Based on guidance from the CDC, WHO, and local water authorities in Germany.

Worried About Tap Water? Consider Using a Filter Bottle

Even if you only use it once or twice, a solid filter bottle can more than pay for itself—by saving you from buying bottled water at airports, hotels, or tourist shops. We don’t sell any products, but we’ve researched and reviewed top-performing filter bottles that travelers consistently trust to stay healthy, hydrated, and plastic-free. You can explore our best picks below.

Water Filter Bottle – LifeStraw

Rating

★★★★★
A full view of a translucent gray LifeStraw Go water bottle standing upright on a smooth, light surface. The black lid features an integrated carry handle, making the bottle easy to clip onto a backpack or hold while traveling. Through the clear body, the internal filtration system is visible, including the long white membrane microfilter designed to remove bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and sediment. The LifeStraw logo appears vertically along the front of the bottle in white. The clean, minimal background keeps the focus on the durable, BPA-free bottle—made from 50% recycled plastic—and reinforces its purpose as a reliable, travel-ready filter bottle for safe, great-tasting water during trips, outdoor activities, and everyday use.
A disassembled LifeStraw Go water bottle laid out on a light-colored surface, showing all the key components of the two-stage filtration system. The translucent gray bottle stands in the background with the LifeStraw logo visible. In front of it, the long white membrane microfilter lies horizontally, displaying its vented design used to remove bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and sediment. Next to it are the smaller parts: the activated carbon filter pod that reduces chlorine and odors, the white connector piece that attaches the filters inside the bottle, and the black screw-on lid with its integrated drinking spout. The layout highlights how each part fits together, reinforcing the bottle’s functionality, easy maintenance, and purpose as a durable, BPA-free, travel-ready filtration system made from recycled plastic.
A straight-on view of a translucent gray LifeStraw Go water bottle standing upright on a light surface. The LifeStraw logo appears vertically in white along the front of the bottle. Through the clear plastic you can see the internal two-stage filtration system, including the long cylindrical microfilter that removes bacteria, parasites, and microplastics, as well as the lower section where the activated carbon filter fits to improve taste by reducing chlorine and odors. The black lid with the built-in sip spout sits securely on top. The clean, minimal background draws attention to the durable, BPA-free design made from 50% recycled plastic—highlighting the bottle’s purpose as a reliable, eco-friendly filter bottle for travel, everyday hydration, and safe drinking water on the go.
A close-up photo of a translucent gray LifeStraw Go water bottle showing the “MAX 0.65L” fill line printed in white on the side. Small droplets of water cling to the surface, suggesting the bottle was just rinsed or recently used. Through the clear plastic, the internal filtration system is visible—the upper cartridge that houses the two-stage filter combining a membrane microfilter for bacteria, parasites, microplastics, sediment, and cloudiness, and an activated carbon filter to reduce chlorine, odors, and aftertaste. The top portion of the lid with the built-in drinking spout appears at the edge of the frame. The image highlights the durable, BPA-free construction made from 50% recycled plastic. It supports product information about the LifeStraw Go series, which provides safer, better-tasting water for travel, outdoor use, and everyday hydration, while also contributing one year of clean drinking water to a child in need with every purchase.
Protection: Filters bacteria, parasites, microplastics, and dirt from unsafe water
Travel-Ready: Safe to use in countries with non-drinkable tap water
Better Taste: Carbon filter reduces chlorine, odors, and chemical flavor
Eco-Friendly: Replaces up to 8,000 single-use plastic bottles
Long-Lasting: Membrane filter lasts up to 1,000 gallons
Safe Materials: BPA-free, durable, and leak-proof design
Budget-Friendly: Cuts daily costs on bottled water
Convenient: Great for airports, hikes, hotels, and remote areas
Check Price on Amazon

Health Risks for Travelers

Tap water may be officially safe, but real-world conditions can shift slightly with the seasons or geography. Travelers may encounter small changes in taste, pressure, or clarity — not dangerous, but worth noticing.

Possible mild effects:

  • Heavy rainfall or droughts might temporarily affect water clarity
  • In remote areas, testing frequency may differ from major cities
  • Local restaurants usually serve purified ice and rinsed food, but standards aren’t always uniform
  • Unfamiliar water chemistry might mildly affect digestion
  • Consider easing in by drinking small amounts before going full tap

In safe-water countries, risks are low — but a bit of extra caution can make the transition smoother.

If you experience persistent symptoms while traveling in Germany, consult a local doctor or pharmacist. In many tourist areas, English-speaking care is available.

More About Tap Water in Germany

Germany gets about 70% of its drinking water from groundwater, with the remainder coming from surface water like rivers and lakes. The water supply is strictly regulated and tested regularly to meet the high standards set by the German Drinking Water Ordinance.

In some areas—especially in the south and east—the water tends to be harder due to higher mineral content, which can cause limescale buildup in appliances. While tap water is safe across the country, some locals prefer bottled water—either for the taste or simply because they like sparkling water.

In restaurants, free tap water isn’t always standard. If you want it, be sure to specifically ask for “Leitungswasser” (tap water).

FAQs About Tap Water in Germany

Is it safe to brush your teeth with tap water?

Go ahead—tap water here is safe and clean enough for brushing, drinking, and more.

Can I use tap water to wash my face?

Unless you have specific skin sensitivities, tap water here is perfectly okay for washing.

Is it safe to use ice in drinks?

You won’t need to avoid ice—it’s made with drinkable water that meets safety standards.

Can I shower safely with tap water?

No issues at all—feel free to shower just like you would at home.

Even clean-looking water can be harsh on your skin when you’re abroad. A travel shower filter screws on in seconds and can help. Just check that the showerhead isn’t recessed or built into the wall—you’ll need access to connect it. This one’s a traveler favorite for a reason. Click here to check it out.

Can I wash fruits and vegetables with tap water?

No risk here—washing with local tap water is common and safe.

Is bottled water expensive in Germany?

It’s reasonably priced, but the tap water is great, so you can skip it.

Germany is typically visited with neighboring countries such as Poland, France, or the Czech Republic. Regional water standards may differ slightly.

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