German pharmacists are well-trained, knowledgeable healthcare professionals familiar with most ailments. They offer an array of remedies from herbal potions to over-the-counter drugs, and can even recommend you see your doctor for a specific prescription. Look for a red letter ‘A’ on a white sign and you’ve located or are near an Apotheke (pharmacy). Most over-the-counter medications available in the US, the UK or Australia are sold under similar names in Germany. Don’t confuse a Drogerie with an Apotheke – the former only offers soap, nappies and a few vitamins.

Pharmacies are generally open workdays between 08:00 and 19:00 and on Saturdays until 13:00. In an emergency, a sign in the window of your local pharmacy will let you know the name and the location of an on-call outlet. This privilege, however, costs €5 per visit. The exception is the pharmacy at the main train station – it’s open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.