If you’ve ever found yourself standing in front of a locked supermarket in Germany on a Sunday with an empty fridge and a puzzled look, congratulations - you’ve met Ruhetag, the beloved (and sometimes baffling) German day of rest.
For expats, it can feel like stepping back in time. But once you understand the cultural logic behind it, you might just come to appreciate the rhythm of a slower Sunday.
Ruhetag literally means “rest day,” and in Germany, Sunday is sacred. By law, nearly all shops are closed - including grocery stores, pharmacies, and clothing stores. The only exceptions? Some gas stations, bakeries (for a few hours in the morning), and train station shops.
The goal? To ensure that everyone, including workers, gets one guaranteed day off to rest, reset, and spend time with family or in nature.
Yes. Really. No groceries, no IKEA runs, no popping into the drugstore for shampoo. This surprises many expats from countries where 24/7 convenience is the norm.
But for Germans, it’s not an inconvenience - it’s a boundary. Sunday is about slowing down and being intentionally unproductive.
Ruhetag is more than a legal rule - it’s a deeply ingrained cultural value. Sunday quietness is even protected by noise regulations:
It’s a day to embrace calm. Whether you’re religious or not, the vibe is almost spiritual: take a walk, visit family, go to the park, sleep in, or read a book.
If you’re not used to the stillness - or the lack of options - here are a few tips to help you adjust:
Buy groceries and essentials by Saturday evening. Don’t count on grabbing something last-minute.
Some bakeries open Sunday mornings for fresh rolls (Brötchen). Be quick - they sell out fast!
Join the local tradition of a leisurely Spaziergang (walk). Parks and forests are full of people on Sundays.
Read, nap, call your family. Ruhetag is the perfect excuse to pause.
Instead of seeing Sunday as a “wasted” day, flip it: it’s the day you’re supposed to rest.
Many expats initially struggle with Ruhetag. It feels inconvenient, slow, and at times frustrating. But over time, many grow to love the enforced pause - a built-in boundary between hustle and rest. In a world that rarely stops, Germany gives you one day a week where stopping is not only allowed - it’s expected.
Ruhetag might feel like a shutdown at first, but it’s really an invitation - to rest, reconnect, and be present. Once you embrace it, Sundays in Germany become less about what you can’t do, and more about what you finally have time for.
From breaking news to thought-provoking opinion pieces, our newsletter keeps you informed & engaged.
