Many people remember the ubiquitous deficit when things needed not to be bought, but taken out. It was extremely difficult, there was practically no choice, and the quality of what could still be acquired often left much to be desired.
It is not surprising that those who could escape abroad swept away from the shelves and drove home everything they could. Toys, shoes, clothes, products, appliances, sweets from Germany - nothing was left without attention. And although those times are over, some cannot get rid of this habit. However, it also has its advantages. What products from Germany should be brought back home? And what can be purchased at home?
What to buy in Germany?
Traditionally, this country is considered the land of delicious beer, fatty wieners, quality cars. And for the Germans this glory entrenched for a reason. It was here that many large modern companies began their history, and today they still do not give up their positions.
And although the shortage of goods in Russia has long passed, and today in any large city you can buy almost everything the same as in the rest of the world, there are still goods that differ in composition or quality when delivered to different countries. It is traditionally believed that in Europe the choice is more diverse, lower prices, better raw materials. Is it really? Definitely there is no answer.
The fact is that the products of some companies are really ranked by quality. In addition, some firms operating in Europe are reluctant to bring their goods to Russia. Assortment may vary slightly depending on tastes. Lower prices may be due to the lack of the need to take goods somewhere and carry out customs clearance. In addition, tourists can exercise their right to return VAT when leaving the country. So if the purchase seems more profitable, then it is definitely worth it. But what exactly to pay attention to?
Products
From Germany, as already mentioned, you should not take everything in a row, because it is likely that almost all of this can be found in the homeland for about the same money. But you can find a real exclusive.
For example, Berlin is a true paradise for vegetarians and food lovers. Here you can find products that are not even heard of in other countries. Oils, cereals, juices, sauces and even salt - even the most discriminating person in food will find here something suitable for himself. True, it is worth preparing for the fact that the price tag for organic products is higher than for ordinary ones.
If these are not the last days in Germany, it is also worth trying fresh farm vegetables and fruits. They can hardly be safely brought home in a suitcase, but you can feast on the spot. Farmers sell them a little more expensive than supermarkets, but their quality is higher. And what other products and goods from Germany are worth considering?
Sausages and sausages
Perishable meat products are probably not the best option for transportation in a suitcase. However, if you use a thermal package and purchase, for example, smoked sausages and products that have undergone at least minimal heat treatment, it is quite possible to bring them fully intact, especially if the flight is direct.
In general, the richness of the assortment of meat products in Germany is amazing. A variety of sausages, sausages, ham and everything else excites appetite even in a well-fed person. Naturally, Bavaria is primarily famous for this, but a sufficient choice can be found in any federal state and not even in the largest cities.
It’s not enough to buy sausages, it’s also important to cook them properly. Some species, for example, bratwurst, are usually fried, and the so-called Viennese (in fact they are German) sausages prefer not even to boil, but to pour boiling water for several minutes and cover. Connoisseurs are convinced that sausages are not stored for long, for several days they almost completely lose their special taste, so do not make large stocks. And, of course, do not forget about the magnificent variety of mustard, which is simply impossible to get outside of Germany. In combination with sausages, it gives an unforgettable gastronomic pleasure.
Sweets
In almost any large supermarket, you can find many bakery products, such as liquid flavors with the smell of rum or, for example, vanilla, a variety of toppings, melting chocolate, flour mixes and more.
Great is the choice for those who prefer not to cook, but already buy sweets. Good and unusual marmalade should be brought from Germany. For example, there is one that is made from riesling - white grapes. The Nuremberg gingerbreads are famous all over the world , which are perfect not only as a treat, but also as a souvenir, because they are often packed in beautiful boxes.
We must not forget about the pretzels. They should not be taken home: to eat still hot, but amazingly soft or, conversely, a crispy pretzel right next to the bench - an unforgettable experience. There are also many types of them: there are sweet and salty, large, small - in a word, for every taste.
Chocolate and cookies
Germany is not the center of attraction for lovers of cacao bean sweets, it is worth recognizing. She has serious rivals - Belgium and Switzerland, but also has her own trump cards. Rittersport is the first brand that comes to mind. But chocolate from Germany is not limited to it. The oldest producer of sweets in Germany, Stollwerk even operates a museum. It is located in the center of Cologne on the banks of the Rhine and shows in detail all the steps involved in making chocolate.
In addition to their own brands, Germans are very fond of the products of the Swiss company Lindt. Well, those who love something like that can always make a choice among different types of Milka chocolates : with pieces of Oreo, marmalade, cherry jam, popcorn, popped rice, pieces of biscuit, and even crackers. This brand is also present in Russia, but the choice is much less.
By the way, until recently, Oreo cookies were not sold in the Russian Federation. But in the most different variations it was possible and can still be bought in Germany.
Beverages
Not so often water is brought from Germany. Firstly, it is hardly very different from what is available in stores in the homeland. And secondly, heavy bottles may well cause excess baggage at the airport. But lovers of tea and coffee will have a wider choice to their liking. Aromatic and flavoring additives give not only a greater variety, but also sometimes attract unusual combinations. For example, tea with ginger can be found here in almost any supermarket, although in Russia you can only find one in a specialty store.
And, of course, alcoholic drinks from Germany. Far outside of Germany, local beers, wines and, of course, Jägermeister are known. All this, of course, can be purchased at the airport, but there it will cost more. Well, for drinking drinks, you can buy the corresponding glasses, which are offered in abundance in every souvenir shop. Well, as an appetizer, the already mentioned products from Germany - sausages and sausages are perfect.
Cosmetics & Perfumes
German women, in the opinion of the average Russian girl, practically do not use makeup. Instead, they prefer to take care of the skin so that it looks attractive without any tricks. At the same time, the Germans do not like to spend a lot on cosmetics, nevertheless preferring the most natural composition. And, since demand creates supply, tourists can also take advantage of this and replenish their supplies with relatively inexpensive, but high-quality cosmetics.
The most famous German brands are Weleda and Dr. Hauschka, for babies there is also the famous Bübchen product. For those who are obsessed with foot care, any pharmacy has a large Gewohl stand. With the highest quality they can be bought 1.5-2 times cheaper than in Russia.
And ordinary shops like Douglas delight hunters for beauty novelties that have not yet gone on sale at home. In general, the prices of cosmetics for care (and decorative) are about the same as in Russia, although taking into account tax refund the purchase is profitable.
Clothes and shoes
Now, popular products from Germany usually do not include clothes, because the same brands of both the democratic and the luxury segment are represented in almost any major city. But in fact, it can be purchased much more profitably abroad, especially if you do it during the discount season, go to outlets, and do not forget to file a tax refund application upon departure.
But as for children's shoes and clothes, its quality is beyond praise, regardless of brand. Each large store must have a large department, and in multi-level stores there is even a floor where goods for babies are sold. And adolescents are not ignored.
What else?
In Europe in general and in Germany in particular, a phenomenon that is not too popular in Russia - the so-called flea markets - is widespread. And, contrary to stereotypes, they sell not only all trash, but also quite valuable gizmos. For a young girl, you can buy an antique porcelain doll as a gift , a music lover will enjoy rare records, and a fashionista will enjoy vintage jewelry.
Germany is magnificent in its diversity both as a center of attraction for tourists and for living. Well, products from Germany are not such an impermissible luxury for many Muscovites. So those who want variety and are willing to pay for it will always find a way to get what they want.