Quick answer: almost everywhere — but online wins on value
Condoms are sold freely in Germany without age restrictions. You can find them in drugstores like dm, Rossmann or Müller, in supermarkets, pharmacies, petrol stations and online. The online option has three clear advantages: total discretion through plain packaging, a huge selection of specialty sizes (e.g. My.Size with millimetre steps) and a much lower per-unit price for bulk packs. Whatever the source, always check for the CE mark with a four-digit notified-body number and for an undamaged pack.
Brick-and-mortar: supermarket, drugstore and pharmacy
For spontaneous needs the classic places are the first choice. But they differ significantly in price, discretion and choice: Drugstores (dm, Rossmann, Müller): best price-performance ratio in physical retail, solid selection of standard brands (Durex, Billy Boy, Ritex) and increasingly sustainable alternatives like einhorn. Discretion at the till is limited — though items are usually openly on the shelf. Supermarkets: basic selection at the checkout or in the personal-care aisle. Standard sizes from 2–3 brands, mid-range pricing. Very little for specialty sizes. Pharmacies: top quality with a focus on allergy-suitable (latex-free) condoms and specialty sizes. Advice is available. Downside: by far the most expensive channel, often twice the drugstore price. Petrol stations: night-time saviour but drastically expensive — unit prices of €1–2 are common. Only sensible as an emergency option.
Buying online: discreet, cheap, huge selection
For many people the trip to the till with a condom pack still feels uncomfortable. Online solves that completely — with three hard benefits: Full discretion: reputable online shops ship in plain cartons. Postman, neighbours and pick-up staff don't see what's inside. Even bank statements usually show an unobtrusive company name. Specialty sizes available immediately: people with smaller or larger circumference rarely find the right nominal width at the supermarket. Online, brands like My.Size (45–72 mm), Pasante (47–69 mm) or Mister Size (47–69 mm) are available to the millimetre. Bulk-pack price advantage: 40-, 60- or 100-packs lower the unit price to as little as 30 cents — versus €1.50 per condom in a 3-pack at retail. Heavy users save noticeably over a year.
All sources at a glance
The five main sources rated on three criteria: Online shops and mail order: • Discretion: very high (plain packaging) • Selection: very wide, all specialty sizes and brands • Price: very cheap, especially in bulk Drugstores (dm, Rossmann, Müller): • Discretion: low (purchase at the till) • Selection: good, many standard brands • Price: low to mid Supermarkets: • Discretion: low • Selection: adequate, basics only • Price: mid Pharmacies: • Discretion: medium (purchase at the counter, with advice) • Selection: good, focus on medical and allergy needs • Price: high Petrol stations: • Discretion: low • Selection: limited to standard sizes • Price: very high (emergency premium)
What to always check when buying
Three points are non-negotiable wherever you buy: 1. CE mark with notified-body number: never buy condoms without a CE mark and the four-digit notified-body number. This is especially true on cheap overseas marketplaces like Wish, Temu, AliExpress or third-party Amazon sellers. Those products often skip European testing, are sometimes counterfeit and can tear quickly during sex. 2. Undamaged packaging: at the shop, check that the outer box isn't crushed or torn. You can lightly test the foil between fingers — the typical air cushion must be palpable. 3. Expiry date: condoms have an expiry date. Make sure the pack still has at least one to two years left. Brittle latex is a serious safety risk. Same applies online — reputable shops only ship with long remaining shelf life.
Bottom line: online for stock, drugstore for impulse, pharmacy for advice
The smart strategy combines channels. For your regular stock, buy online in a bulk pack — discreet, cheap, exact size. For an unexpected need, the drugstore is the best fallback: decent selection at fair prices. If you have a latex allergy or want advice, head to a pharmacy — higher prices but expertise and specialty products. Petrol stations remain the night-time emergency. Wherever you buy: check the CE mark, the packaging and the expiry date so the condom holds when it matters.