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Product Substitutes

Most products we know in South Africa are available in Germany, but unfortunately not all of them. 
Here is a list of product substitutes  for some of them.  
I you would like more information about where to buy South African products in Germany, see our Products we love page.

Food related products

Meat

German meat cuts are different from those in South Africa. South Africa tends to follow the British way of cutting meat.Below is a explanation of the German Beef Cuts German beef cuts Rinderhals, Kamm or Nacken (Chuck steak) Querrippe (Short ribs) Rinderbrust (Brisket) Hochrippe or Fehlrippe (Standing rib roast) Vorderrippe or hohes Roastbeef Rostbraten or flaches Roastbeef5. & 6. together are the Roastbeef or Zwischenrippenstück Filet (Fillet) Spannrippe or Knochendünnung Dünnung or Bauchlappen (flank steak) Falsches Filet, Schulter, Bug or Schaufel (shoulder) Oberschale, Unterschale and Nuss Flanke, Schliem or Rindfleisch Hüfte mit Hüftsteak and Schwanzstück or Tafelspitz (Top sirloin)) Hesse or Wade (Beef shank) Fricandeau Schwanz or Ochsenschwanz (Oxtail) Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cut_of_beef German Beef cuts downloadable file Pork To be updated soon Where to buy meat Most people buy lamb at their local Turkish butcher, or at Italian Food stores that have a butchery.You can try Selgros or Metro (need a customer card) or support your local butchery for lamb and other meat cuts.Shops like Rewe and Edeka have their own butchery section, and if you want a specific cut you can pre-order it from them. You can also buy meat online. I found the following online shops, but have not personally used them so I can only add them as suggestions. Most of these also sell Venison Ihr Online Metzger Tellermitte Don Carne Gourmet Fleisch Otto Gourmet MeinMetzger Mein Bauernhof – direct from farmers in your region. Beef, Lamb, Veal, Chicken and Fish. Also milk, eggs and vegetables  Waldgourmet (Venison) Grüne Bauern – Bio Meat delivered to your home. They also sell Lamb Waldfleisch – App to buy Regional Venison Boerewors and Biltong Vocabulary Here is a list of translations and some additional information about meat in Germany.  Related content

Substitutes – Drinks

Looking for Milo, Horlicks, Frisco, Ricoffy or Lime Cordial?  We compiled a searchable list of substitutes for some of the popular hot and cold drinks loved by South Africans Related content Where to buy South African products

Substitutes – Other Products

Here is a list of substitutes and translations for general food and kitchen items like cling film, maize meal, custard and biscuits    Related content Where to buy South African products

Frozen products

Here is a list of suggestions for ready-made pasty (dough) products and some translations. Related content Inspiration

Baking ingredients

Baking ingredients For all of the passionate bakers out there! We have thoughtfully compiled a comprehensive list of alternative ingredient options that can be used for baking in Germany, along with their corresponding German translations.      More information about Flour types Ash Protein US UK German ~0.4% ~9% pastry flour soft flour 405 ~0.55% ~11% all-purpose flour plain flour 550 ~0.8% ~14% high gluten flour strong or hard 812 ~1.1% ~15% first clear flour very strong or hard 1050 >1.5% ~13% white whole wheat wholemeal 1600 More information about Baking powder Single-acting baking powder reacts when it’s mixed with the liquid ingredient in a recipe. Because all the bubbles are produced immediately, it’s important to bake the recipe in a preheated oven as soon as it’s mixed. Similarly, over-mixing can drive off the bubbles, making the recipe fall flat. Contains only one acid Double-acting baking powder releases some carbon dioxide immediately and more upon heating. It’s double-acting in that it contains a fast-acting acid that reacts at room temperature and a slow-acting acid that reacts with heat. Most of the carbon dioxide gas is produced during cooking, so double-acting baking powder is more forgiving if a recipe isn’t baked immediately. Contains both fast- and slow-acting acids Substituting: Usually, you can substitute one type of baking powder for the other. So, if a recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of double-acting baking powder, you can use 1 teaspoon of single-acting baking powder (and vice versa).Exception!!If a recipe calls for double-acting baking powder because there is a time delay between mixing and baking, it’s not a good idea to use single-acting baking powder. Pancakes for example I found this info on the internet:To substitute 1 Tsp of Double Acting Baking Soda, use:1/4 teaspoon baking soda plus 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar plus 1/4 teaspoon cornstarchOR 1 1/2 teaspoons single-action baking powderOR 1/4 teaspoon baking soda plus 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk, sour milk or yoghurt to replace 1/2 cup (120 ml) non-acidic liquid German Name English Name What It Is Use in Baking Can It Be Substituted? Natron Bicarbonate of Soda / Baking Soda A pure alkaline (sodium bicarbonate) that requires acid to activate. Used to help baked goods rise when combined with an acidic ingredient (e.g., yogurt, lemon juice, vinegar, buttermilk). Also helps with browning. Not directly interchangeable with Backpulver. If a recipe calls for Natron and you only have Backpulver, adjust acid and quantity carefully. Rule of thumb: 1 tsp Natron = 3 tsp Backpulver (omit acid). Backpulver Baking Powder A complete leavening agent containing both an acid (like cream of tartar) and a base (bicarbonate of soda), plus a drying agent like starch. Used to make cakes and baked goods rise without needing extra acid in the recipe. Convenient all-in-one option. Can be homemade: 1 part Natron + 2 parts cream of tartar = baking powder. Example: 1 tsp Backpulver = 1/3 tsp Natron + 2/3 tsp cream of tartar. Reinweinstein / Weinsteinpulver Cream of Tartar An acidic byproduct of winemaking (potassium bitartrate). A white, powdery acid. Stabilises whipped egg whites, prevents sugar crystallisation in syrups and meringues, and can be used to make homemade baking powder. For egg whites, can substitute lemon juice or vinegar. For baking powder, combines with Natron to create leavening power. Related Content Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email

Types of Sugars

Here is a list of suggestions for types of sugars, as well as some translations. Related content

Dairy substitutes

Here is a list of suggestions for dairy products, as well as some translations. You can also read more on Rewe’s site Related content

Spices and Herbs

Here is a list of the most common spices and herbs with their Afrikaans, English and German names Spices Afrikaans English German Borrie Turmeric die Kurkuma Komyn Cumin der Kreuzkümmel Peper Pepper der Pfeffer Neutmuskaat Nutmeg die Muskatnuss Naeltjies Clove die Nelke Wonderpeper Allspice der Piment Herbs Afrikaans English German Pietersielie Parsley die Petersilie Dille Dill der Dill Roosmaryn Rosemary der Rosmarin Lourierblare Bay Leaf der Lorbeer / das Lorbeerlatt Salie Sage der Salbei Tiemie Thyme der Thymian Other Afrikaans English German Aromat Aromat Knorr Aromat is available in major grocery shops. It also comes in packets Colemans Mostert Poeier Colemans Mustard Powder Available in major grocery shops Bief/Hoender aftreksel Beef/Chicken Stock There is a variety of options availableYou can get it in the following:– Blocks called Brühwürfel– Liquid called Fond or Bouillion– Set liquid called Bouillon pastös– Powdered also called Bouillionsee more here Related content

General household items

South African ProductSubstitute suggestionAdditional Info
JIKTry DanklorixActive ingredient for JIK is: Sodium Hypochlorite 3.5% m/v when packed. Other Ingredients: Water, Fragrance.
Aqueous CreamCeraVe Feuchtigkeitscreme
Eucerin Original Healing Cream
You can buy online
Sugar SoapAnlauger & Entfetter
Handy Andy cleaning creamScheuermilch – available in most shops. a popular brand is VissHANDY ANDY CONTAINS AMONGST OTHER INGREDIENTS Less than 5% Non ionic surfactants 5%- 8% Anionic surfactants 7%- 15% Abrasive agent
Dettol or SavlonThe Sagrotan brand is a very good substitute and available in most shopsThere is unfortunately no subsittute for the Dettol in a bottel, you can only get sprays. Some suggests Betaisodona Lösung. You can also look in Asian/ African Shops
Sunlight soap bar1. Kernseife
Widely available in German supermarkets (e.g., DM, Rossmann, or Müller).
A traditional, multi-purpose soap made from natural fats or oils.
Common brands include Haka and Sonett.
2. Dr. Bronner’s Castile Bar Soap
A versatile and eco-friendly soap available in organic stores or online.
While it’s not specifically green, it shares the natural cleaning properties of Sunlight Soap.
3. Frosch Soap Bar
Part of the eco-friendly Frosch cleaning product line.
Often marketed for household cleaning and skin-friendly use.
4. Gallseife (Gall Soap)
Similar in cleaning power to Sunlight Soap but specifically designed for stain removal in laundry.
Contains natural bile extract, which helps break down grease and stubborn stains.
If you’re seeking something with the same versatility and green color, Kernseife is your closest match in Germany, though you might not find an exact duplicate of Sunlight Soap.

Where to Buy:
Drugstores: DM, Rossmann, Müller.
Supermarkets: Edeka, Rewe, or Kaufland.
Eco Shops: Alnatura, Bio Company, or online platforms like Amazon or Greenweez.
Sunlight Dishwashing Liquid Fairy and Pril works pretty goodIngredients: Anionic detergents, solubilisers, colourants and perfume.
Mr Min Mulit surface cleanerPronto Möbel-Spray or Poliboy Both Pronto and Poliboy makes a range of furniture sprays and cleaners. Make sure you get the correct product for example multi purpose or only for wood

Stationery Items

South African ProductSubstitute Suggestion or TranslationAdditional Information
Sellotape or Adhesive TapeKlebeband is the collective name for all kinds of Tape, and you can specify the width for most. Klebeband Transparent is what we know as Sellotape. Tesa is a well know brand and people will sometimes refer to it as Tesafilm
Duct TapeUniversalklebeband, Panzerband oder Industrieklebeband
Packing Tape – the brown tape you use to seal boxes or packagesDas Paketklebeband
Prestik or Adhesive PuttyDie Klebemasse or die Klebeknete

Medicinal Products

Health product substitutes

We are not medical professionals and cannot give any medical advice.   We do however have contact with a qualified Pharmacist who offered to answer questions you might have about substitutes for South African health products. We cannot give any information about prescription medication. We have listed some suggestions for over the counter items.

Bed linen

Most Germans sleep under their own single duvet, even on a “double” bed. The usual arrangement is a bed with two mattresses and each person sleeping under their own duvet.
To buy queen or king-size linen and duvets, look online.
If you brought your own pillows from SA, look on online shops in the UK like Amazon.co.uk. They deliver in Germany.
Some shops in Germany like Wayfair, Ikea and Home24 will have the correct sizes but you will have a limited selection.

See Beds, Mattresses and Duvets below for standard pillow sizes and other information

Beds, Mattresses and Duvets

The sleeping arrangements in Germany is a bit different from what we are used to in South Africa. The average German couple sleeps on a bed base with two single mattresses and each with their own duvet.Some would argue for this but I would at least want to share a duvet with my partner.I vacuum packed all my queen size duvets and brought them with me to Germany together with

Related content

Shopping

Shopping Shopping in Germany – A Whole New Trolley RideNew country, new customs, and even your weekly grocery run feels like an Olympic event? You’re not alone. Shopping in Germany can seem intimidating at first, but once you learn the rhythm, it becomes part of the dance of everyday life here. From super-speedy tills to surprisingly helpful shoe store staff, shopping here may not be what you’re used to – but it brings its own charm and flow. Clothes Specialty and clothing shops in Germany often offer a surprising amount of personal service. A shop assistant might approach you with a polite “Kann ich Ihnen helfen?” (“Can I help you?”) – and if you say yes, they’ll genuinely make the effort. Whether it’s helping you pick out the perfect outfit for a wedding or advising on which jacket fits your style, this tailored approach is something to appreciate. In some clothing stores, they’ll even suggest entire outfits or wardrobe combinations. It can feel like having a personal stylist, especially in mid- to higher-end boutiques. In shoe stores, expect a bit of a ritual at checkout. After trying on your shoes and deciding on a pair, the salesperson might ask, “Möchten Sie den Karton behalten?” (“Would you like to keep the box?”). They’ll also check if you’ve brought a bag – “Haben Sie eine Tüte dabei?” If you did, just say “Ja, ich habe eine dabei, danke.”It’s a small exchange, but these little phrases help build your confidence and show you’re picking up the cultural cues. We’ve created a page dedicated to helping you find the best places to shop for clothes. Whether you’re looking for trendy boutiques, affordable department stores, or high-end designer labels, we’ve got you covered.We also have a detailed page specifically dedicated to clothing sizes for women.  Grocery shopping Grocery shopping – the true test of nerves for many expats. In South Africa, the checkout process is often calm and cushioned with the luxury of a packer at the till, sometimes even with a friendly chat. You could pay your electricity bill, top up airtime, and leave with your groceries neatly bagged.In Germany? Strap in. There are no packers. The cashiers scan your items with Formula 1 precision, and you’re expected to keep up. Blink, and your avocados are halfway down the conveyor belt. And don’t even think about asking for a plastic bag – you’ll likely get a raised eyebrow and a pointed glance toward the reusable bags you should have brought.The smart move is to pack straight into your trolley as things are scanned, then take your time bagging at one of the packing counters nearby. It’s less social, more survival – but it becomes second nature over time. Checkout 2.0: Payment & Self-Service Gone are the days when Germany was strictly cash-only. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, many stores now accept debit cards (EC-Karte), and mobile payment options like Apple Pay or Google Pay have become more common, though not universal. Credit cards, however, are still hit-or-miss, especially in smaller shops or bakeries, so always keep some cash handy. Some chains like Rewe and dm now offer self-checkout lanes. They’re fast, convenient, and ideal when you’ve only got a few items. The system relies on weighing the items before and after scanning, so it’s best used when you’re not doing a big shop. House and home One bed, two duvets? Welcome to Germany, where personal space and practicality meet even under the covers. From unfamiliar bed sizes and square pillows to the national tradition of sleeping under your own blanket—even when sharing a bed—German bedding customs can feel a bit foreign at first. But once you adjust, you might just wonder why we ever did it differently. In this section, we unravel the mysteries of mattresses, decode duvet etiquette, and help you navigate the bedding aisles with confidence (and the right measurements in mind). Shops similar to those we know Missing Builders Warehouse, Woolies, or Pick n Pay? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. One of the small victories of settling into life in Germany is cracking the code on where to find the things you used to buy back home. While the names may be different, many German shops offer similar products and experiences—once you know where to look. Whether you’re hunting for hardware, craving quality groceries, or just looking for affordable home goods, this section matches your South African go-tos with their German counterparts, helping you shop smarter and feel a little more at home. Substitutes Whether you’re trying to bake a milk tart and can’t find condensed milk, or just hunting down cling wrap that isn’t industrial strength, shopping in Germany can feel like a scavenger hunt. Many everyday South African products—both in the kitchen and around the house—either go by completely different names, look unfamiliar, or simply don’t exist here. But don’t worry, the pages below are packed with clever swaps and local alternatives to help you recreate your favourite recipes and restock your home without losing your marbles (or your meal plan). 🛒 Helpful German Phrases & Shopping Terms English German No, thank you. I am just looking Nein danke, ich schaue mich nur um. Where are the changing rooms? Wo sind die Umkleidekabinen? Can I try it on? Kann ich es anprobieren? I’ll take it Ich nehme es. How much does it cost? Wieviel kostet es? Do you need a bag? Brauchen Sie eine Tüte? Do you want a receipt? Möchten Sie einen Beleg? I brought my own bag Ich habe eine dabei. Special offer das Sonderangebot Sale der Ausverkauf Shopping basket der Einkaufskorb Shopping trolley der Einkaufswagen To pay bezahlen Bakery die Bäckerei Butcher die Fleischerei / die Metzgerei Sweet shop der Süßwarenladen Chemist / Pharmacy die Apotheke Supermarket der Supermarkt Department store das Kaufhaus Till / Checkout die Kasse The price der Preis Bag die Tasche For more, have a look at this page Shopping Etiquette: Play Fair One thing to avoid at all costs? Using a shop’s

Similar Shops

Back home, you know exactly in what shop to look for specific items, where to find quality products and what shops have cheaper options.We tried to make a comparison of SA and German shops in the list below. You welcome to send us your suggestions via or Contact us page Related content

Products we love

Products we love We all miss familiar products we loved in South Africa. Some of these you can buy here in Germany, and for some, you will have to find a suitable substitute.  Grocery Items The following shops sell South African Food/Grocery items Search our market place You can use the search function on our Listings (Market place) page to search by name, product or location.  Red espresso can be bought at http://de.redespresso.com/ South African wines SA Wines can be bought in most shops like Rewe and Edeka. For bigger selections, buy online. Vicampo  – Search by country. They have an excellent selection at very good prices Jacques’ Weindepot  – Limited selection of SA wines Vin Afrika – Big selection of SA Wines. Reasonable delivery prices in DE Vino24 has a limited range of South African wines Vivino sells Pinotage Südafrika-Weinversand has a great selection The following Wine shops are listed on our website Clothing, Home Decor and Gifts We have a big selection of shops selling SA-branded items. Have a look under the clothing, Home decor and gifts categories on our Listings (Market place) page. The following shops sell SA-branded items via 3rd party shops and are therefore not listed on our website. Affikaap for hoodies, cute bumper stickers with wording like “Wil jy braai?” Kiwistar for bumper stickers British Shops Many British shops sell products that we know and love, and they deliver in Germany. https://www.britishessentials.com https://www.greatbritishfood.de/ Broken English, delivery only in Berlin Beauty products Many of our favourite beauty products are not available in Germany.Online shops like Flaconi, Hagel-shop and Douglas have a great beauty range if you look for alternatives. I have seen Bio-Oil in Rewe.You can find Charlotte Rhys products (based in Cape Town) at Douglas. The following products can be bought online: Johson’s baby products Savlon Dettol – the Dettol brand is sold under the name Sagrotan, although the Dettol Antiseptic Liquid can only be found online Germolene Antiseptic Cream Annique Product Substitutes Related content Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email

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