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Germany: Local drinks and tea

In Germany, everyday drinks are tap water (Leitungswasser), mineral water, coffee, herbal teas and Apfelschorle.

Last updated: ~1 min read
On a dark navy background, a teapot on a windowsill.
Figure 1.Herbal tea — Germany: Local drinks and tea

01Short answer

German tap water is strictly controlled under the Drinking Water Ordinance and is usually safe to drink; during neutropenia or after a transplant, follow your own team’s rule. Tea freshly made with boiling water is a good choice; herbal teas (such as Kamillentee) can interact with some medicines. Juice and milk should be pasteurised; do not drink raw farm milk (Rohmilch). Ask your team about beer and wine.

02Simple explanation

Tap water: usually safe.

Tea: freshly made.

Milk/juice: pasteurised only.

03Scientific explanation

Water: the Umweltbundesamt gives information on drinking-water quality.

Milk: the BfR warns vulnerable groups about raw milk.

04What happens in the body?

Tea

Brew with boiling water and do not keep it long.

Water

Run off water that has stood and use a clean glass.

On a dark navy background, water into a glass.
Figure 2.Tap water — Germany: Local drinks and tea

Juice

Choose sealed pasteurised juice and drink it soon after opening.

On a dark navy background, a sealed bottle and glass.
Figure 3.Apfelschorle — Germany: Local drinks and tea

05The drinks rule

Four steps.

Water — Enough of it.1WaterEnough of it.
Tea — Fresh and hot.2TeaFresh and hot.
Juice — Pasteurised.3JuicePasteurised.
Alcohol — Ask.4AlcoholAsk.
FluidsNo dehydration.
SafetyLower risk.

06Key points at a glance

TopicIn brief
TeaBrew with boiling water and do not keep it long.
WaterRun off water that has stood and use a clean glass.
JuiceChoose sealed pasteurised juice and drink it soon after opening.

07Key terms

Leitungswasser
Tap water.
Apfelschorle
Apple juice with sparkling water.
Kamillentee
Chamomile tea.
Rohmilch
Raw milk.

08Key points

  • Drink water through the day.
  • Make tea fresh.
  • No raw milk.
  • Finish opened packs quickly.
  • Ask about herbal tea.

09Frequently asked questions

Is tap water safe?

Usually yes; during neutropenia follow your team’s rule.

Water in an old building?

Ask the landlord or local water supplier about old pipes.

Is coffee allowed?

Usually yes; discuss amounts with your team with your stomach and sleep in mind.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Is tap water safe?

  2. Water in an old building?

  3. Is coffee allowed?

My questions

12Sources

  1. World Health Organization (WHO). Five keys to safer food
  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Food Safety for Older Adults and People with Cancer, Diabetes, HIV/AIDS, Organ Transplants, and Autoimmune Diseases
  3. World Health Organization (WHO). Drinking-water — fact sheet
  4. Umweltbundesamt (German Environment Agency). Drinking water
  5. Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung (BfR). Official website
  6. GOV.UK (FCDO). Netherlands travel advice: getting help
  7. International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO). Global Cancer Observatory: United Kingdom fact sheet
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Infection and Neutropenia during Cancer Treatment
  9. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Leukemia — Patient Version
  10. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Leukemia
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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