When we lived in the U.S., Craigslist was our go-to for buying and selling.
But in Germany? It barely gets any traction.
While Craigslist is available in cities like Berlin and Munich, most Germans prefer platforms like Kleinanzeigen, Vinted, Momox and Rebuy.
Each has its own quirks—Kleinanzeigen is very popular, while Vinted and Momox cater to niche needs.
If you’re wondering how to navigate these platforms safely and find the best deals, we’ve got you covered with practical tips and personal insights. Let’s dive in!
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Is Craigslist Available in Germany?
Yes, Craigslist operates in several German cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, and Stuttgart. However, it’s not very popular. Listings are limited, and most people turn to other platforms like Kleinanzeigen for buying and selling.
Best Alternatives to Craigslist in Germany
Kleinanzeigen (Germany’s Largest Classifieds Platform)
Kleinanzeigen is the most popular site in Germany for second-hand goods.
From furniture, apartment listings to electronics and even cars, you’ll find just about everything here. It’s available nationwide and has a huge user base, which makes it easy to both buy and sell quickly.
However, with popularity comes some risks—scams are fairly common.
If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always double-check listings and communicate clearly with the buyer or seller.
Trust your instincts and stay cautious. Find more tips for buying online down below.
Vinted for Second-Hand Clothes
If you’re looking to buy or sell clothes, shoes, or accessories, Vinted is the way to go. It’s widely used across Germany and has built a strong reputation.
We’ve been using Vinted for several years to both buy and sell second-hand clothes and always find good bargains.
The user base is communicative, reliable, and trustworthy, which makes transactions smoother and more secure.
The platform itself is user-friendly, offering built-in buyer protection and streamlined communication. It’s perfect if you want to avoid the risks of dealing with unverified listings on other sites.
Momox for Books, DVDs and CD
If you want to sell books easily, Momox* is the way to go.
Before we moved out of our apartment in Cologne, we used it to clear out a ton of books.
It was simple—we just downloaded the Momox app, scanned the barcodes, and got instant offers. In some cases, the offers weren’t high, but when you have a lot of books to get rid of, it’s a great solution.
With Momox there’s no need to deal with buyer negotiations. Once you accept the offers, you pack the books into a box, print the prepaid shipping label, and send them off. After a quality check at their warehouse, you’ll receive your payment.
It’s an incredibly convenient option for decluttering and earning a bit of cash with minimal effort.
Rebuy for Books and Electronics
However, Momox isn’t your only option. Rebuy offers a similar service but also accepts electronics in addition to books, DVDs, and CDs. We often compare both platforms to see which one offers better prices.
Sometimes Momox has the edge; other times, Rebuy pays more. Once you accept the best offer, the rest of the process is easy—pack your items, print the prepaid label, and ship them off. After the quality check, you’ll receive your money. Both platforms are reliable for hassle-free selling and decluttering.
Tips for Safely Buying and Selling Online in Germany
Buying and selling online in Germany can be rewarding, but it comes with risks.
Here are some tips we’ve learned from experience to help you buy and sell safely.
Be careful with “too good to be true” products
Be cautious with deals that seem unrealistically cheap—especially on Kleinanzeigen. Scammers often target high-demand items, offering them at prices that are too good to pass up.
One key tip is to check when the user registered. If the account is only a few days old, that’s a reason to be extra cautious. Additionally, if a seller refuses to provide more photos or details when asked, it’s a major red flag. We’ve had listings disappear the moment we started asking too many questions, so trust your instincts and verify everything upfront.
Check Seller/Buyer Reviews
On platforms like Vinted, reviews can tell you a lot about a buyer or seller. We’ve had mostly positive experiences, thanks to careful review checks. Avoid users with multiple complaints about no-shows or poor communication. Reliable users often have detailed profiles and consistent positive feedback.
Be Cautious with Payments
Both Kleinanzeigen and Vinted provide built-in payment protection for buyers. These systems hold funds until the transaction is complete, offering peace of mind.
We prefer using these secure payment options, even though the prices are slightly higher due to added fees. It’s worth it to avoid the stress and risk of losing your money. These precautions have helped us navigate online marketplaces safely. A little caution can go a long way in ensuring smooth, secure transactions.
Final Thoughts: Kleinanzeigen is the German Craigslist Alternative
While Craigslist does exist in Germany, it’s not widely used. For most buying and selling needs, Kleinanzeigen is the top alternative, offering a huge variety of products across the country.
However, like any marketplace, it comes with risks—scams and fake offers are common, so you need to stay alert. Platforms like Vinted and Momox provide specialized options for clothes and books, while Rebuy expands this to electronics.
We’ve found that with the right precautions—verifying listings, using built-in payment protection, and meeting in public—you can confidently navigate these platforms.