Money in Germany: the Euro

Germany: Money: All about the Euro (€)

Euro banknotes As of January 1, 2002, the euro (€) replaced the national currency of 12 countries within the European Union, including Germany. You can exchange currency at any bank branch (hours are listed below). Automatic cash machines can be found in most commercial centres.

German Euro Banknotes

The seven Euro banknotes carry the theme of the "Ages and Styles of Europe". Each of the notes has gateways and windows on its front and bridges on the back designed in a specific architectural style. Gateways and windows are intended to symbolize the European spirit of openness and co-operation, whereas bridges symbolize the close co-operation and communication between Europe and the rest of the world.

The 5 euro note represents the classical architectural style, the 10 euro note has a romanesque design, the 20 euro note has a gothic motif, the 50 euro note represents the renaissance period, the 100 euro note depicts the baroque and rococo periods, the 200 euro note displays iron and glass architecture and the 500 euro note depicts modern 20th Century architecture.

German euro banknotes
	5 Euro (€5)
	10 Euro (€10)
	20 Euro (€20)
	50 Euro (€50)
	100 Euro (€100)
	200 Euro (€200)
	500 Euro (€500)

German Euro Coins

The front of each coin features one of three designs common to all twelve euro area countries showing different maps of Europe surrounded by the twelve stars of the European Union. The reverse side of each coin shows individual designs relating to the respective member state. (Euro coins can be used anywhere in the euro area, regardless of their national origin.)

The German one and two euro coins have the eagle, the traditional symbol of German sovereignty on the back. The 10, 20 and 50 cent coins have the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, a symbol of the division of Germany and its subsequent unification. The 1, 2 and 5 cent coins have an oak twig on the reverse – a symbol of continuity, as this motif was also to be found on the German pfennig coins which no longer exist.

German euro coins
	1 Cent
	2 Cent
	5 Cent
	10 Cent
	20 Cent
	50 Cent
	1 Euro (€1)
	2 Euro (€2)

Bank Opening Hours:

Banks in Germany generally open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am until 12:30 pm, and from 1:30 pm until 3:30 pm or 4:00 pm.

On Thursday afternoons they open from 1:30 pm – 5:00 pm or 6:00 pm.

Banks often close earlier the day before a public holiday.

Currency exchange

Currency exchange can be carried out at all bank branches and ATMs and bureaux de change are widely available. Bureaux de change at airports and main railway stations are open daily from 6am to 10pm.

Check out the current Euro exchange rate with your currency here (close the new window to return):
TRAVELSIGNPOSTS CURRENCY CONVERTER