Covid-19 tests
All the latest news and practical advice about Covid-19 testing in Germany.
German doctors say Covid testing is too 'expensive and bureaucratic'
Doctors in Germany have slammed the new Covid testing regime, which involves partly charging for rapid tests.
Germany starts charging for Covid-19 antigen tests
Most people in Germany will have to pay for a Covid antigen test from Thursday as part of a new testing strategy from the government, which is also aimed at combatting fraudulent activity.
Germany to charge €3 for rapid Covid tests
Germany is set to end free rapid Covid tests for all from July. In future they will cost €3.
German Health Minister wants to scrap free rapid Covid tests for all
German Health Minister Karl Lauterbach wants to restrict access to free rapid Covid tests - known as Bürgertests - from July.
Will Germany keep free Covid tests after June?
Free Covid rapid tests are set to end in July, but with infections on the up, Health Minister Karl Lauterbach (SPD) has hinted that a rethink is on the cards. Here's what you need to know.
How long will Germany offer free rapid Covid-19 tests?
Germany has been offering Covid-19 antigen tests free of charge to everyone - except for a few weeks in October 2021 - for a year. But with restrictions lifting, how long will the system stay in place?
Antigen tests often fail to pick up Omicron, Munich researchers find
Researchers at Munich's Ludwig Maximilian University have found that antigen tests are often highly unreliable when it comes to detecting an infection with the Omicron variant.
What to know about Germany's planned PCR test restrictions
According to a recent decision by the German federal and state governments, PCR tests will soon be restricted to high-risk groups and people who work with vulnerable people. But how does this affect things like quarantine rules and measuring infection rates? Here's what we know so far.
EXPLAINED: Germany's latest Covid travel rules for children
Under changes to Germany's Covid entry regulations penned before Christmas, children over the age of six must now carry proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test in order to enter the country from a 'high risk' area. Here's what you need to know.
How to find rapid Covid tests in Germany ahead of Christmas
Covid self-testing kits have become increasingly scarce in Germany in recent months, reflecting the high demand caused by new 3G rules and socialising. But experts say anyone who wants a test can get one - provided they put in a bit of extra effort. Here's how.
Germany set to bring back free Covid tests
Germany is planning to bring back the offer of a free rapid Covid test per week to residents as concerns grow over the rising number of infections.
Will Germany bring back free rapid tests amid Covid surge?
Germany ended free Covid testing in October to encourage more people to get vaccinated. But as infections rise, many people now say the system should be brought back.
UPDATE: What you need to know about Covid testing when visiting Germany
We looked at what tourists in Germany should know when it comes to Covid testing, and Germany's health pass regulations.
Germany ends free rapid Covid-19 tests for all
People in Germany can no longer take Covid antigen tests free of charge under new rules aimed at encouraging more vaccinations.
Who can still get free Covid tests in Germany?
Germany is bringing in sweeping changes to its Covid testing strategy from Monday October 11th. Here's what you should know.
EXPLAINED: Who will still get free Covid tests in Germany from October?
From next month, Germany is getting rid of its taxpayer-funded free rapid tests. Who will still get them for free? And how much will they cost to others?
Should German public continue to pay for Covid-19 tests?
In a bid to stem the rise in Covid-19 infection rates, politicians are ramping up the pressure on those who have not yet been vaccinated. Two of the candidates to become the next chancellor of Germany -- Armin Laschet and Olaf Scholz -- want to see an end to free Covid tests for everybody from this autumn.
Leading doctor calls for compulsory tests for everyone returning to Germany, including vaccinated
Everyone should have to be tested for Covid when they return to Germany from abroad, even those who have been fully vaccinated or have recovered from Covid, the head of the World Medical Association said on Saturday.
How can tourists and visitors in Germany get a Covid-19 test?
You'll probably need a negative Covid test if you're travelling into Germany, but what if you also need to get one while you're there? We take a look at how to go about it.
COMPARE: What are the Covid test requirements around Europe for child travellers
Travel is opening up around Europe, but most countries still have testing requirements in place for adults. When it comes to under 18s, however, the rules vary widely on who is exempt and who needs a test.
Germany plans stricter rules in fight against Covid-19 test centre fraud
Germany wants to tighten regulations around coronavirus testing centres after a media investigation claimed some are bumping up their numbers to claim more money from the government.
Germany's free Covid-19 testing system 'opens up potential for fraud'
The rapid testing system across the country may be leading to widespread fraud, a German media investigation found.
EXPLAINED: What you need to know about rapid Covid testing around Germany
As Germany begins to reopen public life, you might fin it hard to wrap your head around exactly when and where you need to get a Covid-19 test. We break down the rules for the country's five most populous states.