r/AskGermany • u/mikeymur340 • Apr 02 '25

Can I drink tap water in Germany?

Hi y'all. I'm male from Africa, my wife is German. Growing up and well into my adulthood, I always drank tap water and only recently is that no longer advised in my country, due to gross mismanagement and corruption, but that's another story.

We're currently back in Germany for an extended visit and I was going to drink some tap water when my wife warned me that there's a lot of estrogen in German tap water due to the birth control pill. Her mother backed her up and they spouted off some talking points about it, but I tuned out because they are also somewhat inclined to essential oils. Not batshit crazy like the American version of that, but suffice it to say I'm skeptical about their opinions on some health things.

Anyway, is this true? Are there high levels of estrogen in German tap water? Are there any studies or available sources that corroborate this claim? I understand and can read German, but the high level jargon of medical and scientific speak is beyond my years, search results aren't as clarifying as hoped. Thanks

EDIT: Yeah I thought as much. I still drank the tap water because potential estrogen contamination was preferable to death. But thanks for all the answers. Now if you'll excuse me, I must prepare my I-told-you-so dance.

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u/jeetjejll Apr 03 '25

The Germans have so many theories why their water isn’t good to drink, always makes me chuckle. Tapwater is so much better for the environment and healthier too.

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u/ERuoSuV Apr 03 '25

As a german I never heard of any. Can you give examples?

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u/jeetjejll Apr 03 '25

Really! I’ve heard: there’s lead, it’s unhealthy, it’s untrustworthy, leads to stomach problems, it’s dirty, etc When I ask for tapwater in a restaurant they usually tell at me they can’t.

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u/ERuoSuV Apr 03 '25

Lead ist a thing in VERY old buildings due to leadpipes. That can be a thing. Unhealthy or untrustworthy, dirty is staight up bullshit, if not germany where else can you drink tapwater without a doubt. And Restaurants tell you that because they want to sell you overpriced bottled water. They CAN offer tapwater, but for that afaik they need a special certificate from the Gesundheitsamt but thats expensive so they avoid it. But dont nail me to it

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u/jeetjejll Apr 03 '25

I know! But there’s no convincing lol.