low sodium requirements

The many times that I have been in Germany, I have almost always found that the food is over-salted. My suggestion would be that you ask the server to tell the chef-- no salt. It might work.

I am on a low sodium diet. Watching my mg's for the last few years, I have notice that salt added to food in processing tends to account for more sodium than salt added at the last minute. It is so hard to avoid that when eating out. Eating fresh foods help. Get a boiled egg for breakfast rather than the cheeses and lunch meats (which are so good). I try a lot of little things but know that my low-sodium diet will suffer when I travel anywhere. Luckily for me it is more of a long term issue.

I'm not on a low-sodium diet but all that heavy food gets to me easily. I'm a big fan of lighter international fare (like Asian) rather than the greasy stuff everybody feels obligated to eat while in Germany. Here's my tips:

Turkish food. Lots of it. Excellent all over the country, especially in very large cities. More spice than salt and lots of grilled meats.

If you're in the north, there is plenty of grilled salmon-look for lachs on the menu.

Fruit, yogurt, and rolls for breakfast.

The Nordsee fast food chain has quick inexpensive grilled fish plates that I've eaten frequently for lunch when I've had my fill of doner.

A quote from "The Guardian" about doner kebabs:

"Some examples contained 1,990 calories, nearly a woman's recommended daily intake, 70g of saturated fat, which is three and half times the women's daily guideline amount, and 16.5g of salt."

Bread and salty meat are some of the worst for sodium.

I will add one thing that I found helpful. The major department stores (Galleria, Karstadt, etc.) often have a cafeteria on the top floor. These have a salad bar from which you can pick fresh fruits and vegetables. Some of course are dressed and the dressing will likely contain salt. We like to go these cafeterias for lunch just to get our veggie fix for the day. These cafeterias usually close late in the afternoon.

BTW, these same department stores usually have a grocery store in the basement where your can pick up fresh foods to take with you.

With the popularity of being Vegan or Vegetarian in Germany, you might want to seek those restaurants out. This will be light, healthy food and if you ask them not to salt it, they will be happy to oblige.

Most restaurants are going to have vegetarian options on their menus. This might be a platter of veg, various salads, crepes with spinach filling, risottos, and coming up soon, Asparagus season. If you see schnitzel on the menu, ask for it Natur, then it won't have the breading on it. Ask for things to be steamed or lightly grilled. German food does not have to be heavy nor fatty.