Buying second-hand as a student pays off mainly for textbooks, furniture and technology, because new goods lose value quickly there. What matters is that you check the condition, the edition and the seller before you pay. For private sales on Kleinanzeigen and other platforms, the same applies: do not pay upfront to strangers.
Key points at a glance
- For textbooks, the edition matters. Compare it with the reading list for your course before you buy.
- For second-hand laptops, the battery, screen and return option are the most important checks.
- Do not pay upfront to strangers. Use the platform’s buyer protection or pay on collection.
- Costs for a laptop may be tax-deductible in some cases. Whether they are depends on whether you have already completed a first degree. Keep the receipt.
Where can you find second-hand textbooks?
The quickest way to find second-hand textbooks is where your year group passes them on anyway. These are the student council (Fachschaft), the groups of your degree programme and the book exchanges at the start of the semester. Search for the name of your university together with “book exchange” or “lecture notes”. Often you will find exactly the titles your module needs there.
Specialist second-hand book dealers and general marketplaces are also worth a look. The university library is another option, since you can borrow many standard works there. This is especially suitable for books you need for one semester only.
Which second-hand platforms are suitable for students?
There are four types of source, each with different strengths. The names are examples and not a recommendation:
| Type | Examples | Good for | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specialist book sellers | Booklooker, Medimops, Rebuy | Textbooks, specialist literature | Check the edition and condition description, and include shipping |
| Marketplaces for private sales | Kleinanzeigen, Vinted | Furniture, clothing, study material | Ask for photos, use room for negotiation, spot scams |
| Dealers for refurbished tech | Back Market, Refurbed | Laptops, tablets, headphones | Compare warranty period and return conditions |
| University-related sources | Student council, notice boards, flea markets | Lecture notes, books, household items | Offers are local and time-limited |
What should you check before buying second-hand textbooks?
Check the edition first. In subjects with legal texts, such as law or tax law, older editions go out of date quickly; in other subjects, little changes between editions. When in doubt, ask your lecturer whether an earlier edition is sufficient.
Also pay attention to the condition description. Highlighting in the text can help while you study, but missing pages or a broken spine cannot. For private sales, ask for photos of the inside pages and clarify before buying whether a return is possible. Also factor in shipping and any fees, because a low listed price can look less attractive once these are added.
Is a second-hand laptop worth it during your studies?
A second-hand laptop is worth it if you check it before buying or buy from a dealer with a right of return. For word processing, research and video calls, an older device is enough in many degree programmes. For computing-intensive tasks, such as video editing or simulations, check the requirements of your degree programme.
- Check the battery: how long does the device last in use, and what is its charge level?
- Test the screen, keyboard, ports and fan, ideally in person at handover.
- Ask for the invoice or the original purchase receipt. This helps with warranty questions and resale.
- For refurbished devices, compare the warranty period and return deadline of different dealers.
Buying a laptop can also have tax effects. During a first degree, study costs count as special expenses (up to €6,000 per year), which only have an effect if you have taxable income in the same year. After a completed first degree, for example during a master’s, a laptop you paid for yourself can count as an income-related expense, but only in proportion to any private use. Up to €800 excluding VAT, a laptop can be deducted in full in the year of purchase. The tax office can clarify the details, and an overview is in Tax benefits for students (in German).
If you are under 25, are starting a full-time degree for the first time and received certain social benefits in the month before, you can claim the one-off study start grant of €1,000. It is intended, among other things, for start-up costs such as a laptop.
Where can you get second-hand furniture?
Second-hand furniture is easiest to find on Kleinanzeigen, at flea markets and through offers from student councils. Many students sell their furnishings cheaply at the end of the semester or before moving out. If you are looking at the start of the semester, you have the widest choice but also the most competition. So ask early and offer a fixed collection time.
This topic is directly linked to housing costs. On the open housing market, a room in a shared flat costs €510 per month on average across Germany, while the BAföG accommodation allowance is €380. Saving on furnishings creates room in your budget. Which items you really need at the start is listed in the guide Basic equipment for students (in German).
For second-hand electrical appliances such as fridges or kettles, check the power consumption. You can find out how to reduce your utility costs overall in a separate article: Saving energy as a student (in German).
How do you buy safely on Kleinanzeigen?
You buy safely on Kleinanzeigen if you collect in person, inspect on site and pay in cash or with buyer protection. These rules apply to Kleinanzeigen and other marketplaces:
- Ask for several current photos and ask questions about age, condition and signs of use.
- Do not pay upfront to strangers. Pay on handover or through the platform’s buyer protection.
- Be wary of prices far below market level and of sellers who push you to switch to other communication channels.
- Arrange to meet at a public place for the handover, or bring someone with you.
- For more expensive items, ask for a short written confirmation of the purchase with price, condition and date.
More ways to save money can be found in Benefits of student status (in German), in Student discounts: where you can really save (in German) and in the tips on saving money in everyday life (in German).
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to buy second-hand textbooks?
Start with the student council, degree programme groups and book exchanges at your university, since the titles your module uses are often passed on there. Then compare specialist book dealers. Always check the edition and add the shipping costs before you order.
Is a second-hand laptop sensible for studying?
Yes, if the device suits your requirements and you check it beforehand. Important points are the battery, screen, keyboard and a clear return option. For refurbished devices from dealers, compare the warranty and return deadline. Before buying, ask your student council whether your degree programme requires specific software.
Can I deduct a laptop for my studies from tax?
Possibly. After a completed first degree, a laptop you paid for yourself can count as an income-related expense, in proportion to private use. An immediate deduction in the year of purchase is possible up to €800 excluding VAT. During a first degree, the special expense deduction remains, which only has an effect if you have taxable income. Keep the receipt and ask the tax office if in doubt.
How do I recognise dubious offers on Kleinanzeigen?
Warning signs include prices far below market level, a demand for payment in advance, pressure to decide quickly and a wish to move off the platform. Trustworthy sellers send photos, answer questions and allow collection. When in doubt, pay only on handover.
How to proceed now
- Write down what you need for the next semester and compare it with the reading list.
- Ask the student council and degree programme groups before you order anything.
- For technology, compare second-hand and refurbished offers, including warranty and return deadline.
- Keep purchase receipts, especially for a laptop that you want to claim for tax.
Related articles
- Building assets while studying (in German)
- Budget planning for students (in German)
- Basic equipment for students (in German)
Last updated: October 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice or tax advice. The German version is authoritative.
