This guide explains how to apply for Rewe jobs, what documents to prepare, language expectations, interview tips, and realistic pay and benefits.
REWE is one of Germany’s largest food retailers, employing more than 170,000 people nationwide across stores, logistics, and central functions.
Roles range from cashiers and shelf stockers to butchers, drivers, logistics staff, IT specialists, and trainee programs.
About Rewe
Today, REWE operates on a continental scale. In Germany, it runs around 6,000 supermarkets and convenience stores.
It acts across the REWE, PENNY, and Nahkauf banners and even maintains in-house food production through Glocken Bäckerei and the Wilhelm Brandenburg.
Beyond Germany, it trades in 21 European countries, including BILLA supermarkets and BIPA drugstores in Austria and Central/Eastern Europe
PENNY discounter in several markets, and a convenience footprint that includes REWE To Go as well as the on-the-go wholesaler Lekkerland.
Language Expectations
For customer-facing work in stores, expect to need at least B2 German to advise shoppers effectively.
Apprenticeships in stores or central units also typically expect B2.
In logistics, B1 German is usually sufficient because much of the work is operational and team-based. Some office and digital roles additionally ask for English.
Market jobs typically specify B2 German; logistics postings often cite B1; central and IT postings may require very good German plus good English.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Rewe Jobs
In the careers site, use job board filters (location, function, full-/part-time). Note whether it’s a REWE Markt, logistics, or central role.
Submit via the online form. For many market roles, a simplified chat application is offered. Online submission ensures fast routing and proper data protection.
Provide a tabular, gap-free CV; relevant school, training, internship, and employment certificates; and any training certificates (e.g., HACCP, forklift).
A cover letter is optional but helpful when changing careers. Preferred file format is PDF; common size limits are around 10 MB each for CV and certificates.
Screening & Interviews
After submission, expect a phone or in-person interview.
Depending on the position, there may be a short assessment or an additional conversation with the store or department lead.
Most processes involve 2–3 steps and take about one month on average, depending on scheduling.
How to Prepare a Strong Application
Be ready to apply for Rewe jobs with these tips.
- CV (Lebenslauf). Keep it tabular and gap-free, listing current role first, with dates in MM/YYYY format. Quantify impact (e.g., “handled €X daily takings,” “replenished Y pallets per shift”). Include core skills (POS operation, cash handling, HACCP basics, fresh counters, forklift license, SAP, Excel).
- Certificates. Attach only relevant certificates (school/trade certificates, reference letters, training records). For apprenticeships, include recent school reports.
- Language & fit. If you’re near B1/B2, add proof (telc, Goethe) or list ongoing coursework. For central roles, signal English proficiency if requested.
- Availability & shifts. Retail and logistics often involve early, late, and weekend shifts; note your flexibility clearly.
- Right to work. Be ready to prove work authorization in Germany (ID or residence/work permit).
Interview Preparation
Be ready to discuss REWE’s focus on service, freshness, on-shelf availability, and safe, efficient operations.
Understand tariff pay basics, pension scheme, employee discounts, and mobility perks like the discounted Deutschlandticket.
Plan your route, arrive early, and bring notes.
Aim for a two-way conversation. Describe how your experience fits the role and ask about expectations for the first 90 days.
Salaries: What You Can Expect
REWE pay is usually determined by collective agreements (Tarif).
These agreements vary by federal state and role but commonly include extras such as holiday and Christmas pay.
Employees also receive a 5% discount in REWE and PENNY, further group discounts, and a reduced Deutschlandticket (around €40.60 per month).
A company pension (Pensionskasse) and health/fitness programs are standard. Actual pay bands differ by region, experience, and shift allowances.
- Cashier (Kassierer/in): around €15–€16 per hour on average, depending on region and experience.
- Warehouse operative (Lagermitarbeiter/in): around €15–€16 per hour on average, with potential shift allowances for nights or weekends.
- Sales assistant (Verkäufer/in): commonly in the €28,000–€32,000 gross annual range, varying by state and tariff group.
- Warehouse operative (Lagerist/in): commonly in the €30,000–€33,000 gross annual range, before allowances.
- Apprenticeships (Ausbildung). Apprentices are paid according to the relevant tariff agreement for the sector and region. As a national context, Germany’s statutory minimum training allowance in 2025 ranges from the high €600s in the first year to the mid-€900s in the fourth year; REWE’s sectoral tariff may sit above these minima depending on the state.
Legal Floor
Germany’s statutory minimum wage is €12.82/hour (since 1 January 2025). This is the absolute lower bound unless a higher tariff applies.
The Minijob monthly cap is €556 in 2025, which is useful for students and side jobs.
Salary realities vary with region (state-by-state retail agreements), experience, shift allowances, and contract type. Always confirm the exact tariff group and any premiums (e.g., Sundays, nights, public holidays) in your offer.
Benefits and Development
Beyond pay, REWE typically offers 5% in REWE/PENNY, plus partner discounts across the REWE Group.
Discounted Deutschlandticket for commuting, a company pension in addition to statutory retirement insurance.
Health programs, fitness studio partnerships, and JobRad options in many locations.
Structured development via the REWE Akademie; many leaders are promoted internally.
Tips For International Applicants
Market roles generally expect B2 German; logistics can be a good entry point at B1. Central/IT roles may require very good German and good English.
Use the job board filters and read postings carefully for visa/work-permit notes and shift patterns.
Consider a Minijob if you need local experience while improving language skills—just keep the €556 monthly cap in mind.
Emphasize reliability, teamwork, and customer service (for stores) or throughput, accuracy, and safety (for logistics).
Bottom Line
To apply for Rewe jobs, search for openings, apply online, submit a clean CV with relevant certificates, and prepare for a short, structured process.
If you’re aiming for store roles, plan to showcase B2 German and a strong customer focus; for logistics, B1 often suffices with an emphasis on safety and throughput.
Pay is tariff-based with extras (discounts, pension, ticket subsidy), and current market data shows typical hourly rates in the mid-teens.
