5 Lazy Ways We’re Making Money in Germany
Want to make money while watching Netflix? Here are 5 effortless ways to earn in Germany—no hustle, just results. 🛋️
Key Takeaways
- Complete micro tasks during downtime for extra cash—perfect for couch potatoes, but don’t expect to quit your day job.
- Turn unused clothes, furniture, or plants into quick cash. Low effort, but depends on what assets you already own.
- Use AI tools to create and sell content online. Some effort required, but it scales and builds semi-passive income.
- Create social content once and earn from ads, affiliate links, or course sales—high income potential, but lots of upfront work.
- Invest in stocks, ETFs, savings accounts, or real estate for passive income. High capital needed, but zero effort long-term.
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More InformationIntroduction
Ever wished you could earn money without ever changing out of your pajamas? You’re not alone—and the good news is, it’s possible. In today’s world, making money doesn’t always mean grinding 9 to 5 or starting a complicated business. There are now lazy ways to make money in Germany that are low-effort, low-cost, and even kind of fun.
We’ve tested out several of these “lazy income” ideas ourselves—from clicking around on our phones to letting artificial intelligence do the hard work. Some methods bring in pocket change, while others can build into full-time passive income streams. Whether you’re a student, stay-at-home parent, working professional, or just someone who’s tired of the hustle, these strategies are for you.
In this article, we’ll break down five lazy ways to make money in Germany, ranked by just how little effort they require and how much income they can bring. You don’t need startup capital, fancy skills, or even to leave your couch.
So grab a snack, get comfortable, and let’s dive into the laziest income ideas that are actually working—for us, and maybe soon, for you too.
1. Make Pocket Money with Micro Tasks (5/5 Laziness)
If you’ve ever wondered whether scrolling on your phone could actually be productive, micro tasks are the answer. These are tiny online jobs that require little more than a few taps and swipes—think surveys, app testing, or even getting cashback for your regular shopping. No need for experience, and no upfront investment. We love using platforms like IDR for quick surveys that can pay up to $75 for just a few minutes of our time. That’s more than a decent trade-off while lounging in bed or waiting in line at the bakery.
What makes micro tasks so appealing is their sheer flexibility. You can do them anytime, anywhere—even from the bathroom. That’s why we rate this a full 5 out of 5 on the laziness scale. But let’s be honest: while it’s fun to earn passive pocket change, this method won’t fund your retirement. Many platforms have payout minimums, and outside of a few higher-paying gigs, you’re generally making a few euros at a time.
Still, for people who want to dip their toes into online income with zero risk, this is one of the easiest ways to start. No hustle, just a few clicks.
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More Information2. Sell or Rent Stuff You Already Own (4/5 Laziness)
The second lazy way we love? Making money from the stuff we already have lying around. If you’ve got old clothes, unused electronics, or furniture you no longer need, it’s time to turn clutter into cash. We’ve sold everything from worn-out headphones to old IKEA chairs using platforms like eBay, Kleinanzeigen, and Facebook Marketplace. You can even participate in IKEA’s Second Chance program and resell your old furniture for a voucher.
But the real magic happens when you start “flipping.” For example, we once bought a huge jade tree on Kleinanzeigen and took 50 cuttings from it. We sold ten of them to recoup the cost—and the rest? Pure profit. It’s simple, sustainable, and kind of addictive once you get the hang of it.
The laziness score here is a comfy 4 out of 5. It takes a little effort upfront—snapping photos, writing a description—but after that, it’s mostly passive. The income potential varies. Unless you’re flipping items at scale, you probably won’t make a full-time living this way. Still, for making space in your home and earning a couple of hundred euros on the side, it’s a no-brainer.
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More Information3. Let AI Work for You: Sell Digital Content (2/5 Laziness)
Here’s where it starts getting cool: AI content creation. With tools like ChatGPT, Jasper.ai, or Canva’s AI features, we can generate eBooks, designs, or music tracks to sell on platforms like Amazon, Etsy, or Gumroad. Want to write a guide about bonsai trees or DIY dog treats? AI can do the heavy lifting, while you focus on publishing and promoting.
We once thought this was totally passive—but to get quality content, there’s definitely work involved upfront. It’s still way easier than traditional content creation, but it does need planning, editing, and marketing. That’s why we’re giving it a laziness score of 2 out of 5. You won’t get rich overnight, but once your content is up, it can earn for months—or even years—with minimal maintenance.
However, watch out for platform restrictions. YouTube, for example, has started limiting monetization of AI-generated content. This could affect your income stream if you rely solely on AI. Still, if you publish on multiple platforms and build a niche, this method has moderate risk and strong rewards.
Bottom line: if you’re willing to work a little now for income later, AI-powered content is a smart (and lazy) side hustle.
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More Information4. Be the Content: Make Videos, Posts & Courses (1/5 Laziness)
This lazy way might not sound lazy at first—but once it’s set up, it can become a money-making machine. We’re talking digital content: YouTube videos, Instagram posts, TikToks, or online courses. Create it once, and let it work for you 24/7. That’s how our channel started—and now it brings in ad revenue, sponsorship deals, and traffic to our other services.
The beauty lies in recycling. One bonsai video can become a blog post, a podcast segment, an Instagram reel, and part of a paid online course. You can scale a single piece of content into multiple income streams without reinventing the wheel. For example, turning your passion into a masterclass on Teachable or Udemy could be your next side hustle.
But let’s be real: creating quality content isn’t as effortless as some might think. Between scripting, filming, editing, and promoting, there’s work involved—especially at the beginning. That’s why we only give this a 1 out of 5 on the laziness scale. It’s definitely more of a slow grind than a quick hack.
Still, if you’re consistent, the payoff can be huge. The earning potential is one of the highest on this list—and it’s creative and fun too.
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More Information5. Make Your Money Work: Passive Investments (5/5 Laziness)
And now—the ultimate lazy way to make money in Germany: passive investments. When you invest your money wisely, you stop trading hours for euros. Instead, your savings generate returns through interest, dividends, or rental income. For example, we use high-yield savings accounts (some paying up to 2.8%) to keep our emergency fund growing. Even safer than under the mattress!
For those comfortable with more risk, ETFs and dividend stocks offer consistent income. Some companies pay you just for holding their shares—talk about easy money. And then there’s real estate. From owning a small apartment to renting out a parking space, property offers strong returns—especially with strategies like cash-out refinancing.
This is where true passivity comes into play. After your initial investment, it’s almost completely hands-off. You could be lounging on the beach while your ETF portfolio grows or while tenants pay your mortgage. That’s why we rate this a 5 out of 5 in both laziness and income potential.
The catch? You need money upfront—often a lot. If you’re just starting out, begin small with a savings plan or robo-advisor. The sooner you invest, the sooner you earn while doing absolutely nothing.
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More InformationConclusion
Making money in Germany doesn’t always mean grinding harder. From couch-friendly micro tasks to scalable AI content and hands-free investments, there’s something for every lifestyle and energy level. Whether you’re looking for extra coffee money or building toward financial freedom, these lazy side hustles can make it happen—no burnout required.
So why not try one—or all five? Lazy doesn’t mean unproductive. It just means working smarter. 💸