Both Schnelltests and Selbsttests are antigen tests as opposed to PCR tests. For this reason, the German government calls the antigen tests “snapshot” that cannot replace the “gold standard” PCR test. If your test result comes back positive you are legally required to report it to your local health authority. As of Monday though, the government has started offering everyone one free antigen test per week. The government had also planned to provide antigen tests at businesses where employees are unable to work from home.

Source: The Local March 08, 2021 13:41 UTC