dim Q but can one hire a car in Europe with car seats fitted?

[deaconblue]

or would I need to take the dc's car seats on the plane to Germany?

When we hired a car in Portugal we pre-booked car seats. Check with the hire car company, many do have appropriate car seats.

you can (but they probably won't be fitted - you'll have to do that yourself).

the only problem is they may not have the instructions (british car hire cos I've used never have), so may be worth having a look at instructions for some of the popular makes before you go so you don't drive 200 miles with your dd completely unsafe, like I did.

Ive not needed to car hire in Germany but eleswhere we usually just need to book the car seats in advance. Some hand you the seat(s) at the desk to fit yourself and there is usually a charge. I usually carry a belt cushion in my hand luggage because for older children it is often only a base seat.