The strike was organized by Ver.di and EVG, two major transport unions, who demanded a 10.5% pay increase for their members to offset rising food and energy costs.
Its aim was to serve as a warning to the government and employers about the potential consequences of failing to negotiate salary increases that would keep pace with inflation.
A YouGov poll revealed that around 55% of Germans considered the strike to be justified.
Although Karin Welge, a spokesperson for VKA, a group that represents public sector employers, called the strike an "unprovoked escalation," the unions argued that it was necessary to make it clear to employers that employees support their demands.
The strike was mostly peaceful, but it caused significant disruption to travel and commerce in Germany, which is Europe's largest economy.