Claude Code is an AI tool from Anthropic, the company behind Claude. It runs in the terminal on your computer. You describe a task using plain language. The program then reads files, writes code, creates documents, and performs research tasks directly on your computer. Developers use it for programming. I use it as a business owner for website management, accounting, and automation. A chat window in a browser simply can't do all of that.

What does Claude Code cost?

Claude Code is included in Claude's paid plans. The Pro plan costs US$20 per month, or US$17 per month with an annual payment. The Max plans cost US$100 or US$200 per month and offer significantly higher usage limits. Alternatively, you can pay per usage through the API. I currently pay around €180 per month for the larger Max plan, as I use the tool for several hours every day. The Pro plan is sufficient for getting started.

No. The free Claude plan does not include Claude Code. You'll need at least the Pro plan, which costs US$20 per month, or purchase credits for the API. If you want to try Claude for free, you can use the chatbot in your browser at claude.ai. However, to access Claude Code, you'll need a paid plan. The paid plans also include the standard Claude apps.

Can I use Claude Code without any programming knowledge?

Yes. I can barely program myself. I can manage a simple HTML page, but that's where my JavaScript knowledge ends. Nevertheless, I use it to build and maintain websites, create automations, and develop small programs. You describe your goal in plain German sentences. Claude Code handles the technical implementation and explains each step to you. It's helpful if you're familiar with basic concepts like files, folders, and servers. You can then ask questions and proceed within the tool itself.

Does Claude Code work with German?

Yes. There is no separate German version of the program; the interface and messages remain in English. However, you can still input your text in German. Claude responds in German and generates German texts, correctly using umlauts. I have been using the tool entirely in German for over a year, from commands to completed texts. You will only need to read technical terms and menu items in English.

What is the difference between Claude and Claude Code?

Claude is the chatbot available in your browser or app. You ask questions and receive answers in the chat window. Claude Code uses the same AI models, but operates directly on your computer. It can read and create files, access websites, and run programs. The standard chatbot is sufficient for text-based tasks and quick questions. However, for more complex tasks involving files, folders, and systems, you'll need Claude Code.

Does Claude Code run on Windows?

Yes. Claude Code runs natively on Windows 10 (version 1809 and later) and on Windows Server (2019 and later). You can install it with a single command in PowerShell. On a Mac, you'll need macOS 13 or later, and Linux is also supported. Your computer needs at least 4 GB of RAM and an internet connection. You can find the details in Anthropic's official documentation.

Which AI model powers Claude Code?

Claude Code uses the latest Claude models from Anthropic. As of October 2026, these primarily consist of Claude Opus 5.5 for complex tasks and Claude Sonnet 5.5 as a faster option. You can switch between models during the current session. Higher-tier plans unlock greater usage of the more powerful models. For typical business tasks, you likely won't need to adjust these settings, as the default option usually suffices.

AI in practice

Claude Code Tutorial: Build Business Tools Without Coding

By Artur Neumann. Updated October 21, 2026.

I run my business in Germany. Monetary examples use euros unless another currency is stated.

My accounting for July was completed in just half an hour. I typed a single command into the terminal: “Do the accounting for July.” Claude Code retrieved the receipts from various portals, renamed them, and placed them in the correct folders. I also built this website with Claude Code. My email system runs on it as well.

Despite this, I can barely program. I can manage a simple HTML page, but that’s where my JavaScript skills end. I understand the concepts and figure things out as I go. That’s all I need. In this guide, I’ll show you what Claude Code is, what it costs, and how to get started. Everything in German, with no prior knowledge required.

What is Claude Code?

Claude Code is a program from Anthropic. Anthropic is the company behind the AI Claude. The program has been available since the beginning of 2025. It runs in the terminal, which is a simple text window on your computer.

The difference between this and a chatbot in a browser is significant. A chatbot answers questions in a chat window. Claude Code works directly on your computer. It reads your files, creates new files, and accesses websites. It writes and executes programs. You no longer need to copy and paste things back and forth.

You control everything using normal sentences. For example: “Read the PDF invoices in this folder and rename them by date and supplier.” Claude Code will then do exactly that. It asks for confirmation before making any changes to your files.

Many people are put off by the terminal. But it’s just a text window for commands. On a Mac, it’s called Terminal, and on Windows, it’s called PowerShell. Both are pre-installed. If you really don’t want to use the terminal, you can use Anthropic’s desktop app. However, I still recommend the terminal; I’ll explain why later.

Claude Code is one of several tools I use in my daily life. I’ll show you the others in my article about AI tools for self-employed individuals.

Does Claude Code work in German?

Yes. Many people search for “Claude Code German” and expect a German version. There isn’t one. The menus and messages are in English. However, you can still enter your commands in German. Claude responds in German and writes German texts with correct umlauts.

I use the tool entirely in German. My commands, my notes, my customer texts. In my configuration file, there’s a fixed rule: “Always respond in German.” Since then, I don’t have to think about that anymore.

How much does Claude Code cost?

Claude Code is included in the paid plans for Claude. The free plan does not include it. Here are the prices as of October 2026:

Plan	Price per month	Claude Code included
Free	US$0 USD	No
Pro	US$20 USD (or US$17 USD with annual billing)	Yes
Max 5x	US$100 USD	Yes
Max 20x	US$200 USD	Yes

You can find the current prices on the official Anthropic pricing page. Alternatively, you can pay per usage through the API. This only makes sense for specific cases.

All plans have usage limits. The Pro plan is sufficient for getting started. If you automate a lot every day, you will eventually reach the limits. The Max plans significantly increase those limits.

I use the larger Max plan, which costs me around €180 per month. That sounds like a lot of money. However, for me, it replaces service providers and saves me hours every week. My advice for getting started: Choose the Pro plan. Work with it on real tasks for a month. Then you’ll know if you need more.

Setting up Claude Code: Step by Step

The setup takes about ten minutes. Your computer needs macOS 13 or later, or Windows 10 version 1809 or later. You also need 4 GB of RAM and an internet connection. Linux is also supported. You can find the details in the official Anthropic installation guide.

Step 1: Create a Claude account

Create an account at claude.com and subscribe to at least the Pro plan. Claude Code will not start without a paid plan.

Step 2: Open the terminal

On a Mac: Press cmd and the spacebar, type “Terminal,” and press Enter. On Windows: Open the Start menu, type “PowerShell,” and press Enter.

Step 3: Install Claude Code

Copy the appropriate command into your terminal and press Enter.

Mac:

curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | bash

Windows (PowerShell):

irm https://claude.ai/install.ps1 | iex

You don’t need any other programs. The installer includes everything and keeps itself up to date.

Step 4: Start and log in

Open the terminal in a folder for your first project. Then type:

claude

When you start it for the first time, your browser will open. Log in with your Claude account. Once you’re logged in, you’re ready to go. As a test, give it a simple command: “Look at this folder and describe its contents.”

A tip from my daily experience: I rarely type my commands; I dictate them. I’ll show you how in my article about Wispr Flow in German.

What I automate as an entrepreneur

I run my business alone. Claude Code has become my central tool. Here are four examples from my daily life.

Building and Maintaining Websites

This website runs on code that Claude Code wrote. I describe the page I want. Claude Code implements it, and I check the result in my browser. Text, internal links, and technical SEO tasks are also handled in this way. Claude Code directly uploads the finished pages to my server. I describe how I acquire customers from Google under Winning Customers with AI.

Preparing Bookkeeping

I no longer manually collect my receipts. I have explained to Claude Code in a text file how my bookkeeping works. This includes the portals, naming conventions, and folder structure. Now, I simply say, “Prepare the bookkeeping for July.” Claude Code retrieves invoices from emails and portals, renames them, and sorts them. I check each number at the end. What used to take half a day now takes half an hour.

Running an Email System

My email marketing runs on software on my own server. Claude Code wrote and maintains it to this day. I describe new features in plain sentences. I don’t write a single line of code myself.

Documents and Small Helpers

Claude Code reads PDFs, PowerPoint files, and text files. I use it to create reports, review proposals, and design book layouts for self-publishing. For recurring tasks, I create small instruction files. This turns a long prompt into a short command.

One more look at my working style: I usually have three terminal tabs open. Each runs a different task. While one is calculating, I start the next. That’s why I prefer the terminal over the desktop app.

Limitations and Risks

Claude Code is powerful, but not error-free. Here are some points you should be aware of.

It requires internet access. Without a connection, nothing works. There are workarounds using local AI models, but the results are significantly weaker, and I don’t recommend them.

It can modify and delete files. Claude Code asks before making changes. You can relax the permissions to reduce the number of prompts. Do this only when you trust the process. Back up important projects beforehand, for example, using GitHub. That way, nothing will overwrite your work.

It makes mistakes. I carefully check every result when it comes to numbers, invoices, and important texts. Read emails and proposals once before sending them. The responsibility remains with you.

Data privacy is your responsibility. Your inputs are processed on servers from Anthropic. I am cautious when dealing with personal data from customers. Check the account settings to see if your data can be used for training. Consult with your data protection advisor for sensitive cases.

The limits are real. On intensive days, you may reach the usage limit on the Pro plan. Then, you have to wait or upgrade. Factor this in before building critical processes on it.

Who will benefit from Claude Code?

Claude Code is worthwhile for you if you have recurring digital tasks. Sorting receipts, creating reports, maintaining websites, analyzing data. Such work exists in every company. The more often a task arises, the greater the effect.

You don’t need any programming skills for this. However, you do need patience for the first few days. The terminal may feel unfamiliar, and the messages are in English. After a week, it will feel normal. I initially found my way around the tool by asking it questions directly. Claude explains each step in German.

If you only occasionally need to write texts or generate ideas, a chatbot is sufficient. I have written a separate guide for that: ChatGPT for Entrepreneurs. You can find an overview with strategy and examples on my page AI for Entrepreneurs and in the article AI for Freelancers.

My conclusion after more than a year of daily use: Claude Code has transformed my work as an entrepreneur. Today, I build things that I used to pay agencies to do. Start with the Pro plan and a real task from your daily life. The rest will become clear as you go.