This dataset contains data from the RV Heincke cruise HE582 to the German Bight of the North Sea in late summer 2021. The aim of the research was to investigate the source of sedimentary glycan concentrations in subtidal sandy sediments. Glycans represent a substantial fraction of extracellular polymeric substances and may affect flow dynamics in marine sandy sediments. The origin and concentration of glycans in sands remain understudied until today. To gain insights into oxygen supply and glycan concentrations in sandy sediment, we conducted in situ measurements and sampled sediment via a van Veen grab for ex situ investigations. Oxygen penetration depths were determined by a benthic lander, which was deployed for ca. 24h at each station. Chlorophyll a concentrations as an indicator for potentially photosynthetically active sedimentary biomass were derived via extraction with 90% acetone against Sigma Aldrich standards. Glycan concentrations served as indicator for extracellular polymeric substances and were quantified against a glucose standard curve via a phenol sulfuric acid assay after prior sequential glycan extraction (MilliQ, EDTA, NaOH). The final glycan concentrations are referred to per volume of porespace, and therefore given in mmol/l porewater. To investigate if benthic primary producers could be responsible for the extracted sedimentary glycan concentrations, we conducted stable isotope incubations.