How to Dial Phone Numbers in Germany — A Clear Guide for Expats, Tourists, and Newcomers
Understanding how to dial phone numbers in Germany is crucial for expats, international students, digital nomads, and tourists alike. Whether you’re setting up a new SIM card, calling a local service, or trying to reach someone from abroad, German phone numbers follow a specific structure that can initially be confusing.
With varying formats for landlines, mobiles, and special numbers, not to mention regional codes and international dialing rules, knowing how to correctly dial and format numbers in Germany saves time and avoids missed connections.
This guide explains everything: how to use the +49 country code, format phone numbers for different scenarios, and understand toll-free or emergency services. It’s tailored for anyone navigating life in Germany — from short-term visitors to long-term residents.
German Phone Number Format
Germany uses a structured but sometimes non-intuitive phone number format. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Germany country code: +49
- Trunk prefix for domestic calls: 0
- Area code (Vorwahl): 2 to 5 digits
- Subscriber number: Up to 8 digits
So, depending on where you’re calling from, you will either include or omit the trunk prefix.
Examples:
- Calling from abroad: +49 30 12345678 (Berlin)
- Calling within Germany: 030 12345678
Mobile numbers have their own structure. They do not follow a geographic region and usually start with 015, 016, or 017.
German Mobile Number examples:
- From outside Germany: +49 157 1234567
- From within Germany: 0157 1234567
The +49 country code replaces the 0 used in domestic dialing. That’s the most important rule to remember when formatting German numbers.
How to Dial German Phone Numbers
Whether you’re calling locally or internationally, follow these simple instructions depending on where you are:
Dialing within Germany
- Start with 0
- Add the area or mobile code
- Then the local subscriber number
Example (calling a Berlin landline): 030 12345678
Example (calling a mobile number): 0176 23456789
Dialing from outside Germany
- Start with the +49 country code or 0049
- Skip the 0 trunk prefix
- Add the area or mobile code and number
Example (landline): +49 30 12345678
Example (mobile): +49 176 23456789
Note for expats and frequent travelers: Always store numbers in international format (+49…) so they remain usable regardless of your location.
How to Format German Phone Numbers
Formatting phone numbers correctly is essential for registering for services, receiving SMS verifications, or setting up contacts in your phone. Here’s how to format depending on context:
International format (recommended for all expats)
- +49 followed by area or mobile code, no leading zero
- Example: +49 221 9876543
Domestic format (if you’re in Germany)
- Start with 0
- Example: 0221 9876543
Mobile phone formatting
- International: +49 157 1234567
- Domestic: 0157 1234567
Many registration forms (for apps, banks, or SIM activation) only accept international format. It’s also essential when traveling between countries or switching mobile networks.
Special Phone Numbers in Germany
Germany’s phone system also includes special service numbers for emergencies, free customer support, and premium services. These numbers often don’t follow regional formatting and start with specific prefixes.
Emergency Numbers in Germany
Germany has two main emergency numbers, both toll-free and accessible from any phone, even without a SIM card.
- 112 – For ambulance and fire services (EU-wide standard)
- 110 – For police
These are valid anywhere in Germany and are multilingual in most urban centers. You can dial these numbers without the +49 country code — they work directly.
Other useful numbers:
- 116 117 – For non-urgent medical help (doctor on call service)
- 19222 – Private ambulance or transport (varies by region)
These numbers are must-knows for any foreigner or expat living in Germany.
Toll-Free Numbers in Germany (0800 Numbers)
If you’re calling customer service hotlines, utility providers, or government info lines, you’ll often see 0800 numbers. These are completely free of charge when called from within Germany, whether from mobile or landline.
Examples:
- 0800 1234567 – Customer service
- 0800 1110111 – Emotional support and counseling (Telefonseelsorge)
However, these numbers may not work when dialed from outside Germany, or you might be redirected to a paid international line. Always check if there’s an international alternative.
Premium Rate Numbers in Germany (0180, 0900, 0137)
Be cautious when dialing numbers starting with 0180, 0900, or 0137, especially if you’re new to Germany. These are paid services often used for:
- Technical support
- Legal or insurance consultations
- Voting on TV shows
- Paid customer hotlines
Cost breakdown:
- 0180 numbers: €0.03–€0.14 per minute (landline), up to €0.42 (mobile)
- 0900 numbers: €0.60 to €2.99 per minute or call
- 0137 numbers: Charged per call (used in TV competitions or surveys)
Always check the pricing before calling these numbers, especially from mobile. If you’re unsure, use email or chat support instead.
Germany Country Code and +49 Explained
The +49 country code is assigned to Germany and is required when dialing a German phone number from abroad. In many cases, especially for expats and international professionals, storing numbers in +49 format helps prevent communication issues and ensures proper synchronization with services like WhatsApp, banking apps, and delivery platforms.
When to use the +49 code:
- When calling German numbers from abroad
- When formatting contacts for cross-border travel
- For registration in international apps and portals
Important tip: The ‘+’ symbol represents international dialing and is usually entered by long-pressing 0 on smartphones or dialing 00 on landlines.
Frequently Misunderstood Aspects of Dialing in Germany
- Don’t dial the trunk prefix ‘0’ when using the +49 country code. Many expats forget this, leading to failed calls.
- Area codes vary in length. For example, Berlin is 30, Cologne is 221, and some towns may have 4- or 5-digit codes.
- Mobile prefixes do not indicate region. Don’t assume someone with a 0176 number lives nearby — they might live across the country.
What Every Expat, Student, or Traveler Should Know
- Save all numbers using +49 format to avoid issues when traveling or using international services.
- Recognize emergency (112/110), toll-free (0800), and premium (0900, 0180) prefixes to avoid unnecessary charges.
- Skip the leading 0 when dialing German numbers from outside the country.
- Be cautious with premium rate numbers, and always check costs before calling.
