Published : August 2, 2023Effective communication across borders is essential, and one country that holds significant importance in both business and personal spheres is Germany. Whether you are reaching out to friends, or family, or conducting international business, understanding the proper methods for calling Germany is crucial. In fact, there were 112.9 million mobile connections in Germany in the year 2021, so it’s important to build a local presence with a German phone number.
In this guide, we will provide you with comprehensive information on how to call German mobile phone numbers and landline number from different parts of the world, ensuring seamless and efficient connections with this dynamic European nation.
How to Call Germany Using Your Phone?
There are different ways to call Germany, one of the most effective being calling through a phone. To call Germany using your phone, follow these steps:
- Exit Code: If you are calling from a different country, you need to dial your country’s exit code first. For example, in the United States, the exit code is 011, while in most European countries, it is 00.
- Country Code: Germany’s country code is +49. Make sure you have the correct country code before dialing.
- Dial the Number: After dialing the exit code, add Germany’s country code (+49) and then dial the local German phone number you want to reach. Remember to remove any leading zero from the local number.
The complete sequence for calling Germany from different countries would be as follows:
- From the United States or Canada: Dial 011 + 49 + [German Phone Number]
- From most European countries: Dial 00 + 49 + [German Phone Number]
- From the United Kingdom: Dial 00 + 49 + [German Phone Number]
- From Australia: Dial 0011 + 49 + [German Phone Number]
Remember to include the area code if you are calling a landline number within Germany. For mobile numbers, the area code is often included in the mobile number itself.
"When dialing a German landline phone number from abroad, always remember to include the country code for Germany (+49) and omit the leading zero from the area code. Additionally, use reputable international calling services or consider using internet-based calling platforms to take advantage of cost-effective communication options. "
German Landline Phone Number Format
In Germany, landline phone numbers have a specific format. The standard Germany phone number format of landline consists of three parts:
- Area Code (Vorwahl): This geographic area code identifies a specific region or city in Germany. It is usually 2 to 5 digits long and begins with a leading zero (0). Different cities and regions have different Germany dialing codes.
- Local Prefix (Ortsnetzkennzahl): Following the area code, there is a local Germany prefix, which is also known as the network destination code. This part of the number helps route the call to a specific local exchange or telephone network.
- Subscriber Number: The last part is the subscriber number, which is a unique combination of digits assigned to an individual phone line within the area and network destination code.
Here’s a German phone number example of landline:
(030) 1234 5678
In this example,
- “030” is the area code for Berlin.
- “1234” is the local prefix.
- “5678” is the subscriber number.
Keep in mind that when calling a German landline number from within Germany, you generally dial the complete number, including the leading zero.
However, when you dial German mobile phone numbers from outside Germany, you need to omit the leading zero and include the country code (+49 for Germany) before the area code and local prefix. This cam help you dial German phone numbers without any errors.
German Mobile Phone Number Format
In Germany, mobile phone numbers also have a specific format. Here’s how the standard German mobile phone number format looks like:
- Country Code: The country code for Germany is “+49”. This is used when dialing a German mobile number from abroad.
- Network Prefix: Following the country code, there is a network prefix, which is a combination of digits that identifies the mobile network operator. Different operators have different network prefixes.
- Subscriber Number: The last part is the subscriber number, which is a unique combination of digits assigned to an individual mobile phone line within the network.
When written together, a German mobile phone number looks like this:
+49 (1XX) XXXXXXXX
Where:
- +49 is the country code for Germany.
- (1XX) represents the network prefix.
- XXXXXXXX represents the subscriber number.
Here’s an example of a German mobile phone number –
+49 (151) 12345678
In this example:
- “151” is the network prefix, which could belong to a specific mobile network operator.
- “12345678” is the subscriber number.
When dialling a German mobile phone number from abroad, you need to include the country code (+49) and omit the leading zero of the network prefix.
: How to Call Europe from the US? [Different Ways Explained]
What Are the Emergency Phone Numbers in Germany?
An emergency can occur at any point, so you need to have the emergency numbers memorized. In Germany, the emergency German telephone numbers are as follows:
- 110: Police If you need immediate assistance from the police for emergencies such as accidents, crimes, or other urgent situations requiring law enforcement, you can dial 110.
- 112: Fire Brigade and Medical Emergencies For fire emergencies, medical emergencies, and requests for an ambulance, you can dial 112. This number covers both fire brigade services and medical assistance.
Both 110 and 112 are toll-free numbers, and they can be dialled from any landline or mobile phone in Germany.
When you call these emergency numbers, an operator will answer and dispatch the appropriate help based on your situation. It is essential to remain calm, provide clear information about the emergency, and follow any instructions given by the operator until help arrives.
It’s important to note that while English-speaking operators are available on these emergency lines in some areas, the primary language used will be German. If you don’t speak German, having someone who can assist you with the call might be helpful if the situation allows. The European emergency number 112 can be used in other European Union countries, making it a universal emergency number when traveling within the EU.
List of Special Phone Numbers in Germany
In Germany, along with the regular phone numbers for general purposes, there are several special phone numbers that serve specific functions or services. Here are some of the special phone numbers in Germany:
- 115 – Citizen’s Helpline The “115” number is a non-emergency citizen’s helpline. It provides information about public services, government offices, administrative procedures, and general inquiries related to various government agencies. It is designed to be a single point of contact for citizens seeking information from the public administration.
- 116XXX – Harmonized Service Numbers The European Union has introduced harmonized service numbers that start with “116.” These numbers are used for specific services across EU member countries. In Germany, some of the commonly used harmonized service numbers include:
- 116117: Medical On-Call Service (Non-emergency medical advice and assistance outside regular doctor’s office hours)
- 116111: Child and Youth Helpline (Support and assistance for children and teenagers in distress)
- 116123: Emotional Support Helpline (For people in emotional distress)
- 0180XXX – Service Hotlines Numbers starting with “0180” are service hotlines, and the following three digits represent different service categories. The cost of calling these numbers can vary, and charges are typically higher than regular landline rates but lower than mobile rates.
- 0137XXX – Premium Rate Numbers Numbers starting with “0137” are premium rate service numbers. They are used for various services, contests, voting, entertainment, and other special purposes. Calls to these numbers usually involve higher charges, and the revenue is shared between the service provider and the telephone company.
- 0800XXX – Toll-Free Numbers Numbers starting with “0800” are toll-free numbers, meaning callers are not charged for making the call. The receiver of the call covers the cost. Many companies and organizations use toll-free numbers for customer support and other services.
- 0900XXX – Special Rate Numbers Numbers starting with “0900” are used for premium-rate services and information lines, such as horoscopes, weather forecasts, and adult content. Calls to these numbers involve higher charges, and the revenue goes to the service provider.
- 0130XXX and 0181XXX – Shared-Cost Numbers Numbers starting with “0130” and “0181” are shared-cost numbers, where the caller and the receiver of the call share the cost. These numbers are often used by businesses for customer service and information hotlines.
It’s essential to be aware of the costs associated with calling special phone numbers, especially premium rate numbers, as they can be significantly higher than standard call rates. Always check the applicable rates before making calls to special phone numbers in Germany.
What Are German Area Codes?
In Germany, area codes (Vorwahlnummern) are used to identify specific geographic regions or cities. The length of area codes can vary, and they usually start with a leading zero (0) followed by several digits. Different cities and regions have different area codes. Here are some examples of German area codes for various cities:
| City/Region | Area Code |
|---|---|
| Berline | 030 |
| Gamburg | 040 |
| Munich (München) | 089 |
| Frankfurt | 069 |
| Cologne (Köln) | 0221 |
| Stuttgart | 0711 |
| Düsseldorf | 0211 |
| Leipzig | 0341 |
| Dresden | 0351 |
| Nuremberg (Nürnberg) | 0911 |
What Is the Best Time to Call Germany? [From Different Countries]
The best time to call Germany from different countries depends on the time zone differences and the most suitable hours for making international calls. Here are some guidelines for calling Germany from the US, UK, and India:
1. From the US
Germany is ahead of US Eastern Time (ET) by 6 hours and ahead of US Pacific Time (PT) by 9 hours. To maximize the chances of reaching someone during regular business hours, you can consider calling between:
- 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM ET (3:00 PM to 6:00 PM German time)
- 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM PT (6:00 PM to 9:00 PM German time)
You May Also Read : How to Call Germany from the US?
2. From the UK
Germany is in the same time zone as the UK (GMT/UTC+1) during the non-daylight saving period. When the UK is on daylight saving time (BST/UTC+1), Germany is 1 hour ahead (CEST/UTC+2). To reach someone during regular business hours, you can consider calling between:
- 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM UK time (10:00 AM to 1:00 PM German time) during the non-daylight saving period.
- 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM UK time (11:00 AM to 2:00 PM German time) during the daylight saving period.
3. From India
Germany is ahead of India by 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on the time of the year and the time zone India follows. To maximize the chances of reaching someone during regular business hours in Germany, you can consider calling between:
- 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) (2:00 PM to 5:00 PM German time) during the non-daylight saving period.
- 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM Indian Standard Time (IST) (3:00 PM to 6:00 PM German time) during the daylight saving period.
How to Get a German Phone Number With CallHippo?
CallHippo is a cutting-edge cloud-based phone system and virtual phone number service that empowers businesses to streamline their communication processes and enhance customer interactions. With a strong focus on simplicity, flexibility, and efficiency, CallHippo offers an array of robust features that cater to the diverse needs of modern enterprises.
To get a German phone number with CallHippo, follow the simple steps below:
- Sign Up: Visit the CallHippo website and sign up for an account. You may need to provide some basic information and create login credentials.
- Choose a Plan: Select a suitable plan that offers a German phone number. CallHippo usually offers different plans with varying features and pricing, so choose the one that best fits your needs.
- Select Germany as the Country: During the signup process, specify that you want a German phone number. You will have the option to choose from various German cities or regions for your virtual number.
- Activate Your Number: Once you have completed the registration and provided the necessary information, CallHippo will activate your German phone number. This process may take a short while to complete.
- Configure Call Settings: Customize your call settings, such as call forwarding, voicemail, call recording, and any other features offered by CallHippo.
Once everything is set up and your number is activated, you can start using your German phone number to make and receive calls. Your virtual phone system will handle incoming calls and direct them to your desired destination.
Final Thoughts
Calling Germany from your phone requires understanding the correct phone number format and international dialling codes. Germany’s country code is +49, and when dialing a German landline number, you need to include the area code followed by the local number. The total number of digits in a German landline phone number is typically 10 digits.
By following these guidelines, you can easily place calls to Germany from anywhere in the world, connecting with friends, family, or conducting business in this diverse and vibrant European country.
FAQs
1. How To Find A Phone Number In Germany?
You can find phone numbers in Germany through various online directories or by using search engines specific to German phone listings. Popular websites and local directories often offer search options to locate both residential and business phone numbers in Germany.
2. Do German numbers have 11 digits?
No, German phone numbers typically have 10 digits. This includes the area code (3 to 5 digits) and the local number (5 to 7 digits). When calling from abroad, remember to add the country code (+49) to the 10-digit German number.
3. How much does it cost to call a German number?
The cost of calling a German number depends on your phone plan and the service provider you use. International calling rates may vary significantly between providers, so it’s best to check with your phone carrier for specific rates to Germany.
4. How can I call Germany for free?
Calling Germany for free is possible through various internet-based communication services. Some messaging apps and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) providers offer free calls to Germany and other countries as long as you and the recipient have an internet connection. Be sure to check the terms and conditions of the service to ensure free calling eligibility.
Updated : November 6, 2024
Supriya Bajaj is a senior content developer with immense experience in the VoIP telephony domain. With a deep knowledge of VoIP systems and emerging technologies in the field, she provides insightful and targeted content. Known for simplifying complex topics and her thought-leadership articles, Supriya delivers actionable content for both technical and non-technical audiences.
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