
Germany has a unique telephone numbering system that can be a bit confusing for foreigners. The country uses an open dialing plan, meaning you only need to dial the local area code if you're calling within the same region.
There are 19 different area codes in Germany, each representing a specific region. For example, the area code 030 is used for Berlin and the surrounding areas.
To make a call from one region to another, you'll need to dial the area code of the region you're calling, followed by the local number.
Format
In Germany, phone numbers have a specific format that can be a bit tricky to understand, but don't worry, I've got you covered.
The country code for Germany is +49 or 0049. This is the first part of the phone number and is used to identify the country.
A German phone number typically has three parts: the country code, the area code, and the local number. The area code is usually 2 to 5 digits long and varies depending on the region.
You can write the phone number without the country code, but you must add a 0 in front of the number. For example, +49 30 901820 becomes 030 901820.
Here's a breakdown of the components in a standard German phone number:
Some phone numbers in Germany have special prefixes that indicate the type of service they provide. For example, 0180 numbers are service hotline numbers, 0800 numbers are toll-free numbers, and 0137 numbers are premium rate service numbers.
When writing a German phone number, you can omit the country code if you're calling from within Germany. However, if you're calling from abroad, you'll need to include the country code. For example, from outside Germany, the phone number +49 30 901820 becomes +49 30 901820, while from within Germany, it becomes 030 901820.
Additional reading: Telecommunications in Germany
Dialing in Germany
Dialing in Germany can be a bit confusing, but don't worry, I've got you covered. You can dial a German phone number by using the international number, which is the easiest way to ensure you get through.
The international number format is +49 followed by the area code and local number. For example, +49 30 901820 is the same as 0049 30 901820, 030 901820, or 901820.
If you're calling from Germany, you can dial the national number, which is the area code followed by the local number, preceded by a 0. For example, 030 901820.
To call a mobile phone number from within Germany, you can drop the country code and just dial the mobile number, preceded by the mobile network prefix. For example, 0151 1234567.
Here's a breakdown of the different formats:
- International number: +49 [area code] [local number]
- National number (from Germany): 0 [area code] [local number]
- Mobile number (from within Germany): [mobile network prefix] [local mobile number]
Remember, the key is to know which format to use depending on where you're calling from and what kind of phone you're using. With a little practice, you'll be dialing like a pro in no time.
Toll-Free and Emergency Numbers
In Germany, you can call emergency numbers without worrying about the cost. The main emergency phone numbers in Germany are 110 and 112.
For crimes, accidents, or other emergencies, you can call 110, which is toll-free and available 24/7. To call 110, simply dial the number without any prefixes or area codes.
For emergency medical services and the fire department, you can call 112. This number is also toll-free and available 24/7, and can be dialed without any prefixes or area codes.
Toll-free numbers in Germany start with 0800 and are completely free for the caller. You can call toll-free numbers from anywhere in Germany by dialing the number without the country code, such as 0800 285 85 85.
If you call from another country, you need to add the country code before the number and remove the first 0, such as +49 800 285 85 85 or 0049 800 285 85 85. Some toll-free numbers may not work with Skype or allow calls from other countries.
Here are the main emergency phone numbers in Germany:
- 110: Police emergency number
- 112: Emergency medical services and fire department
Toll Free

Toll-free numbers are a great way to establish a presence in the German market without breaking the bank. Germany toll-free numbers are a valuable solution for businesses looking to expand into the German market.
A standard Germany toll-free number looks like this: 0800 xxx xxxx. This type of number allows locals to call your business for free, which can help build brand awareness and foster customer loyalty.
You can call German toll-free numbers without the country code, and it will work from anywhere in Germany. For example, 0800 285 85 85. However, if you're calling from another country, you'll need to put the country code before the number, and remove the first 0. For example, +49 800 285 85 85 or 0049 800 285 85 85.
Some toll-free numbers don't work with Skype, or don't let you call from another country. It's essential to check the compatibility of the number before setting it up.
Here are some common special prefixes in Germany:
- 0180: Service hotline numbers (shared costs services)
- 0800: Toll-free numbers (callers can call for free)
- 0137: Premium rate service numbers (elevoting, entertainment, contests)
Emergency

In Germany, there are special phone numbers to call in an emergency, and you can find out more about them on a specific page on our website.
You can call 110 for emergencies requiring the police only, or 112 for emergencies requiring medical assistance or firefighters.
The 112 number is also the universal emergency number all over Europe, and it's the preset number when you enable an emergency SOS call from your cell phone.
Operators on both numbers, 110 and 112, speak German and English, so you can communicate in your preferred language.
Here's a quick summary of the two main emergency phone numbers in Germany:
Don't call these numbers unless there's a real emergency, and remember that they're toll-free and available 24/7.
Dialing from Abroad
To dial a German phone number from abroad, you'll need to use the international format. This means dialing the country code +49, followed by the area code, and then the local number. For example, if you're calling the number +49 30 901820, you can dial it as is from another country.
Suggestion: Mobile Dial Code
If you're calling a landline number from a landline outside of Germany, you'll need to dial the country code, area code, and local number. For example, for the number +49 30 902694000, you would dial: +49 30 902694000.
To call a German mobile number from abroad, you need to dial the country code +49, followed by the mobile prefix, and then the local number. For example, for the number +49 151 1234567, you would dial: +49 151 1234567.
Here's a summary of the international dialing formats for Germany:
Remember to check the exit code for your country before dialing, as it may be different.
Local and Geographic Numbers
Local and geographic numbers in Germany are assigned to specific regions or cities, represented by area codes, also known as the 'Vorwahl.' These numbers are typically charged at local calling rates, resulting in lower costs compared to long-distance or international calls.
Many businesses in Germany opt for local or geographic phone numbers to establish a local presence in a particular area. This gives customers the impression that the business is nearby and easy to reach, which can lead to increased customer satisfaction.
Here's a handy list of major German areas and their area codes:
- Berlin 30
- Cologne 221
- Dresden 351
- Düsseldorf 211
- Frankfurt 69
- Hamburg 40
- Leipzig 341
- Munich 89
- Stuttgart 711
German telecom authorities are very strict in terms of local phone number compliance, requiring businesses to provide in-country business registration and proof of address corresponding to the city the phone number belongs to.
Local or Geographic
These numbers are typically used by businesses to establish a local presence in a particular area, giving customers the impression that the business is nearby and easy to reach.
Businesses that opt for Local or Geographic numbers can expect to see increased customer satisfaction due to lower call costs compared to long-distance or international calls.
Customers like calling Local numbers because they are charged at local calling rates, resulting in lower costs.
A handy list of major German areas and their area codes includes:
- Berlin - 30
- Cologne - 221
- Dresden - 351
- Düsseldorf - 211
- Frankfurt - 69
- Hamburg - 40
- Leipzig - 341
- Munich - 89
- Stuttgart - 711
A German Local or Geographic number format is +49 0211 xxx xxxx, where the area code is arranged by geography.
The area code of German landline numbers is arranged by geography, with major cities having their own unique codes, such as Berlin (030), Munich (089), and Hamburg (040).
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Mobile
Mobile phone numbers in Germany have a unique format. They start with the non-geographic area code "1", assigned to all mobile phone numbers, followed by a four or five-digit prefix.
All mobile numbers in Germany begin with +491. The prefix can vary in length, but it's no longer tied to specific mobile telephony providers.
Mobile phone numbers can look like this: +49 171 1234567 or 01513 6895430. The area code has nothing to do with geography, but it used to be a network provider code.
You can't drop the area code or prefix when calling from a mobile phone number in Germany. This is different from calling from abroad, where you need to add the +49 or 0049 and drop the first 0 of the prefix.
Dialing Codes and Prefixes
Dialing codes and prefixes are essential to know when calling Germany. The international number format is +49 followed by the area code and local number, for example, +49 30 901820.
The country code for Germany is +49 or 0049, and you only need to add it when calling from abroad. If you're using a country code, drop the "0" from the next part of the number, the local area code.
Germany has over 5,200 geographical area codes, which vary in length between two and five digits. The area code of Berlin is 030, Munich is 089, and Frankfurt is 069.
To dial a phone number in Germany, the number you input can change depending on where you're calling from and what kind of phone you're using. If you're calling from a landline outside of Germany, you need the country code, the area code, and the local number.
Special prefix telephone numbers in Germany can be very costly to call. Watch out for numbers like 0190 or 0900, which can cost up to 25 euros per minute to call from a landline, and even more from a mobile. Other special prefix numbers include 0180, 0137, and 0800, which have varying costs and uses.
Here's a summary of the most common special prefix numbers in Germany:
To dial a German landline or mobile number within Germany, you can use the following format: area code + local number for landlines, or mobile network prefix + local mobile number for mobiles.
How to Find?
If you're looking for a phone number in Germany, the easiest place to start is the internet. Most businesses will have their numbers listed on search engines.
To find a phone number for a business in Germany, you can try searching on Google, which might be faster than looking through a phone directory.
You can also consult dastelefonbuch.de, the online version of the old telephone book, to find phone numbers for businesses and individuals.
If you're calling from a landline to another landline within the same area code, you can simply enter the local number. For example, you could dial 902694000.
However, if you're calling from a landline to another landline in a different area code, you need to include the area code, so you would dial 030 902694000.
Example
In Germany, phone numbers can be quite long and confusing, but don't worry, I've got the lowdown.
A German phone number typically consists of three parts: country code, area code, and local number.
For example, a German landline phone number might look like this: +49 30 902694000, which is the same as 0049 30 902694000 or 030 902694000.
If you're calling from another country, you'll need to dial the international number, which includes the country code (+49) and the rest of the number.
If you're calling from within Germany, you can dial the national number, which is the area code (030) followed by the local number.
Here's a breakdown of the different ways to dial a German phone number:
- International number: +49 30 902694000
- National number (from Germany): 030 902694000
- Local number (from the same area): 902694000
It's worth noting that mobile phone numbers in Germany usually start with 015, followed by the rest of the number.
For example, a German mobile phone number might look like this: +49 151 1234567, which is the same as 0049 151 1234567 or 0151 1234567.
Guide to
In Germany, phone numbers can be a bit tricky to understand, but don't worry, I'm here to help you navigate them.
To dial a German phone number, you can start by dialing the international number, which includes the country code +49. This is the easiest way to make sure you get through, especially if you're calling from another country.
You can also dial the national number, which starts with the area code. For example, 030 901820. If you're calling from Germany, this is a good option.
If you're calling from the same area, you can even dial just the local number, like 901820. It's that simple!
Here's a breakdown of the different ways to dial a German phone number:
If you're calling from abroad, you'll need to include the country code and area code, like +49 30 902694000. But if you're calling from a German landline to another landline within the same area code, you can just dial the local number, like 902694000.
If you're calling a mobile phone number from within Germany, you can drop the country code and just dial the mobile prefix and local number, like 0151 1234567. But if you're calling from abroad, you'll need to include the country code, like +49 151 1234567.
Having a German local number can have some strategic advantages, like making it easier for potential customers to remember and contact your business. It can also make your business seem more local and cost-effective to German customers.
To call a landline number within Germany, you'll need to dial the area code and local number, like 030 12345678. And to call a mobile number, you'll need to dial the mobile network prefix and local number, like 0157 1234567.
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Types of Telephone Numbers
Germany has a variety of telephone number types, each serving a unique purpose.
In Germany, special phone number prefixes like 0180, 0800, and 0137 indicate specific services, such as service hotline numbers, toll-free numbers, and premium rate service numbers.
Some special prefixes in Germany include:
- 0180: Numbers starting with 0180 are service hotline numbers, used for shared costs services between caller and receiver.
- 0800: 0800 in Germany is a toll-free number, allowing callers to call these numbers for free.
- 0137: They are the premium rate service numbers used for elevoting, entertainment, contests, and other special services.
Germany's landline phone number format consists of three main components: the area code, local prefix, and local number.
What is a landline?
A landline is a type of telephone connection that uses a physical wire to connect your phone to the telephone network.
In Germany, a landline phone number consists of three main components: the area code, local prefix, and local number.
The area code is usually two to five digits long and represents the specific city or location within Germany.
Here are some popular area codes in Germany:
The local prefix, also known as the network destination code, is the next part of a landline phone number in Germany and helps direct the call to a specific telephone network or local exchange.
The local number is the final part of the landline phone number and typically consists of four to eight digits, uniquely identifying the individual subscriber within the local exchange.
Recommended read: Telephone Exchange
Different Types
There are several types of telephone numbers in Germany, each serving a unique purpose.
In Germany, special phone number prefixes indicate the particular service that is provided by government entities, non-profit organizations, and other similar agencies. These numbers are typically intended to provide services like emergency services, hotlines, customer support, etc.
Intriguing read: Access-independent Services

Some examples of special prefixes in Germany include 0180, 0800, and 0137. Numbers starting with 0180 are service hotline numbers, used for shared costs services between caller and receiver. The calling cost for these numbers varies according to the service.
0800 is a toll-free number in Germany, where callers within Germany can call these numbers for free, whether they are using a landline or mobile number. The owner of the number is charged for the call instead.
0137 is a premium rate service number used for elevoting, entertainment, contests, and other special services. The call rates are typically higher and are charged to your telephone bill.
Germany has a number of special prefix telephone numbers that can be very costly to call, including 0190 or 0900, 0180, 0137, and 0800. These numbers are often used for customer hotlines, company service numbers, telephone voting, or adult entertainment.
Here are some examples of special prefix phone numbers in Germany and their typical costs:
How To Dial
Dialing a German phone number can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got you covered.
To dial a German phone number, you must include the international number, which is the easiest way to ensure you connect with the right person. This number starts with a plus sign (+) followed by the country code (49) and the rest of the phone number.
You can also dial the national number, which is the same as the international number but without the plus sign. This number is used when calling from within Germany.
If you're calling from the same area, you can dial the local number, which is the most straightforward option. However, this only works if you're calling from a landline within the same area code.
Here's a quick rundown of the different ways to dial a German phone number:
If you're calling a mobile phone number from within Germany, you can drop the country code and just dial the mobile network prefix followed by the local mobile number.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace +49 with 0?
When calling within your country, replace the country code (+49) with a single 0, not a replacement of +49 with 0
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