About Germany
Germany is at the heart of Europe and is the most influential country on the continent as it is located in the western and central Europe. It has a rich history and an influential role in global affairs in the 20th century. Germany is known for its advancement in science and technology engineering, and robust economy in the European Union. The most famous cities of Germany are Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt which are hub of international business. You don’t want to miss the latest technology Germany has shown commitment to sustainability goals and is a leader in video various leading industries like automobile and renewable energy sources. Who cares that’s taking beauty from towns to bigger cities making it an attractive international tourist destination.
What is Germany’s Country Code?
The country code used to make calls in Germany is +49. It is an important part of the international calling system which makes conversations happen seamlessly beyond national borders of the country. The use of code +49 is unique for Germany in the international calling system. Use of this code is a must when calling from another country. This is used in conjunction with area code and the number of the person you are calling. Plus, it is also used in various applications for registration and in online communication networks to become part of global communication.
Area Codes of Germany
The German word for Area codes is known as “Vorwahlen” which is essential to the calling system on which the dialing and calling is based in Germany. There are fixed area codes for different regions and localities across the country. Mostly these area codes are constituted of two parts: zeros at the start and then digits which denote specific area. For the city of Munich, for instance, the area code is 089.
Another interesting thing is that for larger cities there are short codes while for smaller cities the area codes used are longer in range. The whole purpose of this unique area identification system is to facilitate communication at local and international level. Plus, area codes ensure the well-structured communication networks based on telecommunication networks work smoothly across the region.
| City or Region | Area Code |
| Berlin | 030 |
| Munich | 089 |
| Hamburg | 040 |
| Cologne | 0211 |
| Hannover | 0511 |
| Leipzig | 0341 |
Calling Format For Germany
There is a systematic structure of numbers used in Germany for making calls at national and international level for smooth communication and conversations. Generally, the format of phone numbers while calling Germany has 3 major parts. First part is the country code, the second part is the area code of a specific region, and third is the local number of a designated person or entity. For instance, if you wish to make calls while living in German territory then making calls to other areas in the country does not necessitate the use of country code +49. In fact, you will use 0 before proceeding to area code. Imagine you are calling a friend living in Munich, you would dial 089 before the local number as discussed as part 3.
On the other hand, if you want to make a call while living in Nepal or anywhere outside Germany then use of country code +49 is mandatory along with area code minus 0 and then local number of your friend. Let’s understand it by an example. Suppose you are living in China and want to make a call in Hamburg, you would dial +49 40 46789566.A point to remember is that total digits in a phone number in Germany can vary due to the closed numbering plan.
Let’s understand it bit-by-bit.
Calling Format of German
- Country Code : The country code of Germany is +49 . You can also write it as 0049.
- Area Code: It has about two to five digits in it. It signifies the specific area you are trying to reach in Germany. kindly start with 0 if you are within Germany.
- Local number: It consists of 3-9 digits.
German Phone Number Example
A. When You Call a Landline Number in Berlin
Your dialing number will look like this when you make a call from abroad. +49 30 2332127
Your dialing number will look like this when you call while residing in Germany. 030 9876543
B. When You Call Landline Number in Hamburg
Your dialed number will look like this when it is made from within the German territory: 040 1298453
Your dialed number will look like this when it is made from abroad to Germany:
- +49 401982734
C. When Calling on A Mobile Number
When you are making a call while residing within the country it looks like this: 015 19871235
If you are making a call while being outside the country it will look like this:
- +49 151 19871235
D. When You Are Calling On A Toll-Free Number
The format of number when you call a toll free number while living in the country will look like this: 0800 9871235
When you call a toll free number while living outside Germany it will look like this: +49 800 9871235
E. When You Are Calling A High Premium Rate Number
Remember, when you are calling a premium rate number it will look like this:
- 0900 9876543
However, when you are outside Germany it will look like this: +49 900 1234567
Always remember to drop 0 from a number of area codes when you are calling outside German.
Special Phone Numbers in Germany
Germany uses several specialized phone numbers that serve different purposes beyond regular telephone numbers:
112 – Emergency Services: This is Germany’s primary emergency number for police, fire, and medical assistance. It’s recognized nationwide and is free to call from any landline or mobile phone.
115 – Citizen’s Helpline: This non-emergency number provides information about public services, government offices, administrative procedures, and general inquiries. It acts as a central contact point for citizens seeking information related to public administration.
116XXX – Harmonized Service Numbers: These numbers are standardized across the European Union for specific services. In Germany, examples include:
- 116117: Medical On-Call Service, offering non-emergency medical advice and assistance outside of regular doctor’s office hours.
- 116111: Child Helpline, providing support for children and young people in distress.
- 116123: Emotional Support Helpline, for individuals experiencing emotional distress.
0180XXX – Service Hotlines: These numbers are used by businesses and organizations for customer service and technical support. The cost of calling these numbers can vary, often higher than standard landline rates but lower than mobile rates.
0800XXX – Toll-Free Numbers: Numbers starting with “0800” are free for the caller, with the receiving party covering the cost. These are commonly used by companies for customer service and support lines.
0900XXX – Premium Rate Numbers: These numbers are used for services like entertainment, horoscopes, or adult content. Calls to these numbers usually involve higher charges, with revenue shared between the service provider and the telephone company.
015, 016, 017 – Mobile Networks: These prefixes are used for mobile phone numbers in Germany, indicating specific mobile service providers.
It’s important to be aware of the costs associated with these special numbers, as they can be significantly higher than standard call rates. Always verify the applicable rates before dialing special numbers in Germany.
| Number Prefix | Service Type | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 112 | Emergency Services | Police, fire, and medical emergencies | Free for callers |
| 115 | Citizen’s Helpline | Information on public services and government inquiries | Standard call rates |
| 116XXX | Harmonized Service Numbers | EU-wide services (e.g., medical advice, child helpline) | Free for callers |
| 0180XXX | Service Hotlines | Customer service and technical support | Higher than standard landline rates |
| 0800XXX | Toll-Free Numbers | Free calls for customers, costs covered by receiver | Free for callers |
| 0900XXX | Premium Rate Numbers | Premium services like entertainment and horoscopes | High charges, revenue to provider |
| 015, 016, 017 | Mobile Networks | Mobile phone numbers | Standard mobile call rates |
Special Prefixes for German Phone Numbers
In Germany, phone numbers have specific prefixes that offer important details about the service or network linked to the number. These prefixes are crucial for dialing correctly and understanding the costs associated with different types of calls:
- 0: This prefix is used for local calls within Germany. When dialing within a city or region, it is added before the area code.
- 0800: Reserved for toll-free numbers, allowing callers to make free calls, with the recipient covering the cost.
- 0180: Used for service hotlines, typically by businesses for customer service and technical support.
- 0900: Associated with premium-rate services, often involving higher charges.
- 015, 016, 017: These prefixes denote mobile phone numbers, with specific digits indicating the mobile service provider.
| Prefix | Service/Network Type |
|---|---|
| 0 | German Telephone Network |
| 0800 | Toll-Free Numbers |
| 0180 | Service Hotlines |
| 0900 | Premium Rate Numbers |
| 015, 016, 017 | Mobile Networks |
By understanding these prefixes and their associated services, you can ensure accurate dialing and be aware of the costs involved when calling different numbers in Germany.
Mistakes To Avoid Before Calling
Don’t miss the first zero
You must always remember to put 0 before the area code when you are calling someone living in Germany and you also happen to be there. Take for example, For Hamburg, use 040 not just 40 in order to make a correct communication line.
Forgetting About the country code
Suppose you are touring in Pakistan and want to make a call in Germany. As this call would be from outside Germany you cannot make a mistake of not putting in the country code. For instance, the number you will be dialing in Munich would go like this , +49 89 67349812.
Mistake in the format of dialing number
You need to follow the correct format of the number you are dialing to make a call in Germany. In case of any spaces or putting any dash will result in failure to make a call. Take a look at this number, +494078345612
Dialing Wrong Area code
One of the most serious mistakes you have to avoid is using the wrong area code. Double check the area code you are dialing to make a call in a certain city or region. As each area code is unique and you can save yourself a lot of stress by verifying area code first before dialing.
Not Verifying Time Zone Differences
As Germany is located in central Europe, it has a Central European Time CET time zone which is different from PST and other time zones. In some cases there is a difference of hours, for instance, the EST zone is 6 hours back with respect to the CET Zone of Germany. Always be conscious while dialing whether it is you are calling a friend or some business you wanted to have a business call.
Not Knowing Even Basic German
It is not a technical mistake but a cultural one which might be hurdle in the clear communication with people living in Germany. English is spoken by many in Germany but still it is good idea to have some grasp of basic German language. For example, the German for words like Hello, Thank You, and Sorry will help you navigate foreign communication better.
Mixing up Mobile and Landline codes
The dialing codes for calling in Germany are not the same for calling by phone and landline. There is a use of prefix 01 in numbers used for mobile phone dialing like 0170 or 0160. On the other hand, landline numbers depend upon area codes which vary according to the geographical area and region in the country. For instance, you use 030 for Berlin and 0211 for Cologne. If you happen to make a mistake here in prefix or area code you will not go through to the targeted individual.
Incorrect understanding of Local Dialing Rules
There are different dialing rules for some phone numbers in Germany which if you do not know may lead to call failures or wrong number calls which you do not intend. There are special dial prefixes for information centers, hotlines, and even hotels. For example, 0800 are toll free numbers, 0810 for non emergency services, and 0900 for high rate services. If you make a mistake in these dialing rules it might cost you extra or you might not reach your targeted audience for which you made the call.
Avoiding Checking the number validity
This is a crucial mistake you may make when you are going to make a call. Confirming numbers beforehand saves a lot of time and stress which may come later when you fail to connect to your intended audience. For example ,if it is a company whom you are calling, it is important to verify the number from a business website or some directory before making the call.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the country code of Germany is there for smooth calling at international level which is part of its communication and telecommunication network. It makes it possible for people living in other countries to comfortably call their friends, family and business related calls to Germany. For efficient use of the calling system the use of correct dialing of area codes is significant.
You cannot make errors while distinguishing between area codes of various cities like Berlin and Munich. Each has its own area code which is needed to be used correctly in correct format for successful international calling experience and also national calling experience. There are different dialing codes for toll free and information centers. You must have complete knowledge before making that call.
Last but not the least, always check the time zone you are currently in and the German time zone before making calls as sometimes there is a difference of more than 9 hours which makes you schedule calls differently. To have a clear communication, learn basic German and use correct number format to reach your intended individual or entity.
