German Phone Number: Types, Country Code, and How to Get One!

Phone numbers in Germany are regulated by the Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur, BNetzA), which oversees telecommunications and other infrastructure systems in the country. Germany boasts a well-structured telephone numbering system, featuring a country code of +49 and various number formats tailored for different services.

The German phone number system is designed to offer a high level of flexibility and functionality. This includes options like toll-free numbers, premium rate services, and emergency numbers, ensuring that both individuals and businesses can communicate effectively. Understanding this system is crucial for anyone looking to connect with people in Germany, whether for personal or professional reasons.

If you’re a business aiming to establish a local presence in Germany, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to navigate the German phone number system confidently.

What is the phone number for Germany?

The country code for Germany is 0049. Or enter +49. When dialling German phone numbers from abroad, it is important to include the country code and omit the leading zero. Understanding the correct phone number format and international dialling codes is crucial for successfully placing calls to Germany.

Useful German telephone numbers

Telephone numbers that are always useful:

General emergency number: as in other European countries, this is 112.

Police emergency number: 110

Fire brigade rescue service: 112

Federal Ministry of Health (Bürgertelefon) 030 346 465 100

Both 110 and 112 are toll-free numbers that can be dialled from any landline or mobile phone. The universal emergency number 112 is recognized across all European Union member countries.

Dialing German phone numbers

To dial a German phone number, you need to know the country code (+49) and the area code or prefix of the numberyou are trying to reach. The area code, known as Vorwahl, can vary in length from two to five digits, depending on the specific location.

When dialing a German phone number from abroad, you must omit the leading zero of the area code. For example, to dial the phone number 030 12345678 from outside Germany, you would dial +49 30 12345678. Conversely, when dialing from within Germany, you should include the leading zero in the area code.

Some German phone numbers have special formats. Toll-free numbers, for instance, start with 0800, while premium rate services begin with 0900.

By following these guidelines, you can dial German phone numbers with confidence.

As a party outside Germany, can I also get a German number?

Yes you can. But it depends if you have a local office or not. Numbers can be registered with a local office to ensure proper network association. At Belfabriek you can get 3 different types of German phone numbers, which we will briefly explain below.

The process of obtaining these virtual numbers is straightforward, and you can easily manage your porting requests and number purchasing through our service.

Local numbers

Just like many other countries in Germany regional codes are used. Berlin has area code 030. Geographic area codes start with specific digit ranges within Germany, detailing the structure and length of these codes, which can provide information about a subscriber's location within the country.

Does your company have a strong connection to the Berlin region? Then you can order a 030 number through Belfabriek. Belfabriek can register all possible area codes, allowing you to make calls within the same area without dialing the area code. Please contact us!

Please note: a German local phone number requires a local address. This means that you cannot apply for a local area code without having a business address in the city concerned.

National numbers

Would you like to offer your products and/or services throughout Germany? Then a national number 032 is perfect for this. These numbers are not linked to a specific city or region and therefore have a national image. Callers can call these numbers at local rates. There are no additional costs compared to local landline numbers.

New numbers issued since 2010 adhere to a standard length of 11 digits, which includes the area code but excludes the trunk prefix.

0800 numbers (freephone number)

Germany also has 0800 numbers, which callers can call free of charge. The owner of the number pays all call charges. These numbers are great for charities and for highly competitive industries.

It is important to note that toll-free 0800 numbers cannot be called from abroad. Additionally, it is essential to understand the distinction between toll-free numbers and other service numbers, which may include various prefixes and geographic area codes.

Advantages of registering an official phone number from Germany through Belfabriek include:

• Your organization can also be reached by phone in another country

• Features such as welcome text are possible

• No new hardware or telephones required

• Cost-effective calling options using internet-based communication services

Questions? Our staff will be happy to help you!