🇩🇪 Germany · Country Code +49
Germany Country Code +49 – How to Call Germany, Area Codes & Time Zones
Use this page as your complete reference for calling Germany: country calling code +49, major city area codes, German phone number formats, time zones (CET / CEST), emergency numbers, and practical tips for international business calls.
Quick Dialing Summary
Germany – Country & Telecommunication Facts
Germany (DE / DEU) is a major economy in Central Europe using the Euro (EUR) and a single national calling code +49. The country follows Central European Time and Central European Summer Time, which is important when planning international business calls.
Country
Germany
Official: Federal Republic of Germany
Region
Europe · European Union
Central Europe
Capital city
Berlin
ISO codes
DE (alpha-2) · DEU (alpha-3)
Top-level domain: .de
Currency
Euro (EUR, €)
Time zone
CET (UTC+1) · CEST (UTC+2, summer)
Single national time zone
How to Call Germany from Abroad
The Germany country code is +49. When dialing from another country, you must first dial your country’s international exit code, then 49, followed by the German area or mobile code without the leading 0, and finally the local subscriber number.
Standard international dialing format
- Drop the leading 0 from German area or mobile codes when calling from abroad.
- Keep the leading 0 when dialing within Germany.
- Mobile numbers usually start with 015, 016 or 017.
Common dialing examples
From the United States / Canada to Berlin
011 49 30 1234567
011 (US/CA exit code) + 49 (Germany) + 30 (Berlin, without 0) + local number.
From the United Kingdom to Munich
00 49 89 7654321
00 (UK exit code) + 49 (Germany) + 89 (Munich, without 0) + local number.
From inside Germany (domestic call)
0 40 1234567
Use trunk prefix 0 + area code (e.g. 40 for Hamburg) + local number when calling from another region.
Germany Phone Number Formats & Area Codes
Germany uses an open dialing plan with variable lengths for area codes and subscriber numbers. Larger cities tend to have shorter area codes and longer local numbers. Special prefixes are reserved for mobile, toll-free and premium-rate services.
Typical German number formats
| Type | Prefix (domestic) | Example (inside Germany) | Example (from abroad) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geographic landline | 0 + area code | 030 1234567 (Berlin) | +49 30 1234567 |
| Mobile | 015 / 016 / 017 | 0151 2345678 | +49 151 2345678 |
| Toll-free | 0800 | 0800 1234567 | May not be free from abroad; check your provider. |
| Premium-rate | 0900 / 0180 | 0900 123456 | Often charged at high rates – warn customers/staff. |
| Short emergency | 110 / 112 | 112 (fire & ambulance) | Reachable inside Germany only. |
Major German city area codes
Remove the leading 0 when dialing from outside Germany.
| City | Area code (local) | International format |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin | 030 | +49 30 xxx xxxx |
| Hamburg | 040 | +49 40 xxx xxxx |
| Munich (München) | 089 | +49 89 xxx xxxx |
| Frankfurt am Main | 069 | +49 69 xxx xxxx |
| Cologne (Köln) | 0221 | +49 221 xxx xxxx |
Quick tips for accurate dialing
- Always remove the first 0 from area and mobile codes when you dial from outside Germany.
- For business contacts, store numbers in full international format (E.164), e.g. +49 30 1234567.
- Be cautious with 0900 / 0180 premium numbers – charges can be very high from overseas.
- Mobile numbers usually keep the same format nationwide; area codes mainly matter for fixed lines.
Time Zones in Germany
Germany uses a single time zone nationwide. Standard time is Central European Time (CET, UTC+1), and in summer the country switches to Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2). This is critical for scheduling international calls and virtual meetings.
German time zone overview
| Period | Abbreviation | UTC offset | Typical months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard time | CET | UTC +1 | Late Oct – late Mar |
| Daylight saving | CEST | UTC +2 | Late Mar – late Oct |
Most of continental Europe follows the same CET/CEST pattern, which simplifies regional scheduling for EU-based teams.
Business calling window (typical)
German offices usually operate between 09:00 and 18:00 local time, Monday to Friday. For international calls:
- From Asia: late afternoon / early evening in your time is often best for overlapping working hours.
- From the Americas: early morning (your time) usually aligns with mid-day in Germany.
- Always check if Germany is on CET or CEST, as the one-hour shift can affect meeting times.
Emergency & Useful Phone Numbers in Germany
When doing business or traveling in Germany, it’s helpful to know the national emergency numbers and important service hotlines. These short codes can be dialed from any phone inside the country.
Key emergency and service numbers
| Service | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All emergencies (EU standard) | 112 | Fire brigade, ambulance, rescue services. Works across the EU. |
| Police | 110 | Direct connection to the police for urgent incidents. |
| On-call medical service | 116 117 | Non-life-threatening medical issues outside regular office hours. |
| Public administration service | 115 | Information and appointment booking for many local authorities. |
| Blocking lost bank / credit cards | 116 116 | Central hotline to block many German payment cards. |
Note: These numbers are intended for use within Germany. From abroad, you should contact local embassies, consulates or your German partners instead of dialing short emergency codes.
Practical Q&A for Calling Germany
What is the country code for Germany?
The country calling code for Germany is +49. You dial this after your country’s international exit code whenever you call a German number from outside Germany.
Do I keep the leading zero in the German number?
No. When dialing from abroad, you remove the leading 0 from German area and mobile codes. For example, 030 1234567 (Berlin) becomes +49 30 1234567.
How long are German phone numbers?
Germany uses an open numbering plan. Area codes and subscriber numbers vary in length, and the total national number (excluding country code) is typically between 3 and 13 digits.
What time should I call German businesses?
Standard office hours are usually 09:00–18:00 CET/CEST, Monday to Friday. Always take into account whether Germany is on standard time (CET, UTC+1) or summer time (CEST, UTC+2).
Related European Country Codes
Germany shares borders and close business links with several other European countries. Explore their country codes and dialing guides: