Germany Phone Numbers: Format, Examples, & Tips

When dialing within Germany, landline numbers include an area code and a subscriber number, while mobile numbers start with the mobile prefix followed by the subscriber number.

To call a German number from outside Germany, the structure includes the International Access Code or exit code of the caller's country, the German country code, the area code or mobile prefix without a leading zero, and the subscriber number.

1. IAC: The IAC or exit code is the number you dial to place an international call from your country. This code varies depending on where you’re calling from.
   
   When dialing Germany from abroad, the IAC is entered before Germany’s country code. On mobile phones, you can simply use the “+” sign instead of the exit code, making international dialing more convenient.
    
2. Country Code: The country code for Germany is 49. This must be dialed after the IAC when calling a German number from abroad.
    

3. Area Code: Germany has a variable area code system based on geographic regions. They are usually two to five digits long.
   
   Here’s a list of popular area codes in Germany:

   Cities	Area Code
   Berlin	030
   Munich	089
   Hamburg	040
   Frankfurt	069
   Cologne	221
   Stuttgart	0711
   Dortmund	0231

4. Mobile Prefix: Mobile phone numbers in Germany use specific prefixes that start with “01”. These prefixes, usually 3 to 4 digits long, help identify the mobile network operator.
    
5. Subscriber Number: The subscriber number represents the unique phone number for an individual or business within the specified network. In Germany, it generally consists of 4 to 8 digits.

When calling a German number from within Germany, dial the area code with a leading 0 for landlines or the mobile prefix with a leading 0 for mobile phones, followed by the subscriber number. For toll-free calls, dial prefixes like 0800 along with the subscriber number.

To make local landline calls in Germany, you need to dial the area code for the region and the subscriber's landline number. Area codes can range from 2 to 5 digits in length (not counting the “0”), while subscriber numbers vary between 3 to 8 digits, and the total number must not exceed 11 digits.

When calling a landline within the same area code, you do not need to dial the area code, only the subscriber number.

When calling a German mobile number locally, you must dial the full mobile number, which includes the mobile network prefix followed by the subscriber number. 

Toll-free numbers in Germany begin with the prefix 0800. These numbers can be dialed at no charge to the caller, as the receiving business or organization covers the cost. They are commonly used for customer service lines, helplines, or support centers.

Germany uses standard European emergency numbers, allowing fast access to emergency services nationwide. These numbers are short, three-digit codes that are free to call from any phone.110 connects you to the police for crimes or accidents, while 112 is used for medical emergencies and the fire brigade.

When calling a German landline number internationally, dial your country’s exit code, Germany’s country code, the area code without the leading zero, and the subscriber number. For calling a German mobile number, dial your country’s exit code, Germany’s country code, the mobile prefix without the leading zero, and the subscriber number.

To call a German landline number from abroad, dial your country’s international exit code, then enter Germany's country code, the area code of your desired destination, but without the leading zero and the subscriber number.

Here is how to call a German landline from the UK: 00 49 40 1234567 or +49 40 1234567.

Where,

• 00 - International Access Code for the UK
• 31 - Country code for Germany
• 10 - Area code for Hamburg
• 123 4567 - Subscriber landline number

To call a German mobile number from overseas, dial the international exit code of the country you’re calling from, then enter Germany’s country code, followed by the mobile prefix without a leading zero and the subscriber number.

Here is how to call a German mobile number from Canada: 011 49 160 12345678 or +49 160 12345678.

Where,

• 011 - International Access Code for Canada
• 31 - Country code for Germany
• 10 - Mobile prefix (without the leading 0)
• 123 4567 - Subscriber mobile number 

Before calling Germany, make sure you follow the correct dialing format, have a stable network, and check the calling cost with your provider. Also, keep in mind the time difference, as Germany is in Central European Time (CET, UTC +1) and Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC +2) during daylight saving.

The German dialing format follows a specific international structure. The most critical rule is to drop the leading zero (0) from the German area code or mobile prefix when dialing from outside the country.

Ensure that you have a stable network before placing your call. Poor mobile reception and low internet bandwidth can cause call drops, delays, or poor audio quality. For important calls, test your connection in advance or use a reliable calling service.

International calls to Germany can vary in price depending on your service provider and the calling plan. It's wise to check with your carrier to understand the rates or see if there are any international calling plans available. Planning ahead can help you avoid unexpected charges on your phone bill.

Germany operates on Central European Time (CET), which is UTC+1, and switches to Central European Summer Time (CEST), UTC+2, during daylight saving months (late March to late October).

Before making a call, be sure to check the current time in Germany to avoid calling too early in the morning or late at night. Generally, the best time to call Germany is between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM local time, as this aligns with normal business hours.

International Dialing Format For Germany Landline Number When Calling From US: 011 49 89 1234567 (US exit code + Germany Country Code + Area Code + Local Number)
 

International Dialing Format For Germany Mobile Number When Calling From US: 011 49 160 12345678 (US exit code + Germany Country Code + mobile prefix + Local Number)

German phone number format consists of special dialing codes like area codes, mobile network prefixes, and local numbers. These calling codes have their own unique role when connecting your calls to the country.

While understanding the dialing rules is essential, it’s also important to consider the cost of calling a German number. International calls to Germany can be costly. A reliable alternative is using a German virtual phone number through a VoIP-based solution like Calilio.