Emergency numbers in Germany: who to call, and what to say

The three numbers to know now

Program these into your phone before you ever need them:

112 is the big one - it's the single European emergency number, so it works the same across the EU, and it reaches fire and ambulance dispatch. If you're ever unsure between 112 and 110 in a genuine emergency, call 112 - they coordinate with police too.

112 vs 110 vs 116117: which to call

The distinction matters because it routes you to the right help fast:

• 112 - life or property in immediate danger: medical emergencies (heart attack, stroke, serious accident, difficulty breathing, heavy bleeding, unconsciousness), fires, gas leaks. This is fire brigade + emergency medical services.
• 110 - police matters: a crime happening or just happened, a break-in, violence, a serious traffic accident (call 112 too if injuries), someone in danger, or a threat.
• 116117 - medical but not an emergency: you're ill and need a doctor but it's the weekend or night and it can't wait until Monday - a high fever, a bad but stable condition. It sends an on-call doctor or directs you to a Bereitschaftspraxis (on-call practice). It keeps non-emergencies out of 112 and the ER. More on the wider system in German healthcare in practice.

When it's a true emergency, don't agonise over the choice - 112 is always a safe call and they'll route you.

What to say on an emergency call (the 5 Ws)

German dispatchers are trained around the "five Ws" (die fünf W-Fragen) - but you don't need to recite them; just answer their questions and lead with location:

1. Wo? (Where) - the exact location: street, number, city, floor, landmarks. This is the most important thing - say it first, because if the call drops they can still send help.
2. Was? (What) - what happened (accident, fire, collapse, chest pain).
3. Wie viele? (How many) - how many people are injured/affected.
4. Welche? (What kind) - the nature of the injuries or situation.
5. Warten! (Wait) - do NOT hang up first; wait for the dispatcher's questions and instructions - they may talk you through first aid.

Language: 112 operators can generally handle English - say "Do you speak English?" or just start in English and they'll adapt. Stay calm and speak clearly.

Other useful numbers

• 116117 - on-call medical service (above), also findable at 116117.de with a finder for the nearest on-call practice.
• Poison emergencies (Giftnotruf): regional poison-control centres exist - the number varies by region (e.g. Berlin 030 19240). Save your local Giftnotruf number, or call 112 in an acute poisoning.
• ADAC / breakdown: for a car breakdown, ADAC roadside assistance is 089 22 22 22 (members and non-members; members cheaper) - see Buying a car in Germany context. On the Autobahn, orange emergency call boxes connect you to help.
• Sperr-Notruf 116116 - the number to block lost/stolen bank and credit cards (and SIM), an EU-wide card-blocking hotline. Save it - it's the fastest way to stop fraud on a lost card.
• Telefonseelsorge (crisis/emotional support): 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222 - free, confidential, 24/7.

Practical tips for newcomers

• Emergency calls are free and work from any mobile - even a locked phone, no SIM, or no credit can dial 112.
• You don't need German for 112/110 - operators handle English, but knowing "Wo?" (where) helps you lead with the location.
• The ambulance may bill your insurance, not you - emergency treatment is covered; with GKV or PKV you won't face the US-style bill, though there can be a small transport co-pay (Health insurance in Germany).
• Don't call 112 for minor illness - use 116117, a pharmacy, or your GP; misusing 112 ties up genuine emergencies (and abuse can be fined).
• Save all three (112, 110, 116117) now, plus 116116 for cards - part of a sensible Your first 30 days in Germany setup.
• Pharmacies (Apotheke): for minor ailments and advice, a pharmacy is the first stop, and there's always a Notdienst-Apotheke (emergency pharmacy) open at night/weekends on rotation - the nearest one is posted on any pharmacy door.

Frequently asked questions