German phone numbers vary in length, so there is no single answer to how many digits in a German phone number. Nationally, a German phone number can be as short as 3 digits or as long as 13 digits, and when dialed internationally with the +49 country code, it can reach up to 15 digits total.
Structure of a German phone number
A German phone number is built from three main parts: the country code (+49), the domestic trunk prefix (0), and the national significant number. The national significant number itself is split into an area or service code (usually 2 to 5 digits) and a subscriber number (usually 3 to 13 digits). Because Germany uses an open numbering plan, the length of the area code and the subscriber number trade off against each other. A short area code means a longer subscriber number, and a long area code means a shorter subscriber number. This is why the total number of digits changes depending on where and what type of number you are calling. The area code is enclosed in parentheses and the local number is separated by a space in typical written format, e.g., (030) 1234567. Understanding these phone number formats and digits helps you dial correctly whether you are calling across town or from another country.
Landline vs. mobile number lengths
Newly assigned landline numbers in Germany are typically 11 digits long when dialed domestically, including the area code. Some large-city numbers, such as those in Berlin with the area code 030, can be 10 digits domestically. Toll-free numbers often start with 0800 and have a total of 12 digits. Mobile numbers in Germany usually start with the prefixes 15, 16, or 17 after the +49 country code. The domestic length of a mobile number varies by the specific prefix and the subscriber number that follows, so there is no single fixed length for all mobile numbers.
How to dial a German number from abroad
When you dial a German number from outside the country, you must drop the leading '0' from the area code. For example, if the domestic number is 030 1234567, you dial +49 30 1234567. This changes the digit count you actually enter on your phone, because the international format uses +49 instead of the domestic trunk prefix 0. The full international form of a German phone number, including the +49 country code, can be up to 15 digits total.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many digits are in a German phone number?
There is no single fixed length. The national number can be 3 to 13 digits, and the international form can be up to 15 digits total.
What is Germany's country code?
Germany's country code is +49.
Do you keep the 0 when dialing from abroad?
No. The leading 0 is dropped after +49 in international format.
Why do German phone numbers have different lengths?
Germany uses an open numbering plan where area codes and subscriber numbers vary in length.
Are mobile numbers always the same length in Germany?
No. Mobile numbers typically start with 15, 16, or 17 after +49, but their domestic length varies by the specific prefix and subscriber number.
