To dial a German phone number from the United States, you must first dial the US exit code (011), then Germany's country code (49), and finally the German number with its leading zero removed. For mobile phones, you can replace the exit code with a plus sign (+), so the correct sequence to how to dial german phone number is +49 followed by the number without the leading zero.
How to Dial a German Phone Number: The Quick Formula
[Exit Code] + 49 + [German Number without the leading 0]
From the US or Canada, dial 011 49 [number]. From most other countries, dial 00 49 [number]. On any mobile phone, simply dial +49 [number]. The plus sign automatically selects the correct international exit code for your location, making it the easiest method for international calling codes and dialing.
German Phone Number Formats You Need to Know
German phone numbers have two main formats: landline and mobile. Landline numbers consist of an area code (2 to 5 digits) followed by a subscriber number (3 to 9 digits). When dialed internationally, the total length including the country code is 10 to 14 digits. Mobile numbers domestically begin with prefixes like 015, 016, or 017. When dialing from abroad, you drop the leading zero, so 0151 becomes 151 after the country code (e.g., +49 151...). Specific mobile network prefixes (provider codes) like T-Mobile (0171), Vodafone (0172), and O2 (0176) exist.
Step-by-Step: Dialing a German Landline from Abroad
- Dial your country's international exit code (011 from the US/Canada, 00 from most other countries, or + on a mobile).
- Dial Germany's country code: 49.
- Dial the German area code without its leading zero. For example, Berlin's domestic area code is 030, so you dial 30. When dialing a landline within the same area code in Germany, you can typically omit the country code and international access code.
- Dial the local subscriber number.
Example: A Berlin number written domestically as 030 12345678 becomes 011 49 30 12345678 from a US landline, or +49 30 12345678 from a mobile phone.
Common German area codes include:
- Berlin: 30
- Munich: 89
- Hamburg: 40
- Frankfurt: 69
Step-by-Step: Dialing a German Mobile Number from Abroad
- Dial your exit code (011 from the US, 00 from most countries, or + on mobile).
- Dial Germany's country code: 49.
- Dial the mobile prefix without the leading zero. A domestic prefix like 0151 becomes 151.
- Dial the remaining subscriber number.
Example: A German mobile number written domestically as 0151 12345678 becomes 011 49 151 12345678 from a US landline, or +49 151 12345678 from a mobile phone. Calling a mobile phone number in Germany can be more expensive than calling a landline; check with your service provider for international calling rates and any special packages or plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the emergency number in Germany?
The emergency number in Germany is 112. It works for medical, fire, and police emergencies and can be dialed from any phone, including mobile phones without a SIM card.
Can I use my foreign cell phone in Germany?
Yes, you can use your cell phone in Germany, but check with your provider for roaming charges. Your phone must be unlocked and compatible with German network frequencies (GSM 900/1800, UMTS, or LTE). If you want to avoid roaming fees, you can purchase a prepaid German SIM card.
Can I use a German SIM card in my phone?
Yes, as long as your phone is unlocked and compatible with German network frequencies. You can buy a prepaid SIM card in Germany and insert it to make calls, send messages, and use mobile data with a German number.
How do I call a German number from a US cell phone?
Dial +49 followed by the German number without the leading zero. For example, to call a Berlin landline (030 12345678), dial +49 30 12345678. To call a German mobile (0176 12345678), dial +49 176 12345678.
How do I call London from US cell phone?
How do I call England cell phone?
When calling from a different time zone, be mindful of the time difference to avoid disrupting someone's sleep or causing inconvenience; schedule calls within reasonable hours. It is considered impolite to call someone during their mealtime or late in the evening; regular business hours are typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. When making a phone call, especially to someone who may not have your number saved, introduce yourself at the beginning and clearly state your name and the purpose of the call. It is customary to address people using formal titles and last names (e.g., Herr or Frau) in professional or business settings. If you are not fluent in German, it is polite to ask the person if they speak English before continuing the conversation in English.
