Mobile phone numbers in Germany are separate from landline numbers. They start with the prefix 015 to 017 (though more recently, mobile https://bcellphonelist.com/america-cell-phone-number-list/ numbers may also start with 01).
For example:
- Mobile Number: 0171 1234567
In the international format:
- +49 171 1234567
Dialing Procedures
When dialing a German phone number from within the country, you include the area code and local number:
- Local Call: Dial the area code (including the leading zero) followed by the local number.
- Long-Distance Call: Also includes the area code, even if the call is within the same country but outside your local area.
Dialing from Abroad
When dialing a German Facilitating Number Portability number from abroad, follow these steps:
- Dial Your Country’s International Access Code: This varies by country (e.g., 011 in the US).
- Dial the Country Code for Germany: Which is 49.
- Dial the Area Code: Omit the leading zero.
- Dial the Local Number: As provided.
For example, calling Berlin from the US:
- International Access Code: 011
- Country Code: 49
- Area Code: 30
- Local Number: 1234567
Complete dialing sequence: 011 49 30 1234567.
Special Considerations
Germany has standardized emergency numbers that are used nationwide:
- Police: 110
- Ambulance/Fire: 112
These numbers are accessible from any phone, including mobile phones, and do not require an area code.
VoIP and Internet Calls
With the advent of VoIP services, you can call German numbers over the internet using services like Skype or WhatsApp. In these cases, you use the international format of the phone number and might not need to dial country codes if the app auto-configures this for you.
Number Portability
In Germany, as in many other countries, you can retain your phone number when switching service providers. This is known as number portability and ensures that you don’t have to change your number if you switch carriers.
