Emergency contacts in Germany

Living in or visiting Germany can be an amazing experience, and knowing how to get help in an emergency can give you peace of mind. This simple guide will walk you through the key emergency services available and how to use them.

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1. Important Emergency Numbers

Germany has two main emergency numbers that everyone should know:

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112 for Medical Emergencies, Fire, or Life-Threatening Situations

‍This number connects you to emergency services like ambulances and the fire department. It works across Europe, and operators can assist you in both German and English.

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Call 112 if you or someone else is experiencing:

• Severe difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Intense dizziness or loss of consciousness
• Accidents and injuries
• Pregnancy complications
• Mental health crises or risk of suicide
• Drug overdose or allergic reactions

More details on 112 instruction guide from Little Red Cross here

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110 for Police Assistance
Call 110 for police support in non-life-threatening situations, such as theft or suspicious activity.

Both emergency numbers are free and available 24/7. When calling, try to stay calm and give clear details about what’s happening, where you are, and how many people are involved.

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2. Poisoning or Chemical Exposure

If someone has been poisoned or exposed to harmful chemicals, you can call one of Germany’s Poison Control Centers (Giftnotrufzentralen) for expert advice.

Here are some key contact numbers:
📍 Berlin – 030 19240
📍 Munich – 089 19240
📍 Bonn – 0228 19240
📍 Freiburg – 0761 19240
📍 Mainz – 06131 19240

For a full list and more details, visit the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) website.

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3. Nora Emergency App - Help Without Calling

The Nora app is Germany’s official emergency app, designed especially for people who:

• Have speech or hearing impairments
• Struggle to communicate over the phone
• Don’t speak German fluently

The app allows you to request emergency help with just a few taps.

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4. Non-Emergency Medical Help

If you need medical care but it’s not an emergency, you have options:

• Call your local doctor (Hausarzt) during office hours.
• Visit an urgent care clinic (Ärztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst) for after-hours medical help. Call 116 117 to find the nearest clinic

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5. Support for Refugees and Newcomers

If you’re new to Germany, extra support is available:
Germany4Ukraine - Emergency Help - A helpful portal with emergency medical and support services for refugees. Visit their website for details.

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6. Tips to Stay Prepared

✔ Save emergency numbers in your phone (112, 110, and Poison Control).
✔ Learn basic German phrases for emergencies, like "Ich brauche Hilfe" (I need help) or "Es gab einen Unfall" (There’s been an accident).
✔ Keep a first aid kit at home and in your car.
✔ When in doubt, call 112—the emergency services will guide you.

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Germany has a well-organized emergency system to ensure you get the help you need, whenever you need it. By staying informed and prepared, you can protect yourself and those around you. If you ever find yourself unsure, don’t hesitate to ask for help as support is always available. 💙