Accessing Emergency Services in Germany

In Germany, knowing who to call and where to go in an emergency can make all the difference.

But between different numbers for police, fire, and medical help (not to mention after-hours services) it’s easy to feel unsure of what to do when something goes wrong.

The good news is that Germany’s emergency system is well-organized and accessible, even if you don’t speak German.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• The key emergency numbers in Germany; and when to use each one
• What to do in a life-threatening situation
• How to access urgent medical care after hours
• Where to go for mental health, dental, or pharmacy emergencies
• What to expect with ambulances, hospital visits, and possible costs

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to get emergency help in Germany; quickly and safely.

Emergency contact numbers for Germany

Whether you live in Germany or are just visiting, it’s important to know who to call if something goes wrong. Below is a list of helpful emergency numbers and when to use them.

Reference guide

What to do in an emergency

For life-threatening emergencies

Call 110 for the police or 112 for ambulance and fire services. These numbers are free and work from any phone, even without a SIM card.

Use only for serious issues like:

• A heart attack
• Severe difficulty breathing
• Someone unconscious
• A car crash

Non-urgent medical issues

Call 116 117 if:

• You’re sick after regular clinic hours.
• You have a mild fever, sore throat, or earache.
• You need a doctor, but it’s not life-threatening.

This connects you to Germany’s on-call medical service. They’ll advise you and send a doctor to your home or direct you to a clinic if needed.

Silent emergency call (for unsafe situations)

If you find yourself in a dangerous situation where you cannot speak freely, such as in cases of domestic violence or abduction, Germany offers a Silent Emergency Call option:

1. Dial 110 (police)
2. When the call is answered, press 5 and then 5 again.

This alerts police that you need help, but are unable to speak. It’s a life-saving feature for situations where making noise could put you at greater risk.

How to access emergency services in Germany

Emergencies are stressful. Knowing who to call and where to go can save time and lives. Here’s a simple breakdown of what to do in different types of emergencies in Germany.

Hospitals and emergency rooms (Notaufnahme)

If you have a serious medical emergency, visit a hospital’s Notaufnahme (emergency department). Most hospitals in Germany have one.

• How to find one: Use the Deutsches Krankenhausverzeichnis (DKV) online directory or ask your local doctor.
• When in doubt: Call an ambulance. They’ll take you to the nearest hospital with the right equipment.

After moving to Germany, find out which hospital is closest to you. Save the address and phone number somewhere handy.

Emergency doctors (Notarzt)

For urgent medical problems where you can’t wait, call 112. This is Germany’s general emergency number for fire, ambulance, and medical help.

• A Notarzt (emergency doctor) may come in a separate car or meet you at the hospital.
• This service is for serious, but not always life-threatening, situations, such as severe chest pain, a bad injury, or sudden trouble breathing.

Think of it this way: if you’d normally rush someone to the hospital but can’t do it safely yourself, 112 is the right call.

Emergency pharmacies

Need medicine late at night or on a Sunday?

• Use Apotheken.de or Aponet.de to find an open pharmacy.
• Enter your city or postal code to find the closest one.
• The sites are in German, but most browsers can translate them for you.

You should turn on your phone’s location services for more accurate results.

Mental health emergencies

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, in emotional distress, or having suicidal thoughts, Germany has free and confidential help 24/7.

• Call the Telefonseelsorge at:

  • 0800 111 0111 or 0800 111 0222

No cost. No judgment. Just someone trained to listen and support you.

For emergencies, dial 112. They can connect you to a hospital with a mental health unit. 

Read more about mental health services in Germany.

Dental emergencies

• Call the Zahnärztlicher Notdienst (on-call dentist service).
• Use this website to search for available dentists near you.
• Hospital emergency rooms or university dental clinics may help or refer you to the right place in severe cases.

Police and crime-related emergencies

In Germany, you should call 110 to contact the police in emergencies such as:

• Witnessing or being involved in a crime (theft, assault, burglary, etc.)
• Domestic violence or abuse
• Traffic accidents, especially with injuries or disputes
• Suspicious activity (e.g., potential break-ins, threats)
• If you feel unsafe or threatened in a public or private space

You may also want to consider these resources in such cases:

• Federal Police contact portal (English): For general questions, travel issues, or reports outside emergencies.
• Victim support services (Weißer Ring): This organization offers free help and counseling for crime victims. It is available in many languages.
• Domestic violence help (Hilfetelefon): Free, 24/7 help in 17 languages. Call 08000 116 016 or chat online.

FAQ: Emergencies in Germany

Do I need to pay for urgent medical care in Germany?

Emergency services at the hospital are generally free of charge for residents in Germany, especially if you have statutory health insurance (ie, public). However, you might need to pay a small fee in certain situations:

• Ambulance: A EUR 10 fee may be required for an ambulance ride unless the emergency is deemed life-threatening.
• Hospital stays: While initial emergency care is covered, if you are admitted for further treatment or need specialized care, you may be responsible for some of the costs, depending on your insurance.

How can I get an interpreter for medical emergencies if I don’t speak German?

In emergencies, medical professionals in larger cities often speak basic English and can also use translation apps to help communicate with non-German speakers. 

If you need an interpreter during a hospital visit, you can request one directly at the hospital’s reception or emergency department. 

Can I use my European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in Germany for emergency care?

Yes, if you’re visiting Germany from another EU country, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) will cover you for emergency medical care. 

However, it will not cover non-urgent services like routine doctor’s visits. 

In case of an emergency, present your EHIC at the hospital, and you will be treated as if you have German health insurance. 

How can I call emergency services if I don’t have a mobile phone?

If you don’t have a mobile phone and need to call emergency services, you can use a landline or a public phone booth. Public phone booths are widely available in Germany, and emergency calls are free.

How long does it take for emergency medical help to arrive in Germany?

Response times for emergency services can vary based on location, traffic, and the nature of the emergency. In major cities, an ambulance usually arrives within 10-15 minutes. In rural areas, the response time may be longer. 

Does calling 911 work in Germany?

No, 911 is the emergency number used in the United States, not Germany. The official emergency numbers in Germany are 112 for ambulance and fire services, and 110 for police.