Emergency Numbers in Germany — Who to Call and When?

The Most Important Emergency Numbers

Germany has several emergency numbers for different situations. All Notruf calls are free — even without credit or a SIM card.

112 is the most important Notruf and applies throughout the entire EU:

Fire and burning — apartment fire, forest fire
Medical emergencies — heart attack, stroke, severe injuries, loss of consciousness
Traffic accidents with injuries
Poisonings with acute life-threatening danger

How to report a Notruf (5 W-questions):

You call 110 for:

Crimes — burglary, theft, robbery, threats
Traffic accidents without injuries (with property damage)
Domestic violence — police can immediately remove the perpetrator from the apartment
Suspicious situations — if you feel unsafe

Non-emergency: For complaints and questions without urgency, visit your local police station or your state's online Polizei office.

If you are sick but it's not an emergency:

Important: 116 117 is not a substitute for the 112 Notruf. Always call 112 in life-threatening situations.

Number	Service	When to Call?
Giftnotruf (regional)	Poison center	Accidental ingestion of chemicals, medications, mushrooms
116 116	Sperrhotline	Block bank card, credit card, SIM card — 24/7
0800 111 0 111	Telefonseelsorge	Psychological crisis, suicidal thoughts — free, anonymous, 24/7
0800 111 0 222	Telefonseelsorge	Alternative number (same service)
08000 116 016	Hilfetelefon Gewalt	Violence against women — free, anonymous, 17 languages

The Giftnotruf is organized regionally. The main numbers:

Speak slowly and clearly — the dispatch center speaks German, and often English for 112
Share your location — enable location sharing on your smartphone
Teach children — children as young as 5 should know 112
Misuse is punishable — false emergency calls can result in fines or imprisonment

Status: March 2026. All information without guarantee.