What is the country code for Germany Complete A-Z Guide

Expat life
12 Jun 2024
11 mins read
Written by pranit

Germany’s country code is +49. 

 

Germany is known for its thriving expat population for all good reasons, such as a flourishing economy, world-class education, booming job opportunities, and so on.

 

If you want to get in touch with someone in Germany from any other country, there is a certain dialling format that you need to follow. This includes using the right country and area code for Germany. In this blog, we will discuss how to call Germany and various aspects to remember when making international calls. 

What is the country code for Germany? : Overview 

  • Germany’s country code is +49. 
  • Germany’s country abbreviation (2-digit country code) is DE. 
  • Germany’s 3-digit code is DEU. 

Germany country code: What are country codes?

Country codes play a pivotal role in direct international calling. These are one-, two-, or sometimes three-digit codes that are used as a prefix for the telephone number of that country. While the key purpose of using country dialling codes is to help identify the destination country, they serve many other purposes. 

 

The history of country codes dates back to the 1960s, when the International Telecom Union, a group of each country’s telecommunication providers, assigned different codes to different areas worldwide. These codes included 1 for the United States of America, 2 for Africa, and 3 and 4 for European countries. As the years passed, these codes were further divided and assigned to each country in the world.

 

Purpose of country dialling codes
  • Helps in identifying the country: The main purpose of country codes is to identify the country of the callee. By adding a specific code before the phone number, you indirectly specify the country you are trying to reach. For instance, by adding +91 before a number, you tell the global communication system that you are calling an Indian phone number. 
  • Helps in standardising the international communication format: Assigning a different code to each country helps standardise the cross-country communication system. 
  • Removes ambiguity: Another purpose of using country codes is to remove ambiguity from the international dialling process since no two countries can have the same code. It helps the network service providers to route the call, text, etc., to the right person or destination. 

What are Germany area codes? 

Similar to a country code that specifies the destination country, an area code specifies the particular area of the recipient number within the country. In other words, different dialling codes are assigned to different areas/regions of Germany. These area codes are used as prefixes of the Germany country phone code to specify the exact area the recipient number belongs to. 

 

For example, suppose you want to call a phone number in Berlin, say 1234-5678, from outside Germany. In this case, you need to dial:

 

+49-30-1234-5678

 

In this case, +49 is the country code for Germany, 30 is the area code for Berlin, and 12345678 is the German phone number. Following are the other phone codes for Germany

 

Area

Area Code

Berlin

30

Munich

89

Frankfurt 

69

Hamburg

40

Dusseldorf

211

Aachen

241

Bonn

228

Augsburg

821

Dortmund

231

Chemnitz

371

Bielefeld

521

Brandenburg

3381

Bremen

421

Dresden

351

Chemnitz

371

Duisburg

203

Essen

201

Bochum

234

Gelsenkirchen

209

Hannover

511

Leipzig

341

Manheim

621

Menz

33083

Stuggart

711

Nurnberg

911

Wiesbaden

611

Munster

6071

Wuppertal

202

Koln

221

Karlsruhe

721

Duisburg

203

How to call Germany from a landline?

  • Step 1: Enter the international exit code of your country. It is usually ‘00’ or ‘+’. 
  • Step 2: Enter 49, the country code for Germany. 
  • Step 3: Next, enter your recipient’s German city code. For instance, enter 89 for Munich, 69 for Frankfurt and so on. 
  • Step 4: Enter the German number after confirming it is accurate and in service. 
  • Step 5: That’s all. Press the dial button. 

How to call Germany from a cell phone?

  • Step 1: Enter ‘+’ as the international access code. Alternatively, enter ‘00’. 
  • Step 2: Enter the German country code for the phone, 49. 
  • Step 3: Next, enter the area code of the German recipient. You can refer to the above table to learn about the area code of the German city you are trying to reach. 
  • Step 4: Enter the phone number for Germany and make sure it is correct. If the mobile number has a preceding ‘0’, remove it. 
  • Step 5: Hit the call icon on your cell phone. 

How to call Germany for free?

 

International calls can become costly due to the pricey international calling plans.

 

But the good news is, it is possible to call Germany or any other country free of cost. Thanks to VoIP, numerous chat and calling applications allow you to make free calls to anyone, anytime, and anywhere in the world. All you need is a decent internet connection. Let’s look at some of the best applications to call Germany for free:

 

  • WhatsApp: To begin with, WhatsApp is the most secure and reliable way to call Germany for free. It is a very common, convenient, and easy-to-use application that allows you to make free video and audio calls to other WhatsApp users across the globe, including Germany. The highlighting part of using WhatsApp is that it provides end-to-end encryption for your calls and messages, maintaining your data privacy and security. 
  • Skype: Skype is another trusted VoIP service used worldwide. You can use it for voice and video calls to other Skype users in Germany. Interestingly, you can conduct free group calls with up to 10 people using Skype. 
  • Microsoft Teams: Microsoft Teams is a great application for organising virtual calls and meetings with your business partners and clients in Germany. The best part is that Teams doesn’t require the other person to install the app. You can conduct the calls on the web by sharing the call link with the other party. 
  • Viber: Viber is the next free international calling solution. Similar to other applications and platforms, it also allows you to initiate voice and video calls for free with other Viber users. What sets it apart is that you can call non-Viber users or landline numbers at cost-effective charges. 
  • FaceTime: FaceTime is a free audio and video application exclusively available for Apple devices, including iPhone, MacBook, iPad, etc. Using this application, you can call other FaceTime users for free using the internet or cellular data. 

Why did my call to Germany not work?

Calling someone in Germany is as simple as calling someone in any other country with the appropriate country code and phone number. If you are unable to make the call, there can be several reasons behind it:

 

  • Incorrect country/area code: The first and most obvious reason your calls to Germany failed is an incorrect German international code or area code. As the first troubleshooting step, check the German country code and area code for the number you are dialling and ensure they are correct. 
  • Wrong number: Sometimes, your international call attempts fail because the number you are trying to reach is either incorrect or unavailable. Confirm the number with the recipient and try calling again using the correct format. 
  • Disabled international calling: If you cannot call the German phone number even after using the accurate country code, area code, and number, then there is a chance that the international calling feature is disabled on your device. In this case, contact your mobile network service provider and activate this feature on your number. 
  • Network issues: An unstable or weak network can also restrict you from calling your friends or colleagues in Germany. So, before anything else, ensure that your networks are not faulty. 

+49 country code time: What Is the best time to call Germany?

The best time to call Germany depends on the German recipient or the purpose of your call.

 

  • For formal calls: The best time to call Germany for professional reasons is during business hours, i.e., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Moreover, avoid calling on weekends and holidays. 
  • For informal calls: While you can call your friends or family members anytime you want, it is suggested to call them when they are free. A good idea is to familiarise yourself with their schedule and call accordingly. 

 

Apart from these, here are some additional tips to keep in mind when making an international call:

 

  • Use time zone converters: If you are confused about time zone differences, it’s best to use a reliable time zone converter tool available on the web. 
  • Make an appointment before calling: Every country has a different culture for socialising. In Germany, the common practice is to make an appointment with the callee in advance to avoid any kind of inconvenience. This is true for both formal and informal calls. 
  • Avoid certain times of the day: Unless it is an emergency, avoid calling very early in the morning or late at night. This can lead to a lot of inconvenience for the person you are calling. 

 

Also read: Moving to Germany? 7 challenges you’ll face in Deutschland.

Dialling code in Germany – Emergency Numbers

Germany has two main emergency numbers: 112 and 110. Similar to other European countries, dialling 112 will help you call for ambulance and fire brigade services. On the other hand, if you need immediate police help, then you must dial 110. 

 

It is important to note that emergency numbers should be dialled only in situations that need immediate attention. 

Sending and receiving money in Germany

If you use the correct format, calling Germany is as simple as making local calls within the country. Similarly, sending and receiving money in Germany becomes much easier when you use the right global fund transfer platform.

 

If you have been struggling to send money to or receive funds from Germany, Instarem can be the answer to all your financial worries. With Instarem, you can transfer funds to and from more than 60 countries quickly**, securely, and affordably#. 

 

Instarem offers good exchange rates, budget-friendly transaction fees, and many exciting rewards for making international money transfers. With these benefits, you can stay assured that sending money with Instarem is simple, and you get the maximum value from the transferred funds.

FAQs

Q. What is Germany’s 2-letter country code? 

The 2-letter country code for Germany, or simply Germany country abbreviation, is DE. It is used for top-level domains (TLDs), product identification, and other purposes. 

 

Q. How do I dial a +49 number?

You can follow the below format to dial a +49 number:

{International exit code (00 or +) + country code + area code + phone number}

 

Q. What area code is 49 in Germany?

The code 49 doesn’t belong to any area or city of Germany. It is the international country telephone code for Germany. 

 

Q. Can I call Germany on WhatsApp?

Yes. If the German number you want to connect with is available on WhatsApp, you can conduct voice and video calls using this free app.

 

Q. How can I call from India to Germany?

Below is the format for calling Germany from India:

[+49][area code of Germany][phone number]

 

Q. What app can I use to call Germany?

Several VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) applications can be used to call Germany. Some reliable examples are WhatsApp, FaceTime, Viber, Google Meets, Skype, etc. 

 

Q. How to write a German mobile number with an area code?

Area codes are used after the country code and before the mobile number. For example, if you want to call xxxx-xxxx in Frankfurt, you would dial:

+49 – 69 – xxxx-xxxx

Note, if there is a preceding ‘0’ in the German mobile number, remove it before dialling in the above format. 

 

 

 

Other related blogs:

What is the Country Code for Australia

What is the Country Code for Singapore

What is the Country Code for the USA

What is the Country Code for Malaysia

What is the Country Code for the UK

 

 

Disclaimers:

This article is intended for informational purposes only. All details are accurate at the time of publishing. Instarem has no affiliation or relationship with products or vendors mentioned.

* Fast meaning 75% of our transactions are completed in 15 minutes. Depending on the funding method.

#When it comes to affordable exchange rates and fees, it’s worth noting that the cost will vary depending on how you choose to fund your transactions. Credit card funding and bank transfer fees can differ significantly. 

 

 

 

References:

https://www.vonageforhome.com/blog/how-to-call-germany-from-the-u-s/

https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/#iso:code:3166:DE

https://countrycode.org/germany

https://allaboutberlin.com/guides/dial-phone-numbers-germany

https://www.worldometers.info/country-codes/germany-country-code/

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Instarem stands at the forefront of international money transfer services, facilitating fast and secure transactions for both individuals and businesses. Our platform offers competitive exchange rates for popular currency pairs like USD to INR, SGD to INR, and AUD to INR. If you're looking to send money to India or transfer funds to any of 60+ global destinations, Instarem makes it easy for you. We are dedicated to simplifying cross-border payments, providing cutting-edge technology that support individuals and businesses alike in overcoming traditional fiscal barriers normally associated with banks. As a trusted and regulated brand under the umbrella of the Fintech Unicorn Nium Pte. Ltd., and its international subsidiaries, Instarem is your go-to for reliable global financial exchanges. Learn more about Instarem.

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