Emergency Numbers in Germany: Calling 112, Poison Control, and More

In a crisis, knowing the correct digits to dial can be lifesaving. This guide covers Germany’s essential emergency numbers—from 112 and 110 to specialized poison control centers—ensuring you can navigate any medical or safety emergency with confidence and speed.

The Core Emergency Numbers: 112 and 110

Calling 112 for Medical and Fire Emergencies

The number 112 is the universal emergency contact throughout the European Union, including Germany. It is primarily used for life-threatening medical emergencies and fire services. Whether you are witnessing a severe accident, a suspected heart attack, or a building fire, 112 is the number to dial. The service is free, accessible even from locked mobile phones without a SIM card, and operators in major cities often have basic English proficiency to assist expats.

When you dial 112, an ambulance (Rettungswagen) or the fire brigade (Feuerwehr) will be dispatched. In cases of extreme medical peril, an emergency doctor (Notarzt) may also be sent in a separate rapid-response vehicle. Understanding these protocols is vital for anyone navigating Medical Care in Germany: Doctors, Hospitals, and Pharmacies. If you can safely transport yourself to a hospital for a non-life-threatening issue, you can visit a Hospital in Germany directly instead of calling an ambulance.

For those recently arrived, it’s worth noting that 112 is a shared service. The dispatcher will triage your call to ensure the right resources reach you quickly. If you are unsure if your situation is life-threatening, it is always safer to call 112. For international students or short-term visitors, ensuring you have Travel Health Insurance is critical, as ambulance rides and emergency care can be costly if you aren’t yet integrated into the Public Health Insurance system.

Calling 110 for Police Emergencies

While 112 handles health and fire, 110 is the dedicated number for the German police (Polizei). This number should be used for immediate threats to safety, witnessing a crime in progress, or reporting serious traffic accidents where the police are needed to secure the site. Like 112, calls to 110 are free from any phone.

Expatriates should use 110 for situations involving assault, burglary, or if they feel physically threatened in public. For non-emergency police matters—such as filing a report for a stolen bicycle days after the event—it is better to contact your local police station (Polizeirevier) directly rather than using the emergency line. Using Wise to manage your finances can help you quickly handle any administrative fees or replacements if you’ve been a victim of theft.

If you are a victim of a crime, the police can also connect you with victim support services. Understanding these legal and safety structures is part of a comprehensive approach to Healthy Living in Germany. Always stay on the line until the dispatcher confirms they have all necessary information and explicitly tells you to hang up.

What Information to Provide: The 5 Ws

When you call 112 or 110, the dispatcher will follow a specific protocol often referred to in Germany as the “5 Ws.” Being prepared with this information can save precious seconds during a high-stress call.

• Who is calling? (Wer ruft an?): Provide your name and phone number.
• Where is the emergency? (Wo ist es passiert?): Give the exact address, floor, or landmarks if you are outside.
• What happened? (Was ist passiert?): Describe the nature of the emergency clearly.
• How many people are affected? (Wie viele Verletzte?): This helps the dispatcher send the correct number of ambulances.
• Wait for questions! (Warten auf Rückfragen!): Never hang up first; let the operator lead the conversation.

If your German is limited, speak slowly and use simple English words. In cities like Berlin, Munich, or Frankfurt, the chance of reaching an English-speaking dispatcher is high. For more help with administrative tasks like these, Feather Insurance or Ottonova often provide guidance for their members on navigating local emergency services.

Poison Control Centers (Giftnotruf)

Regional Poison Control Numbers

In the event of accidental ingestion of chemicals, medication, or poisonous plants, Germany relies on a network of regional Poison Control Centers (Giftnotrufzentralen). These centers are staffed 24/7 by experts who can provide immediate advice for both humans and pets. While many people’s first instinct is to call 112, a poison hotline can often provide specialized guidance for non-life-threatening exposures.

Because these centers are regional, the number you call depends on your location. For example, the center at Charité Berlin serves Berlin and Brandenburg (+49 30 19240), while the North center in Göttingen covers Lower Saxony, Bremen, Hamburg, and Schleswig-Holstein (+49 551 19240). If the person is already showing severe symptoms like unconsciousness or difficulty breathing, skip the poison hotline and dial 112 immediately.

Region	Primary Center	Phone Number
Berlin & Brandenburg	Charité Berlin	+49 30 19240
North (NDS, Bremen, HH, SH)	GIZ-Nord Göttingen	+49 551 19240
NRW	GIZ Bonn	+49 228 19240
Bavaria	Munich (TUM)	+49 89 19240
Baden-Württemberg	Freiburg	+49 761 19240

What to Have Ready When Calling

When calling a poison control center, speed and accuracy are essential. You should have the container of the substance nearby to provide the exact name, ingredients, and manufacturer. The experts will also ask for the age and weight of the person (or pet) involved, how much was ingested, and how long ago the exposure occurred.

Do not attempt to induce vomiting or give the person anything to drink unless explicitly instructed by the poison control expert. In many cases, the wrong “home remedy” can worsen the situation. For preventative health, many expats use iHerb to stock their first-aid kits with charcoal or other essentials, but always follow professional medical advice during an active poisoning event.

Poisoning and Pediatric Care

Poisoning is a significant concern for families with young children. Common household items like cleaning detergents, colorful medication, or certain houseplants can be dangerous. If you are an expat parent, ensure these hotlines are saved in your phone. Most Pediatricians in Germany will provide you with a list of these numbers during your first “U-Checkup.”

For families, understanding Family Health Insurance is crucial as it ensures your children are covered for any necessary hospital stays following a poisoning incident. If your child is in daycare or school, the facility will have its own protocols, but having your own regional poison center number ready can provide immediate peace of mind while waiting for professional help.

Urgent but Non-Emergency Medical Care (116 117)

The Medical On-Call Service (Ärztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst)

If you are sick outside of regular doctor’s office hours—such as late at night, on weekends, or during public holidays—but your condition is not life-threatening, you should call 116 117. This is the nationwide number for the Ärztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst. It connects you to on-call doctors who can provide medical advice, help you find an open Apotheke (Pharmacy), or direct you to an on-call practice (Bereitschaftspraxis).

This service is a pillar of Health Insurance for Students and Freelancers, as it offers a way to get a medical assessment without clogging up the 112 emergency line or the hospital’s emergency room. If you are too ill to travel, the service can sometimes arrange for a doctor to visit you at home. This is particularly helpful for those still navigating the process of Finding a Doctor (Hausarzt).

When to Use 116 117 Instead of 112

Determining whether to call 116 117 or 112 depends on the severity of your symptoms. Use 116 117 for things like high fevers, painful earaches, urinary tract infections, or persistent vomiting. These are issues that require medical attention before the next business day but don’t pose an immediate risk to life or limb.

If you call 116 117 and the dispatcher realizes your situation is more serious, they have the authority to transfer you to the 112 emergency dispatchers. Conversely, if you call 112 for a minor ailment, they may tell you to call 116 117.

Emergency Pharmacy and Dental Services

In addition to general doctors, 116 117 can help you locate the nearest Notdienst-Apotheke (emergency pharmacy) or an emergency dentist (Zahnärztlicher Notdienst). Pharmacies in Germany operate on a rotating night-service schedule. You can also find the nearest one by looking at the sign in the window of any local pharmacy or by using their online portals.

If you have a dental emergency, such as a knocked-out tooth or severe abscess, the on-call dentist can provide emergency stabilization. For long-term dental health, Dental Insurance in Germany is highly recommended, as major procedures can be expensive. For minor health needs, many expats manage their wellness with products from iHerb and use Wise for any international payments needed for specialized treatments.

Other Essential Emergency and Support Numbers

Card Blocking and Financial Emergencies (116 116)

If you lose your wallet or have your credit cards stolen, you should immediately call 116 116. This is the central emergency number in Germany for blocking lost or stolen debit cards, credit cards, and even electronic IDs. It works for most German banks and many international providers. Promptly blocking your cards prevents unauthorized use and is a critical first step before reporting the theft to the police via 110.

When using Wise or other digital banking services, you can often block your card instantly through their mobile app. However, 116 116 remains a vital backup, especially for traditional German bank accounts. Protecting your finances is just as important as protecting your health while living abroad.

Mental Health and Crisis Hotlines

For those experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or a mental health crisis, Germany offers free, confidential support 24/7. The TelefonSeelsorge can be reached at 0800 111 0 111 (Protestant) or 0800 111 0 222 (Catholic), though they provide non-denominational support to everyone. There are also English-speaking crisis lines available in major cities like Berlin.

If someone is in immediate danger of harming themselves or others, you should call 112, as they can dispatch emergency psychiatric services. Many expats find that having a solid insurance plan from Ottonova or Feather Insurance makes it easier to access long-term therapy once an initial crisis is managed.

Support for Victims of Crime and Domestic Violence

If you are a victim of a crime or experiencing domestic violence, there are dedicated support lines beyond the police. The Hilfetelefon “Gewalt gegen Frauen” (Violence against women) offers support in multiple languages at 116 016. For victims of crime in general, the Weisser Ring provides assistance and can be reached at 116 006.

These services are confidential and can provide legal, emotional, and practical advice. Navigating these situations as an expat can be especially difficult due to language barriers and residency concerns. These hotlines are designed to help you understand your rights and find safe options within the German system.

Main Emergency Numbers in Germany

Germany maintains a highly organized emergency response system designed to provide rapid assistance in medical, fire, and public safety situations. Understanding the correct emergency numbers and when to use them is essential for residents, travelers, and expatriates. The most important number to remember is 112, the nationwide emergency number for medical emergencies and fire services. This number works across all of Germany and across the European Union. Calling 112 connects you directly to emergency dispatch services that coordinate ambulances, paramedics, and fire brigades. The call is free and can be made from mobile phones or landlines, even without credit or an active SIM card.

Operators answering emergency calls are trained to collect essential information quickly. They usually ask what happened, where the emergency occurred, how many people are involved, and whether anyone is seriously injured or unconscious. Remaining calm and providing clear answers helps dispatchers determine the severity of the situation and send the correct assistance. Many emergency call centers can communicate in English, especially in larger cities and tourist areas.

Another important number is 110, which connects callers directly to the police. This number should be used in situations involving criminal activity, threats to personal safety, suspicious incidents, or traffic accidents that require police intervention. While 112 focuses on medical emergencies and fire services, 110 is specifically dedicated to law enforcement. Using the correct number ensures that the appropriate emergency service responds quickly and efficiently.

Non-Emergency Medical Help and Poison Control

For medical issues that are urgent but not life threatening, Germany provides a nationwide medical assistance line at 116 117. This service connects callers to the national medical on call system coordinated by the Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung. Doctors available through this service help patients during evenings, weekends, and public holidays when regular clinics are closed. The line can guide patients to nearby open practices or provide advice on whether visiting a hospital is necessary.

Germany also operates specialized poison control centers that provide expert advice in cases of suspected poisoning or exposure to toxic substances. One example is the Poison Control Center Bonn, which offers telephone consultations to both the public and healthcare professionals. These centers help with incidents involving accidental ingestion of chemicals, medication overdoses, or contact with hazardous household substances.

When contacting any emergency or medical service, providing accurate location information is crucial. Callers should clearly state their address, nearby landmarks, or building details so responders can arrive quickly. Smartphones can sometimes transmit location data automatically, but callers should still be prepared to describe their location clearly. Germany’s emergency system also includes a well equipped ambulance network staffed by trained paramedics and, in serious cases, emergency physicians. Patients are usually transported to the nearest hospital capable of providing appropriate treatment. Keeping personal medical information and health insurance details accessible can also help medical staff provide faster and more effective care during emergencies.

Summary of Key Numbers

Service	Number	When to Call
Medical / Fire Emergency	112	Life-threatening situations, fires, accidents
Police Emergency	110	Witnessing a crime, immediate safety threats
Medical On-Call	116 117	Urgent care outside of doctor’s hours
Poison Control	Region-specific	Suspected poisoning (e.g., 030 19240 for Berlin)
Card Blocking	116 116	Lost or stolen bank/credit cards
Crisis Hotline	0800 111 0 111	Mental health crisis or emotional distress
Victim Support	116 006	Support for victims of crime

Conclusion

Preparing for an emergency is about more than just knowing where the nearest hospital is; it’s about having the right numbers at your fingertips. By memorizing 112 for medical crises and 110 for police, and keeping specialized numbers like 116 117 and your regional poison control center saved in your phone, you ensure that help is always just a call away.

Germany’s emergency infrastructure is robust and designed to support everyone, regardless of language or insurance status. Stay calm, provide clear information, and use the resources available to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

References

Primary sources (official)

• German Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK): https://www.bbk.bund.de/EN/Home/home_node.html
• 116 117 – Patient Service (Ärztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst): https://www.116117.de/de/index.php
• Official Poison Control Centers Germany (BfR): https://www.bfr.bund.de/en/poison_information_centres-70433.html

Other helpful sources

• Make it in Germany – Emergency Numbers: https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/living-in-germany/money-insurance/healthcare#c31327
• European Emergency Number Association (EENA) – Germany: https://eena.org/112/germany/

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical, legal, or financial advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date emergency contact information, these numbers and protocols are subject to change. Always consult with official government sources and your insurance provider for the most current information regarding emergency services in Germany.