Emergency and Support Services IN GERMANY
Germany has a comprehensive emergency and support services system designed to assist residents and visitors in various crisis situations. Understanding these services and how to access them is crucial for anyone living in or visiting Germany.
Main Emergency Numbers
Key Emergency Numbers in Germany
Germany operates two primary emergency numbers that serve as the foundation of the country’s emergency response system. The 112 number serves as the Europe-wide emergency contact for fire brigade and ambulance services, while 110 connects directly to police services. These numbers function as lifelines in any life-threatening situation, including major medical emergencies, fire-related incidents, or serious crimes.
The 112 emergency number provides access to both fire services and medical emergency assistance. This number can be called free of charge from any phone, including mobile devices even without a SIM card installed. For police emergencies, 110 routes callers directly to the nearest police station and should be used for any situation requiring immediate law enforcement response.
Both emergency numbers are available 24/7 and are staffed by trained operators who can coordinate appropriate emergency responses. The accessibility of these services ensures that help is always available regardless of the time or circumstances.
Primary Emergency Services
Police Services in Germany
German police services operate primarily at the state level, with each of the 16 German states (Länder) responsible for organizing local law enforcement. The state police (Landespolizei) handle most emergency responses, sometimes receiving support from federal police (Bundespolizei or BPOL) during major disturbances or incidents requiring specialized resources.
Emergency police assistance is accessed by calling 110, which automatically routes the call to the nearest police station. For non-emergency situations such as reporting minor crimes or seeking general police assistance, citizens can contact 0800 6 888 000. German police officers are easily identifiable by their beige uniforms and green and white patrol vehicles, and most officers have English language capabilities to assist international residents and visitors.
The police force is well-equipped to handle various situations ranging from traffic incidents and domestic disputes to serious criminal investigations and public safety threats. Their integration with other emergency services ensures coordinated responses to complex emergencies.
Fire Services in Germany
Germany’s fire services can be reached through the main emergency number 112, which connects callers to fire brigade dispatch from any phone. The German fire brigade maintains a policy of responding to all fire-related calls regardless of the perceived severity, ensuring that even seemingly minor incidents receive appropriate attention.
The German fire service system incorporates three types of firefighting organizations: voluntary firefighters (Freiwillige Feuerwehr), professional firefighters, and compulsory firefighters (Pflichtfeuerwehr). This diverse structure ensures comprehensive coverage across urban and rural areas throughout the country.
Beyond traditional firefighting duties, German fire services provide extensive emergency response capabilities including fire prevention education, hazardous materials protection, emergency rescue operations, and water rescue services. This broad scope of responsibilities makes the fire service a crucial component of Germany’s overall emergency response infrastructure.
Emergency Medical Services
Emergency medical assistance in Germany is accessed through 112, the main emergency number that connects callers to ambulance and emergency medical services. This service provides immediate response for life-threatening medical situations and coordinates with hospitals and emergency physicians as needed.
For non-life-threatening medical situations that occur outside regular office hours, Germany provides 116 117, which connects patients to on-call medical services (Ärztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst or Kassenärztlicher Notdienst). This service is appropriate for situations such as mild fever, minor cuts, non-severe allergic reactions, mild infections, general medical advice, and non-urgent prescription refills.
Emergency doctors (Notarzt) can be dispatched to locations by calling 112, and they may also be listed in local newspapers under Ärztlicher Notdienst or Ärztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst. Patients can also visit hospital emergency rooms (Notaufnahme) directly, though life-threatening situations should always be reported through 112 first. Emergency medical services are generally free, though some services like ambulance transport may incur a fee of approximately EUR 10.
Emergency pharmacies operating outside usual hours can be located through online directories such as Apotheken.de or Aponet.de, or by calling the on-call pharmacist number 0800 002 28 33 from landlines or 22 8 33 from mobile phones. Dental emergencies can be addressed through the on-call dental service (Zahnärztlicher Notdienst), university dental clinics, or hospital emergency departments in severe cases.
Other Emergency & Support Services
Support for People with Disabilities
While Germany does not maintain nationwide emergency numbers specifically for people with hearing impairments, many cities provide regional emergency contact options through WhatsApp or SMS services. Several private providers including Handhelp, Tess, MeinNotruf, and InstantHelp offer specialized voice-free emergency calling options for individuals with communication disabilities.
These services recognize the unique challenges faced by people with disabilities during emergencies and work to ensure equal access to emergency assistance. Local disability organizations and social services departments can provide information about specific accommodations and services available in different regions.
Mental Health Support Services
Germany maintains a robust mental healthcare system that provides access to both psychological (Psychologe) and psychiatric (Psychiater) services through referrals from general practitioners or through private arrangements. Major cities typically have hospitals with specialized mental health centers offering comprehensive treatment options.
Several organizations provide mental health support and crisis intervention services. TelefonSeelsorge operates multiple helplines including 0800 111 0111, 0800 111 022, and 116 123, providing confidential counseling and crisis support. The German Network for Mental Health and Therapy Route offer directories of mental health professionals and additional counseling resources.
These services recognize the importance of accessible mental health support and provide both immediate crisis intervention and ongoing therapeutic resources for individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
- See also: Mental Health Support in Germany
Drug and Alcohol Support Services
Germany provides comprehensive support for individuals struggling with substance abuse through various specialized organizations. Guttempler offers support services accessible at 0180 365 2407, while Alcoholics Anonymous provides meeting information and support through 8731 32573 12.
The BVL (Bundesverband der Pharmazeutischen Industrie) maintains an online directory of poison information centers throughout Germany, providing crucial resources for cases involving drug overdoses or poisoning incidents. These centers offer expert medical guidance and coordinate with emergency services when necessary.
Recovery programs and ongoing support services are available through both governmental and non-governmental organizations, ensuring comprehensive care for individuals at various stages of recovery from substance abuse.
Services for Children, Families, and Youth
Germany provides extensive support services for children, families, and young people through organizations like Caritas, which offers online advice and counseling services. NumberGegen Kummer operates an anonymous helpline at 0800/111 05 50 specifically designed to support young people facing various challenges.
Caritas Jugendhilfe provides additional support services accessible through 09502/9246-0, offering specialized assistance for youth-related issues. These organizations work closely with local social services to ensure comprehensive support for families in crisis situations.
The German family support system recognizes the unique vulnerabilities of children and young people, providing age-appropriate interventions and long-term support services to promote healthy development and family stability.
Crime-Related Support Services
Germany addresses various forms of criminal activity through specialized support services and reporting mechanisms. Sexual violence victims can access support through the Hilfe-Portal Sexueller Missbrauch, which maintains both an online directory of services and a dedicated helpline at 08000 116 016.
Terrorism-related concerns can be reported to the Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz (BfV) through their hotline at 0221 792 3366 or through online reporting systems. Fraudulent activities should be reported to local police, with serious international fraud cases potentially referred to the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF).
These specialized services ensure that victims of specific crimes receive appropriate support while also contributing to broader public safety through effective reporting and investigation mechanisms.
Utility and Telecommunications Emergencies
Utility emergencies such as suspected gas leaks require immediate contact with the fire brigade through 112. For non-emergency utility outages including electricity, water, or telecommunications services, customers should contact their service providers directly using the contact information provided on their bills or company websites.
Major cities like Berlin and Munich maintain specific contact information for primary utility suppliers, ensuring residents can quickly report outages and receive updates on service restoration. Emergency utility situations are treated with high priority given their potential impact on public safety and essential services.
Road and Traffic Emergencies
Traffic emergencies on major roads including the Autobahn require specific safety procedures. Drivers should activate hazard lights, safely park to the roadside when possible, and set up warning triangles to alert other motorists. Emergency services can be contacted through 110 for police or 112 for fire and medical services.
Orange emergency phones are strategically placed along major roadways to provide direct communication with emergency services even when mobile phones are unavailable or non-functional. These emergency communication points ensure that help can be summoned regardless of technological limitations.
Traffic emergency protocols prioritize both immediate safety for those involved in incidents and the maintenance of traffic flow to prevent secondary accidents and congestion.
Train Emergencies and Rail Security
Railway emergencies follow the same emergency contact protocol as other transportation incidents, with 110 and 112 providing access to appropriate emergency services. For non-emergency incidents on trains such as vandalism or petty crime, passengers can contact the railway police (Bahnpolizei) through 0800 6 888 000.
The German railway system maintains comprehensive security and emergency response procedures that coordinate with local emergency services and railway-specific emergency personnel. This integrated approach ensures effective response to incidents ranging from medical emergencies to security threats.
LGBTQ+ Support Services
The Lesbian and Gay Association in Germany (LSVD) provides comprehensive support for LGBTQ+ individuals through general inquiries at 0221 925 96 10 and specialized counseling services at 0221 9259 6126. These services address both immediate crisis situations and ongoing support needs within the LGBTQ+ community.
LSVD and other LGBTQ+ organizations work to ensure equal access to emergency services while also providing community-specific support that addresses unique challenges and discrimination issues that LGBTQ+ individuals may face.
Homelessness Assistance
Germany addresses homelessness through various organizations including the Rise Foundation, which provides comprehensive support services. In Berlin, Berliner Kaltehilfe offers specialized cold weather assistance and emergency shelter services. In North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony, Bethel provides extensive homelessness support and social services.
These organizations work closely with local governments and social services to provide both immediate emergency assistance and long-term support aimed at helping individuals transition out of homelessness. Services typically include emergency shelter, meals, healthcare access, and social service coordination.
Animal Protection and Services
Germany’s animal protection services include several key organizations: Deutscher Tierschutzbund (German Animal Protection Association), WTG E.V (World Animal Protection Germany), Tierschutzverein für Berlin (Animal Protection Association for Berlin), and Four Paws International. These organizations provide emergency veterinary care, animal rescue services, and abuse reporting mechanisms.
Animal emergency services coordinate with local veterinarians and emergency services to ensure appropriate care for animals in crisis situations, including natural disasters, accidents, and cases of animal abuse or neglect.
Embassies and Foreign Nationals Assistance
Foreign nationals in Germany can access support through their respective embassies and consulates. A comprehensive directory of diplomatic missions is available through EmbassyPages, providing contact information for countries worldwide.
Specific embassy emergency contacts include Poland at +49 30 70 01 48 01 and Türkiye at +49 17 75 77 34 29. These diplomatic missions provide crucial support for their citizens including emergency assistance, legal support, and coordination with German authorities during crisis situations.
Embassies and consulates serve as vital resources for foreign nationals, providing cultural liaison services and ensuring that their citizens receive appropriate assistance within the German legal and social service systems.
Victim Support Services
General Victim Support Structures
Germany’s victim support system operates through cooperation between federal and state governments alongside non-governmental organizations. Each of Germany’s states (Länder) provides victim assistance independently, creating a decentralized but comprehensive support network throughout the country.
The system includes victim-support commissioners, witness support units, specialized accommodation for abused women and girls, information services, and financial support programs. This multi-faceted approach ensures that crime victims receive comprehensive assistance addressing both immediate needs and long-term recovery requirements.
Governmental and non-governmental victim support organizations collaborate to provide psychosocial assistance, information about criminal proceedings and financial compensation options, and help connecting victims with appropriate legal representation and psychological support services.
Specialized Victim Support Organizations
Weisser Ring e.V. operates as Germany’s only nationwide victim support organization, maintaining personal helpdesks throughout the country and operating a victims helpline available daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 116 006. This organization provides comprehensive support services for crime victims regardless of the type of crime experienced.
“Arbeitskreis der Opferhilfen in Deutschland e.V.” (ado) serves as an umbrella organization coordinating regional victim support organizations across Germany. Additionally, specialized support organizations focus on specific types of crimes, including sexual offenses and bias-motivated attacks such as racist, antisemitic, homophobic, or transphobic violence.
Umbrella organizations like VBRG (Association of Counseling Centers for Victims of Right-wing, Racist and Antisemitic Violence) and BFF (Federal Association of Rape Crisis Centers and Women’s Counseling Centers) support these specialized centers, ensuring coordinated and expert assistance for victims of specific types of crimes.
Psychological and Financial Assistance for Victims
Crime victims can access psychological support for trauma-related issues including anxiety, sleep disorders, and other emotional consequences of criminal victimization. Many organizations throughout Germany offer professional psychological assistance, with outpatient trauma centers providing rapid psychological support for victims of violent crimes.
Financial support programs are available for individuals affected by crime, helping to address both immediate financial needs and longer-term economic impacts of victimization. Some German states maintain foundations that provide direct financial assistance to both victims and support organizations.
Specifically trained staff provide psychosocial support during court proceedings, assisting victims before, during, and after trials. This support recognizes the additional trauma that legal proceedings can create for crime victims and works to minimize re-victimization while ensuring effective participation in the justice process.
Local support services can be located through service locators and the ODABS online database, ensuring that victims can access appropriate assistance regardless of their location within Germany. Special provisions exist for minor victims, who have additional rights and specialized contact points within the victim support system.
Other Useful Information & Resources
Lost or Stolen Property
Lost property in Germany can be reported through the Fundbüro (lost and found office) system, which operates both online and by phone at 69 95. This centralized system helps reunite owners with lost items and maintains records of found property throughout German municipalities.
For property lost on railway systems, a specialized service is available at 01805) 99 05 99, which coordinates with Deutsche Bahn and other railway operators to locate and return lost items. The railway lost property system operates independently from municipal lost and found offices due to the interstate nature of rail travel.
Blocking Bank and Credit Cards
Financial security requires immediate action when cards are lost or stolen. Germany provides specific numbers for blocking different types of payment cards: American Express (069) 97 97 10 00), Diner’s Club (05921) 86 12 34), EC and Bank Cards (069) 74 09 87), MasterCard (069) 79 33 19 10), and VISA (0800) 81 49 100).
For general card blocking services covering multiple card types, 116 116 provides a universal blocking service. This number can be used when specific card company numbers are not available or when multiple cards need to be blocked simultaneously.
Understanding European Emergency Numbers
The European-wide emergency number 112 functions identically to Germany’s main emergency number, providing seamless emergency access for travelers throughout the European Union. This standardization ensures consistent emergency access regardless of location within participating European countries.
It’s important to note that 911, the United States emergency number, does not function in Germany. While some mobile phone systems may attempt to redirect 911 calls, landlines and payphones will not accept this number. Residents and visitors should memorize the German emergency numbers 110 and 112 to ensure reliable emergency access.
What to Know When Calling Emergency Services
When contacting emergency services, callers should be prepared to provide essential information including their name, phone number, exact location, description of the situation and whether it’s ongoing, number of people requiring assistance, and whether weapons or dangerous substances are involved. Location details should include specific addresses, parking lot codes, or apartment building identifiers when applicable.
Callers should remain on the line until instructed to hang up by emergency operators. For medical emergencies, individuals should know how to communicate their medical conditions and medications in German, or have this information readily available. For children, providing age and weight in kilograms helps emergency medical personnel prepare appropriate treatment.
In cases involving poisoning or intoxication, callers should identify what substance was consumed and preserve any remaining material for examination by emergency medical personnel. This information is crucial for determining appropriate treatment protocols.
Emergency Terms and Useful German Phrases
Key German emergency phrases include “Help!” (Hilfe!), “I can’t breathe” (Ich kann nicht atmen), “Accident” (Unfall), “Fire” (Feuer), “Emergency” (Notfall), “Ambulance” (Ambulanz), and “Police” (Polizei). While most emergency personnel speak English, particularly in urban areas, knowing basic German emergency terms can be crucial in rural areas or when communication is difficult.
Additional useful phrases help callers request specific services and communicate urgent needs. Learning these basic terms before needing them ensures more effective communication during high-stress emergency situations when clear communication is essential for appropriate response.
Additional Important Numbers and Government Support
The Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) maintains comprehensive lists of emergency and support services throughout Germany. The general public administration authority number 115 provides access to government services and can direct callers to appropriate agencies for non-emergency administrative needs.
These government resources serve as important backups to direct emergency services and provide pathways to specialized assistance that may not be immediately apparent through standard emergency channels.
Finding Help Through “Make it in Germany”
The “Make it in Germany” portal provides comprehensive support resources including counseling center directories, contact information databases, educational events, webinars, and downloadable resources. While primarily designed for skilled workers and immigrants, this portal offers valuable navigation assistance for Germany’s complex support service landscape.
This resource is particularly valuable for international residents who may be unfamiliar with German support systems and need guidance connecting with appropriate services for various personal and professional challenges.