Germany Country Code: Everything You Need To Know

Nick Leason

-Oct 3, 2025

Germany Country Code: Everything You Need To Know

Need to call Germany? Navigating international dialing can be tricky. This guide provides a complete overview of Germany's country code (+49), including how to use it, why it's important, and related information, such as area codes and dialing formats, ensuring you can connect with confidence. Whether you're a business professional, a tourist, or just trying to reach a friend, this guide will help you dial Germany correctly.

Key Takeaways

The country code for Germany is +49.
Always dial +49 before the area code and the phone number.
Germany uses a variety of area codes, depending on the region.
Knowing the country code is essential for international calls to Germany.
Failing to use the correct code can lead to failed calls and extra charges.

Introduction

Making international calls can seem daunting, but with the correct information, it's a straightforward process. The first and most critical step is knowing the country code. For Germany, that code is +49. This article will explain how to use this code correctly and provide additional information needed for successful calls to Germany.

What & Why

The country code, like +49 for Germany, is a prefix that must be dialed before any local phone number when calling from outside the country. It's a crucial part of the international dialing plan, acting as a routing instruction for international call networks. Without the correct country code, the call cannot be connected.

The primary benefit of knowing and using the correct country code is that you will be able to make calls. Correctly dialed numbers will ensure that your calls reach their intended destination in Germany without any dialing errors. Another benefit is the ease of communication with businesses, family, and friends. Using the proper code allows you to connect quickly and efficiently.

Why is the country code important?

Routing: The country code directs your call to the correct country.
International Standards: It's a globally recognized standard for phone dialing.
Accuracy: Avoids misdialing and ensures that you reach the intended recipient.
Cost: Prevents extra charges due to dialing errors.

How-To / Steps / Framework Application

Dialing Germany correctly involves a few simple steps:

Dial the Exit Code: This is the code you dial to make an international call from your current location. In the United States, this is usually 011. From Europe, it's often 00. From other regions, check the local exit code.
Dial the Country Code: Then dial the country code for Germany, which is +49.
Dial the Area Code: After the country code, dial the local area code. Area codes in Germany vary in length, usually between 2–5 digits. (e.g., 030 for Berlin, 089 for Munich).
Dial the Phone Number: Finally, dial the local phone number. Phone numbers in Germany typically have 7–9 digits.

Example:

If you're calling a number in Berlin (area code 030), the dialing sequence from the United States would look like this: 011-49-30-XXXXXXX (where XXXXXXX is the local phone number). Note that the leading '0' of the area code is included when dialing from outside of Germany, but sometimes it's omitted.

Important Considerations:

Mobile Phones: When calling a German mobile phone from another country, dial +49 followed by the mobile number (without the first '0' of the mobile number). For example, if a German mobile number is 0171-1234567, you would dial +49 171 1234567.
Landline Phones: When calling a German landline phone, dial +49, the area code (including the '0' if dialing from outside of Germany), and the phone number.
Voice over IP (VoIP): Using VoIP services (like Skype or Google Voice) generally simplifies international dialing, but you must still dial the correct country code.

Examples & Use Cases

Let's look at some specific examples:

Example 1: Calling a Business in Munich

You want to call a business in Munich with the phone number 1234567. The area code is 089.
From the United States: Dial 011-49-89-1234567.

Example 2: Calling a Mobile Phone in Hamburg

You want to call a friend in Hamburg whose mobile number is 0172-9876543.
From Canada: Dial +49-172-9876543.

Example 3: Calling a Landline in Berlin

You want to call a landline in Berlin, and the number is 4567890. The area code is 030.
From Australia: Dial 00-49-30-4567890.

These examples illustrate the versatility of the country code and how it is applied based on the specific situation. — CVS Pharmacy In Broken Arrow, OK: Locations & Services

Best Practices & Common Mistakes

Best Practices:

Save Contacts Correctly: Always store German phone numbers in your phone with the +49 prefix. This ensures consistent dialing, regardless of your location.
Double-Check the Area Code: Verify the area code before dialing. Area codes can be specific to particular cities or regions.
Use a Reliable Phone Service: Choose a phone service with a good international calling reputation to avoid connectivity issues.
Test Your Calls: Make a short test call before making important or extended calls to ensure everything works correctly.

Common Mistakes:

Omitting the Country Code: The most common mistake is not dialing +49 (or the correct international code) before the rest of the number.
Incorrect Exit Code: Dialing the wrong exit code for your location will prevent the call from connecting. Always verify the current exit code.
Including the Leading '0' when dialing from outside Germany: When dialing a German landline from outside the country, the area code, including the initial '0', must be included. However, when dialing a German mobile number from outside the country, the initial '0' is dropped from the mobile number.
Misunderstanding the Time Zones: Remember that Germany observes Central European Time (CET), which is UTC+1, and Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2 during daylight saving time. This means you may need to factor in a time difference.

FAQs

What is the country code for Germany? The country code for Germany is +49.
Do I need to dial the '0' in the area code when calling Germany? Yes, when calling from outside Germany, you usually need to dial the '0' in the area code for landlines. However, drop the '0' when dialing a German mobile number.
How do I call a German mobile phone from another country? Dial +49 followed by the mobile number (without the initial '0' of the mobile number).
What is the international dialling code for Germany from the United States? The international dialling code is 011. So, from the United States, you dial 011-49- followed by the rest of the number.
What is the time zone in Germany? Germany operates on Central European Time (CET), which is UTC+1, and switches to Central European Summer Time (CEST), which is UTC+2 during daylight saving time.
Can I use VoIP to call Germany? Yes, VoIP services such as Skype or Google Voice can be used to call Germany, but you must still dial the correct country code and number format. — Bel Air, MD Zip Code: Find It Here!
How do I find a German area code? You can find German area codes through an online search, by contacting a German directory service, or by checking the phone number itself, if you already have it.

Conclusion with CTA

Understanding and using the correct country code (+49) is critical for making successful calls to Germany. Whether you're calling for business, personal reasons, or travel arrangements, knowing how to dial correctly will save you time and ensure you connect seamlessly. Make sure to save German contacts with the +49 prefix to simplify future dialing. — Shohei Ohtani Stats: 2024 Season & Career Highlights

Ready to connect? Use this guide to confidently make your calls to Germany. If you have any more questions about international dialing, feel free to explore our other guides or contact us for further assistance.

Last updated: November 1, 2024, 10:00 UTC