German Emergency Numbers & Safety Apps: 112, 110, 116117, NINA & KATWARN
Knowing who to call and what apps to install in an emergency is critical for every expat living in Germany. Emergency dispatchers operate 24/7 nationwide, and key phone numbers are 100% free to dial from any mobile phone or landline, even without a SIM card.
Here is a guide to Germany’s emergency telephone numbers, non-emergency medical services (116117), emergency pharmacies (Notdienst), and civil protection warning apps.
Official Emergency Phone Numbers
| Service | Number | When to Call | Operator Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire & Ambulance (Feuerwehr & Rettungsdienst) | 112 | Life-threatening medical emergencies, chest pain, major accidents, severe fires, chemical spills. | German & English |
| Police (Polizei) | 110 | Immediate danger, crimes in progress, burglaries, physical assaults, serious road traffic accidents. | German & English |
| Non-Emergency Medical (Ärtzlicher Bereitschaftsdienst) | 116 117 | Urgent medical issues when regular doctor offices are closed (nights, weekends) that are NOT life-threatening. | German & English |
| Poison Control Center (Giftnotruf) | Varies by state | Accidental poisoning, chemical exposure, or swallowing toxic substances. | German & English |
Universal European Emergency Number: Dialing 112 works anywhere in the European Union and connects you directly to local emergency services.
How the 116 117 On-Call Medical Service Works
If you get sick at 10:00 PM on a Friday or on a Sunday when regular general practitioner (Hausarzt) clinics are closed, do not go to a hospital ER unless it is life-threatening!
Instead, dial 116 117 or visit 116117.de:
- Telephone Triage: A medical staff member will assess your symptoms over the phone.
- On-Call Clinics (Bereitschaftspraxis): They will direct you to the nearest open weekend/night doctor’s clinic.
- House Calls (Hausbesuch): If you are physically unable to travel due to severe fever or mobility issues, an on-call doctor can be dispatched directly to your home!
Learn more about booking routine appointments in our Guide to Booking Doctor Appointments in Germany (116117).
Finding Emergency Pharmacies (Apotheken-Notdienst)
In Germany, regular pharmacies (Apotheken) close around 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and remain closed on Sundays.
To get urgent prescription medication outside business hours:
- Look up the rotating emergency pharmacy schedule via Apotheken-Umschau.de or dial 22 8 3 3 from a mobile phone.
- Every pharmacy displays a printed schedule in their front window listing the nearest Notdienst emergency pharmacy on duty that night.
- A small statutory night/holiday surcharge of €2.50 applies.
Disaster & Civil Protection Warning Apps
The German Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) operates emergency broadcast systems for severe weather, floods, chemical leaks, or industrial fires:
- NINA (Notfall-Informations- und Nachrichten-App): Official government warning app delivering real-time push alerts, weather warnings, and emergency action advice based on your current GPS location.
- KATWARN: Regional emergency warning app used by city municipalities for local fire, severe storm, or public safety alerts.
- Cell Broadcast: Direct emergency alert pops up automatically on all mobile phones connected to German cell towers during national test days or major local disasters.
Navigating healthcare insurance coverage during emergencies? Read our guide on German Healthcare & Health Insurance (TK, Barmer)!