Why Knowing Emergency Services Matters
Moving to Germany is an exciting journey. Whether you come from Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, South Africa, or anywhere else on the African continent, Germany offers great opportunities. But life in a new country can also bring unexpected challenges — and emergencies can happen to anyone, at any time.
If your child suddenly falls very sick, if there is a fire in your apartment, or if you witness a road accident, knowing exactly who to call and what to do can save a life. For many African expatriates, the emergency system in Germany can feel confusing at first. The numbers are different, the language may be unfamiliar, and the procedures work very differently from back home.
You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.
This guide is here to help. We will walk you through every important emergency service in Germany in plain, simple language. We will tell you the right numbers to call, what to say, and how to get help — even if your German is not yet perfect.
Quick Reference: Key Emergency Numbers in Germany
Before we go into detail, here is a fast reference table of the most important emergency numbers. Save these on your phone today.
| EMERGENCY NUMBER | SERVICE | WHEN TO USE IT |
|---|---|---|
| 112 | Medical & Fire | Medical emergencies, fires, accidents — life-threatening situations |
| 110 | Police (Polizei) | Crimes in progress, serious accidents, threats to safety |
| 116 117 | Medical On-Call (Out of Hours) | Non-emergency medical needs when your doctor is closed |
| 0800 111 0 111 | Telefonseelsorge (Crisis Line) | Mental health crisis, emotional distress, suicidal thoughts |
| 030 19240 | Poison Control (Berlin) | Swallowed poison, drug overdose, toxic substances |
| 0761 19240 | Poison Control (Freiburg) | Swallowed poison, drug overdose, toxic substances |
| 116 000 | Missing Children Hotline | Missing child, child in danger |
1. The Two Most Important Numbers: 112 and 110
In Germany, there are two numbers that you absolutely must memorise: 112 and 110. These are free to call from any phone — even a phone without a SIM card or credit. You can dial them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
112 — Medical Emergencies and Fire
The number 112 connects you to the Rettungsdienst (ambulance service) and the Feuerwehr (fire brigade). Call 112 when:
- Someone is unconscious or not breathing
- There is heavy bleeding that will not stop
- Someone is having a heart attack or stroke
- There is a serious accident
- There is a fire or explosion
- A child has swallowed something dangerous
The number 112 is also the pan-European emergency number, meaning it works in all European Union countries. This is important to know if you travel within Europe.
According to the European Emergency Number Association (EENA), 112 handles millions of calls per year across Europe and has been shown to reduce response times significantly in urban and rural areas alike. You can learn more at:
https://www.eena.org/112-in-europe
110 — Police (Polizei)
The number 110 connects you directly to the Polizei (police). Call 110 when:
- You witness a crime in progress (robbery, assault, break-in)
- You or someone else is being threatened
- There has been a serious traffic accident
- You need to report a dangerous situation in public
The German Federal Police (Bundespolizei) also operates a separate hotline for situations at airports, train stations and border areas. Their number is 0800 6 888 000. More information is available at:
2. How to Make an Emergency Call in Germany
Many African expatriates worry about calling emergency services because their German is not strong. Do not let this stop you. Dispatchers in large cities often speak English, and some services have multilingual support. But it is still helpful to know the basic structure of an emergency call.
When you call 112 or 110, try to answer these five questions clearly:
- WO ist der Notfall? — WHERE is the emergency? (Give the full address or nearest landmark)
- WAS ist passiert? — WHAT happened? (Describe the situation briefly)
- WIE VIELE Personen sind betroffen? — HOW MANY people are affected?
- WELCHE Verletzungen gibt es? — WHAT injuries or conditions are there?
- WARTEN auf Rückfragen — WAIT for questions from the dispatcher
In Germany, emergency dispatchers are trained to guide you. They will ask follow-up questions. Do not hang up until they tell you to. Stay on the line.
Tip for English speakers: Simply say ‘Do you speak English?’ (Sprechen Sie Englisch?) at the start of the call. Many dispatchers in cities like Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt, and Munich can switch to English.
3. Non-Emergency Medical Help — The 116 117 Hotline
Not every health problem is a life-threatening emergency. If you are sick in the evening or on a weekend and your regular doctor (Hausarzt) is closed, you do not need to go to the hospital emergency room. Germany has a special medical on-call service called the Kassenärztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst.
Call 116 117 for:
- Fever, pain, or illness that needs attention but is not an emergency
- A sick child whose doctor is closed
- Advice on whether your condition needs urgent care
- A referral to the nearest open medical practice
The service is available on evenings, nights, weekends and public holidays. It is a free call and is run by the National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians (Kassenärztliche Bundesvereinigung, KBV). You can find more information here:
https://www.kbv.de/html/116117.php
Important: The 116 117 service is primarily designed for people with statutory health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung). If you have private health insurance, you should contact your insurer’s emergency line or go directly to a hospital.
4. Mental Health Emergencies and Crisis Support
Adjusting to life in Germany can be mentally and emotionally difficult. Loneliness, homesickness, racial discrimination, language barriers, and financial stress are real challenges that many African expatriates face. If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, help is available.
Telefonseelsorge — Crisis Phone Line
The Telefonseelsorge is a free, anonymous, 24-hour telephone counselling service. You can call in German or English. There are two numbers:
- 0800 111 0 111 (Protestant counselling service)
- 0800 111 0 222 (Catholic counselling service)
Both numbers are free and available around the clock. You do not have to be Christian to call. The counsellors are trained volunteers who can listen and give support. More information at:
https://www.telefonseelsorge.de
Online and SMS Crisis Support
Germany also offers online chat counselling through the Telefonseelsorge website and the Caritas organisation. The Caritas website also lists migrant counselling services by region:
https://www.caritas.de/hilfeundberatung/onlineberatung
If you are experiencing a psychiatric emergency (for example, psychosis, severe depression, or a suicide attempt), call 112 or go to the nearest hospital’s emergency department (Notaufnahme). You do not need an appointment and cannot be turned away.
5. Poison Control Centres (Giftnotruf)
If someone swallows a toxic substance — medication, cleaning products, plants, or pesticides — call the Giftnotruf (Poison Control Centre) immediately. Germany has regional poison control centres. Here are the main ones:
| CITY / REGION | PHONE NUMBER | WEBSITE |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin | 030 19240 | giftnotruf.de |
| Born | 0228 19240 | giftnotruf-bonn.de |
| Erfurt | 0361 730730 | ggiz-erfurt.de |
| Freiburg | 0761 19240 | uniklinik-freiburg.de |
| Göttingen | 0551 19240 | giz-nord.de |
| Munich (München) | 089 19240 | vergiftungsberatung.de |
| Mainz | 06131 19240 | giftinfo.uni-mainz.de |
When you call poison control, tell them: the name of the substance (show the packaging if you have it), the amount swallowed, the age and weight of the person, and the time it happened. The experts will tell you whether to call 112, induce vomiting, or simply monitor the person at home.
6. Fire Safety in Germany — What African Expats Should Know
Germany has strict fire safety regulations. Smoke detectors (Rauchmelder) are legally required in all homes in every German state. As a tenant, you should check that these are installed and working when you move in. In most states, it is the landlord’s responsibility to install them, but in some states it is the tenant’s responsibility to maintain them.
If there is a fire:
- Call 112 immediately
- Leave the building via the nearest staircase — do not use the lift/elevator
- Close doors behind you to slow the spread of fire
- Warn your neighbours
- Go to the meeting point outside and wait for the fire brigade
German fire brigades (Feuerwehr) include both professional and volunteer firefighters. Response times in cities are typically 8–12 minutes. In rural areas, the volunteer fire brigade (Freiwillige Feuerwehr) may take a little longer.
For more on fire safety in German homes, visit the official German Fire Protection Association:
7. Emergency Services and Health Insurance in Germany
One of the first questions many African expats ask is: ‘Do I have to pay for an ambulance?’ This is a very valid concern, especially for those coming from countries where healthcare costs can be crippling.
Here is how it works in Germany:
If You Have Statutory Health Insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung — GKV)
Germany’s statutory health insurance covers emergency ambulance services when they are medically necessary. You may be charged a small co-payment (usually around €10 per day for hospital stays), but you will not receive a large ambulance bill. Most employed people in Germany are automatically covered by the GKV system.
If You Have Private Health Insurance (Private Krankenversicherung — PKV)
Private insurance also typically covers emergency services, but the billing process is different. You may receive the bill first and then claim reimbursement from your insurer. Always keep your insurance card and policy documents accessible.
If You Do Not Have Insurance
Emergency care will never be refused in Germany, even without insurance. However, you will receive a bill. If you are in an irregular migration situation, this can be complex — in some cases, local authorities (Sozialamt) may cover emergency healthcare costs. Seek advice from a migrant support organisation if this applies to you.
A helpful national portal for understanding German health insurance:
https://www.bundesgesundheitsministerium.de/themen/krankenversicherung.html
8. Communicating in Emergencies When You Don’t Speak German
Language is one of the biggest barriers for many African expatriates living in Germany. In a stressful emergency, it can be hard to think clearly, let alone speak German. Here are some practical strategies:
Use the “112” Emergency Translation Service
The 112 dispatch system in most German states now has access to telephone interpretation services. When you call 112 and say ‘I need an interpreter’ or simply speak English, the dispatcher can loop in a third-party interpreter in many cases. This service exists for over 20 languages.
Download the ‘Nora’ App
The Nora app (Notruf-App) is an official German emergency app that allows you to make an emergency call and transmit your GPS location automatically. It also allows text-based emergency communication for people who are deaf or have speech difficulties. Download it from the German Federal Ministry of the Interior:
Keep a Medical ID Card
Write a short card in German that lists your name, blood type, any allergies, and your health insurance number. Keep it in your wallet. In an emergency where you cannot speak, this card can give doctors critical information immediately.
Learn These Key German Phrases
| GERMAN | ENGLISH MEANING |
|---|---|
| Hilfe! | Help! |
| Notruf! Bitte kommen Sie! | Emergency! Please come! |
| Ich brauche einen Arzt. | I need a doctor. |
| Es gibt einen Unfall. | There has been an accident. |
| Feuer! (FAY-er) | Fire! |
| Wo ist das nächste Krankenhaus? | Where is the nearest hospital? |
| Ich spreche kein Deutsch. | I do not speak German. |
| Sprechen Sie Englisch? | Do you speak English? |
9. Emergency Support Services Specifically for Migrants and Refugees
Germany has a strong network of support organisations that can help African expatriates navigate emergencies and crises. These organisations offer help in multiple languages and are familiar with the specific challenges faced by migrants and refugees.
Caritas Germany
Caritas operates migrant counselling centres (Migrationsberatung) across Germany. They can help with language barriers, bureaucratic emergencies, social crises, and referrals to other services.
https://www.caritas.de/hilfeundberatung/ratgeber/migration
Diakonie Germany
Diakonie is another major welfare organisation with counselling services for migrants. They operate independent of religion and serve people of all backgrounds.
https://www.diakonie.de/migration-und-integration
AWO (Workers’ Welfare Association)
AWO provides social counselling, including emergency support for people in difficult situations. Their offices are in most German cities.
BAMF — Federal Office for Migration and Refugees
For immigration-related emergencies — such as an expired visa, detention, or deportation concerns — the BAMF is the primary government authority. Seek advice from a legal aid organisation immediately if you face such a situation.
10. Child Safety Emergencies
Parents need to know specific emergency contacts related to children’s safety in Germany.
- 116 000 — Missing Children Hotline (free, 24 hours). This number is active across the European Union.
- 0800 111 0 550 — Nummer gegen Kummer (Children’s helpline). Children and teenagers can call this free line for help with any problem.
- 0800 111 0 550 — Adults can also call Elterntelefon (Parent helpline) at 0800 111 0 550 for advice on parenting crises.
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, always call 110 (police) or 112. Do not hesitate. German law places child protection as the highest priority, and the Jugendamt (Youth Welfare Office) is always available for child welfare concerns.
https://www.nummergegenkummer.de
11. Domestic Violence and Gender-Based Violence Support
Domestic violence is a serious issue that affects people from all cultural backgrounds. Germany offers strong legal protection and support services for victims.
- 08000 116 016 — Hilfetelefon Gewalt gegen Frauen (Violence Against Women Helpline). Free, 24 hours, available in 17 languages including English, French, Arabic, Swahili, and Somali.
This is a vital resource for African women in Germany who may face violence. The helpline is completely confidential and staffed by trained counsellors. You can also contact them by online chat:
If you are in immediate danger, call 110 (police). German police take domestic violence calls seriously and can intervene immediately.
12. Natural Disasters and Civil Protection in Germany
Germany is generally not prone to large natural disasters, but it does experience flooding, storms, and (rarely) earthquakes. In June 2021, devastating floods hit the Ahr valley region in Rhineland-Palatinate and North Rhine-Westphalia, claiming over 180 lives. This event showed that no country is immune.
Germany’s civil protection system (Bevölkerungsschutz) is managed by the Bundesamt für Bevölkerungsschutz und Katastrophenhilfe (BBK — Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance).
Download the official NINA app (Notfall-Informations- und Nachrichten-App) to receive real-time emergency alerts on your smartphone. It is free and covers floods, chemical accidents, power outages, and other major events.
https://www.bbk.bund.de/DE/Warnung-Vorsorge/Warn-App-NINA/warn-app-nina_node.html
The BBK also runs a useful website in simple German called ‘Was tun im Notfall?’ (What to do in an emergency?):
13. Special Tips for African Expatriates
Living in Germany as an African comes with unique challenges that can affect how you experience emergencies. Here are some practical tips based on the realities many Africans face in Germany:
Know Your Rights When Police Are Involved
Unfortunately, racial profiling is a documented issue in Germany. If you are stopped by police, you have the right to ask why you are being stopped. You do not have to answer questions without a lawyer present. If you call 110 as a victim, police are obligated to help you regardless of your nationality or immigration status.
The German Institute for Human Rights provides resources on this:
https://www.institut-fuer-menschenrechte.de
Register Your Address (Anmeldung)
In Germany, every resident must register their home address at the local Bürgeramt (citizens’ office). This is called Anmeldung. While this is not strictly an emergency issue, being registered means emergency services can find you, and you can access healthcare and social services much more easily.
Build a Support Network
African diaspora communities in Germany are vibrant and helpful. Organisations like the African-German community group ISD (Initiative Schwarze Menschen in Deutschland) support Black people living in Germany, including in crisis situations:
Know Your Nearest Hospital
Look up the nearest hospital (Krankenhaus) with an emergency department (Notaufnahme) to where you live. Programme the address into your phone maps before you ever need it. In a real emergency, this simple step saves precious time.
Conclusion
Germany has one of the best emergency response systems in the world. As an African expatriate, you have full access to this system — regardless of where you come from, how long you have been here, or how well you speak German. The key is knowing the right numbers, understanding how to communicate, and not being afraid to ask for help.
Save these numbers on your phone:
- 112 — Medical emergency and fire
- 110 — Police
- 116 117 — Non-emergency medical help
- 0800 111 0 111 — Mental health crisis line
- 08000 116 016 — Violence against women helpline (multilingual)
Share this article with your fellow African friends, family members, and community members in Germany. Knowing this information could one day make all the difference.
At Kenyan-German Links, our mission is to bridge the gap between African communities and life in Germany. We provide practical, factual, and culturally sensitive information to help you thrive. Bookmark our website and come back often for more useful guides.
All information is for guidance only. Always contact official emergency services in life-threatening situations.
