Which emergency phone numbers in Germany do I need to know?

Police: 110

The police in Germany are 100% trustworthy and you can rely on their help in any situation of danger.

Ambulance and fire brigade: 112

Both services are completely free of cost for the person who is in an emergency situation as well as for the person who calls them. Please note, however, that you can be legally persecuted if you encounter people in an emergency and don’t call an ambulance/the fire brigade!

Medical on-call service: 116 117

If you need a medical doctor to visit you at home because you are too sick to go to a doctor’s office or doctor’s offices are closed you can call this service, which is covered by your health insurance, i.e. free of cost for you. Please note that this service is only for non-life-threatening situations, as the doctor will visit you on the same day, but not necessarily immediately. For life-threatening health situations, you must call an ambulance (see above).