Calling Germany from the UK is a daily necessity for many. You might have family in Berlin or business partners in Munich. Germany is Europe’s largest economy. Therefore, clear communication channels are vital. You need to know the correct dialing codes to connect instantly. Errors in dialing can lead to frustration and wasted time.

We will guide you through the exact steps to make these calls. We cover landlines, mobile phones, and cost-saving methods. You will learn about the crucial area codes. We also explain how modern tools like Telfon save money. For broader travel advice, you can check the UK Government’s foreign travel advice for Germany.

Understanding the International Dialing Format

You cannot simply dial a local German number from London or Manchester. You must use a specific international format. This format tells the network to route your call across borders.

There are three main parts to this sequence. First is the exit code. Second is the country code. Third is the subscriber number. Missing any part results in a failed connection.

The UK Exit Code

The exit code allows you to dial out of the UK. The standard exit code is 00. You dial this first. It signals that an international number follows.

The Germany Country Code

Every country has a unique identifier. Germany’s country code is 49. You enter this immediately after the exit code. So, you will dial 0049 to start.

The Leading Zero Rule

This is the most common mistake. German area codes often start with a zero locally. For example, Berlin is 030. However, you must drop this zero when calling internationally. You would just dial 30.

How to Call Germany from a UK Landline

Landlines remain a reliable way to make international calls. The process is strict but simple. Follow this sequence exactly for a successful connection.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

• Dial 00: This is the UK exit code.

• Dial 49: This routes the call to Germany.

• Dial the Area Code: Enter the city code but remove the first zero.

• Dial the Phone Number: Enter the remaining local digits.

Example Scenario:

You need to call a business in Hamburg.

The local number is: 040 1234 5678.

You dial: 00 49 40 1234 5678.

Double-check the digits before lifting the receiver. Landline charges can apply the moment the call connects.

How to Call Germany from a UK Mobile Phone

Mobile phones offer more flexibility than landlines. Most UK residents use mobiles for international calls. The dialing format is slightly different but easier.

Using the Plus (+) Sign:

Smartphones allow you to use the + symbol. This replaces the 00 exit code. It is faster and universally recognized by networks.

Step-by-Step Mobile Instructions:

• Enter +: Hold the ‘0’ key to get the plus sign.

• Enter 49: This is the country code.

• Enter the Area Code: Remember to omit the leading zero.

• Enter the Number: Type the rest of the subscriber number.

• Press Call: Initiate the connection.

Example Scenario:

You are calling a friend in Frankfurt.

Their number is: 069 9876 5432.

You dial: +49 69 9876 5432.

Alternatively, you can still use 00 49 on a mobile. However, the +49 method is safer when saving contacts. It works even if you travel abroad.

Calling German Mobile Numbers from the UK

Calling a mobile phone in Germany is different from calling a landline. German mobile numbers do not use geographic area codes. Instead, they use specific mobile prefixes.

Identifying German Mobile Prefixes

German mobile numbers typically start with 015, 016, or 017. Just like landlines, you must drop the leading zero.

The Dialing Sequence:

• Exit Code: Dial 00 or +.

• Country Code: Dial 49.

• Mobile Prefix: Dial the prefix without the zero (e.g., 171).

• Subscriber Number: Dial the remaining digits.

Example:

The German mobile number is 0171 555 1234.

You dial: +49 171 555 1234.

Key Takeaway: Calls to mobiles often cost more than calls to landlines. Check your tariff before speaking for a long time.

Essential German Area Codes

You need the correct area code to reach a landline. These codes correspond to specific cities. Below is a list of codes for major German cities.

Table: Major German City Area Codes

Always verify the city before dialing. Smaller towns have longer area codes. You can find these via a quick online search.

Best Times to Call Germany

Time differences can disrupt communication. You do not want to call during dinner or late at night. Germany follows Central European Time (CET).

The Time Difference

• UK: 1:00 PM

• Germany: 2:00 PM

This applies during both standard time and summer time. Both countries change clocks around the same dates.

Business Calling Windows

The best time for business is between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM UK time. This aligns with 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM in Germany. Avoid calling during their lunch hour, typically 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

Personal Calling Windows

Weekdays between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM UK time are good. This is 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM in Germany. Avoid calling after 9:00 PM UK time unless it is an emergency.

The Cost of Calling Germany

International calls can be expensive. Traditional carriers often charge high rates per minute. These costs vary by provider and plan.

Standard Carrier Rates

Major UK networks charge premium rates for calls to Europe.

• Landline to Landline: Can cost 15p to 50p per minute.

• Mobile to Mobile: Can cost over £1.50 per minute.

• Connection Fees: Some providers charge a fee just to connect.

These costs accumulate quickly. A 30-minute business call could cost over £40 on a standard mobile plan. Consequently, many users seek cheaper alternatives.

Roaming Charges

Since Brexit, roaming rules have changed. Using your UK mobile while inside Germany might also incur fees. However, calling from the UK involves international rates, not roaming rates.

Save Money with VoIP Solutions

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is the modern standard. It uses the internet to transmit voice data. This bypasses traditional telephone lines and their high fees.

Why Choose VoIP?

• Low Cost: Rates are significantly lower.

• Clarity: HD voice quality depends on internet speed.

• Flexibility: Use apps on your phone or laptop.

Services like Skype or WhatsApp are common for personal use. However, they require both parties to have the app. For calling actual phone numbers, you need a specialized provider. This is where professional cloud telephony excels.

Using Telfon for Cheaper Calls

Telfon is a leading virtual phone calling app. It serves both individuals and businesses. It solves the problem of high international calling costs.

Cost Savings

Telfon operates on a “Pay-as-you-go” model. You avoid expensive monthly contracts. Users typically save up to 50% compared to traditional providers. This makes long business meetings or family catch-ups affordable.

Global Reach

You are not limited to Germany. Telfon supports calling to over 180+ countries. It provides a unified solution for all international communication.

Accessibility

The app is available on major platforms. You can download it from Google Play, the App Store, or the Chrome Web Store. This ensures you can call from your preferred device.

Virtual Numbers: Establishing a German Presence

A virtual number is a game-changer for businesses. It allows you to own a German phone number while based in the UK.

How It Works

You purchase a virtual number through Telfon. It looks like a standard German number (e.g., +49 30…). When clients dial it, the call routes to your UK device.

Benefits for Business:

• Trust: Germans prefer dialing local numbers.

• Incoming Cost: Clients pay local rates to call you.

• Privacy: You do not reveal your personal mobile number.

Benefits for Expats:

You can keep a “local” link to home. Family members can call you without paying international fees. It bridges the distance effectively.

Advanced Features for Business Users

Businesses need more than just voice calls. Telfon offers a suite of tools for sales, HR, and support teams. These features improve efficiency and data management.

Analytics and Management

• User Analytics: View detailed cards, graphs, and charts of call activity.

• Call History: Track incoming and outgoing logs user-wise.

• Budgeting: Assign specific credit limits to different employees.

Communication Tools

• Call Recording: Essential for training and compliance.

• Voicemail to Text: Read messages when you cannot listen.

• Call Forwarding: Never miss a lead; redirect calls to available agents.

• WhatsApp Integration: Manage multiple WhatsApp accounts for customer support.

These features turn a simple phone system into a powerful CRM asset. Over 600 companies currently utilize these tools to streamline operations.

Business Etiquette When Calling Germany

Cultural norms impact business success. Germans value professionalism and directness. Knowing how to speak can help your deal.

Formal Address

Always use titles. Address contacts as “Herr” (Mr.) or “Frau” (Mrs.) followed by their surname. Do not use first names until invited to do so.

Punctuality

Time is money in Germany. Be exactly on time for scheduled conference calls. Calling five minutes late is considered disrespectful.

Direct Communication

Get to the point quickly. Small talk is less common in German business culture. State your purpose clearly at the start of the call.

Language

English is widely spoken in German business. However, learning a few phrases helps.

• “Guten Tag” (Good day).

• “Sprechen Sie Englisch?” (Do you speak English?).

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

Sometimes calls fail to connect. This can be due to network errors or user mistakes. Here is a checklist to fix common problems.

Check the Format

Did you drop the leading zero? This is the most likely culprit. Ensure you dialed +49 30… and not +49 030.

Check Your Plan

Is international calling enabled? Some UK mobile contracts block international dialing by default. Contact your provider to lift this bar.

Internet Stability

If using VoIP, check your Wi-Fi or data. Weak signals cause dropped calls or robotic voice quality. Switch to a 4G/5G network if Wi-Fi is unstable.

Number Blocking

The recipient might block anonymous callers. Ensure your caller ID is visible. Telfon allows you to manage how your number appears.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the code to call Germany from the UK?

The country code for Germany is 49. You must dial 00 49 or +49 before the local number.

Q2: Do I dial the zero in the German area code?

No. You must remove the leading zero. For example, dial +49 30 for Berlin, not +49 030.

Q3: How much does it cost to call Germany from a UK mobile?

Standard rates can exceed £1.50 per minute. Using a VoIP app like Telfon can reduce this cost significantly.

Q4: Is Germany 1 hour ahead of the UK?

Yes. Germany is generally one hour ahead of the UK. This applies all year round.

Q5: Can I get a German phone number if I live in the UK?

Yes. You can purchase a German virtual number through Telfon. This allows you to receive calls as if you were in Germany.

Q6: Does my UK mobile plan cover calls to Germany?

Usually, no. Standard minutes apply to UK calls only. You typically need an international add-on or a separate calling app.

Q7: What is the best time to call Germany for business?

The best time is between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM UK time. This avoids the German lunch hour and end-of-day rush.

Q8: Why is my call to Germany not connecting?

Check if you included the area code without the zero. Also, verify that your service provider allows international outgoing calls.