INDIANS GERMANY GUIDE

When something goes wrong, knowing who to call makes all the difference. In Germany, emergency services are reliable and well-organized. But the system is different from many other countries, and calling the wrong number can waste valuable time.

This guide explains which numbers to call in different situations, what to say, and how to stay calm when you need help.

---

Germany has a clear system. Most situations fall into one of four categories.

---

When to call 112:

Call this number for any immediate life-threatening emergency.

Situations where you call 112:

• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Severe bleeding or injury
• Unconscious person
• Choking or poisoning
• Severe allergic reaction
• Serious burns
• Car accidents with injuries
• House fire or gas leak
• Violent crime in progress
• Someone threatening to harm themselves or others

What happens:

1. You call 112
2. A dispatcher answers (may speak English)
3. Tell them what is happening
4. They send appropriate help (ambulance, fire, police)
5. Stay on the line and answer questions
6. Help arrives (usually within 10-15 minutes in cities, longer in rural areas)

What to say:

Speak calmly and clearly. You do not need perfect German. Say:

“There is a medical emergency at [your address]. A person is having chest pain.”

Or simply state: “Ambulance needed” or “Fire needed” or “Police needed” plus your address.

Dispatchers understand English. They will ask questions. Answer as best you can.

Important:

• Stay calm. Emergency services are trained to help.
• Provide your exact address (Straße and Hausnummer)
• Stay on the line until told to hang up
• If you speak no German, say “English” and they will try to help or find someone who speaks English
• Do not hang up early

---

When to call 110:

Use this number for police situations that are not immediate emergencies.

Situations where you call 110:

• Theft or burglary (after it happens, not in progress)
• Lost or stolen documents (passport, ID, insurance card)
• Traffic accidents without injuries
• Neighbor disputes or noise complaints
• Lost pets (police can help with reports)
• Fraud or scams
• Unwanted contact or harassment
• Property damage
• Complaints about something illegal

What happens:

1. You call 110
2. A dispatcher answers
3. Explain your situation
4. They may send police or give you instructions
5. For theft/fraud, you may get a reference number for insurance

What to say:

“I want to report a theft. My bicycle was stolen.”

Or: “I want to file a police report about a scam.”

Police take written reports. You may need to go to the police station (Polizeistelle).

Important:

• Have details ready (what was stolen, when, any witnesses)
• Bring ID
• Expect the process to take time
• In larger cities, police stations are open during specific hours
• Some crimes require filing a report in person

---

When to call 114 or 116117:

Use these numbers for medical issues that need attention but are not life-threatening emergencies. The number varies by region (114 or 116117). Both connect you to the on-call doctor service.

Situations where you call:

• High fever that does not go down with medication
• Severe headache or migraine
• Prescription run out on weekend (need urgent refill)
• Minor but concerning symptoms on Sunday or evening
• Dental pain or broken tooth
• Child with unexpected illness (weekend or night)
• Flu-like symptoms
• Stomach pain or vomiting
• Minor infections

What happens:

1. You call 114 or 116117
2. A dispatcher asks about your symptoms
3. They recommend: See your doctor Monday, visit urgent care, or an on-call doctor will call you back
4. In some cases, they may send a house call doctor (Hausbesuch) to your home
5. Doctor provides treatment advice, prescriptions, or medical guidance

What to say:

“My child has a high fever and I cannot reach the regular doctor.”

Or

“I ran out of my heart medication and it is Sunday. What should I do?”

Important:

• After-hours doctor visits are not free. You will pay (usually €50-100)
• Insurance covers most of the cost but not always completely
• Some pharmacies are open late and can help with urgent medication issues
• Call this number if your issue is not life-threatening but needs attention
• If something becomes life-threatening, hang up and call 112

How to find the right number:

In Germany, both 114 and 116117 provide on-call doctor service. Which one you use depends on your region. When in doubt, call 112 and they can direct you to the right service.

Search “[Your City] Ärztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst” (on-call doctor service) online to see which number your region uses.

---

When to call 19222:

Use this number when you need medical transport but it is not an emergency. This is for scheduled or planned transportation with medical staff present.

Situations where you call 19222:

• Planned hospital visits that require lying down
• Discharge from hospital when you cannot travel alone
• Regular medical appointments for people who cannot use normal transport
• Patients who need medical supervision during travel
• Transfer between hospitals or medical facilities

What this is NOT:

• This is NOT for emergencies. If life-threatening, call 112
• This is NOT for poisoning. Call poison control (see below)
• This is NOT for on-call doctors. Call 114 or 116117

What happens:

1. You call 19222 to request transport
2. A dispatcher asks about your medical situation and destination
3. A medical transport vehicle arrives with trained staff
4. Transport is provided with medical supervision
5. You are taken to your destination safely

What to say:

“I need medical transport from my home to the hospital for a planned appointment.”

Or

“A patient was discharged and needs transport home with medical support.”

Important:

• This is not free. Transport costs are covered by insurance but you may have copay
• You must book in advance (not urgent/immediate)
• Medical staff travel with you
• This is for planned, non-emergency situations

---

When to call poison control:

Use this number only for poisoning, overdose, or exposure to toxic substances. The number varies by region, so search for your local poison control center.

How to find your regional poison control number:

Search “[Your Region] Giftnotruf” or “Giftinformationszentrale” online. Poison control numbers vary by German state (Bundesland). Common numbers include 030 19240 (Berlin area) but yours may be different.

Situations where you call poison control:

• Swallowed poison or unknown substance
• Medication overdose or accidental ingestion
• Chemical exposure or inhalation
• Unknown substance ingestion (child ate something unknown)
• Swallowed cleaning products or household chemicals
• Accidental drug overdose
• Exposure to dangerous fumes or gases

What happens:

1. You call your local poison control number
2. A medical professional answers (usually within seconds)
3. They ask what was ingested or exposed
4. They give immediate advice on whether hospital is needed
5. They may recommend hospital visit or say it is safe to monitor at home
6. They provide follow-up instructions

What to say:

“My child swallowed something from under the sink. I do not know what it is.”

Or: “Someone took too much of a medication. What should I do?”

Important:

• Have the bottle, package, or product ready so you can read ingredients
• This service is usually free
• They will not judge you
• Act fast if poisoning is suspected
• If uncertain about what was ingested, call. It is better to call and be wrong than to wait
• If the person loses consciousness, call 112 instead

---

Not every hospital visit requires an ambulance. Understanding when to call 112 helps.

Call 112 ambulance if:

• You cannot move without severe pain
• You have chest pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of stroke
• You are bleeding heavily
• You have severe injuries
• You are unconscious or confused
• You are in shock (pale, shaking, disoriented)
• You are having a serious allergic reaction
• You are in severe distress and cannot drive safely

Drive yourself or take taxi if:

• Minor injuries (cut, small burn, sprain)
• Fever or flu-like symptoms
• Stomach issues or vomiting
• Headache or migraine
• You can move and function relatively normally
• Waiting a few minutes is safe

Call your doctor first if:

• You have fever and feel unwell but stable
• You have been injured but pain is manageable
• You have been sick for days and are getting worse
• You are unsure if hospital is necessary

German doctors prefer you to call first rather than clogging emergency rooms with non-emergencies.

---

These numbers are useful but less critical than the four main numbers.

Pharmacy Emergency (Apothekennotheft):

Pharmacies rotate night and weekend coverage. To find an open pharmacy:

1. Call a regular pharmacy and listen to recording
2. Search “[Your City] Apothekennotheft” online
3. Visit any pharmacy window (they post emergency numbers)
4. Ask at hospital reception

Dental Emergency:

• Call your regular dentist (recording tells you emergency dentist)
• Search “[Your City] Zahnärztlicher Notdienst” (emergency dentist)
• Hospital emergency room can help with severe pain temporarily

Mental Health Crisis:

• Call 112 if person is threatening self-harm
• Search “[Your City] psychologischer Notdienst” (mental health crisis service)
• Go to hospital psychiatric ward (Psychiatrie)
• Call Telefonseelsorge (0800 1110111 or 0800 1110222) for emotional support (free, confidential, English available)

Domestic Violence (for victims):

• Call 110 (police) or 112 if in immediate danger
• Call Frauenhaus (women’s shelter): Search “[Your City] Frauenhaus”
• Hotline: 0800 0116016 (free, confidential)
• English speakers available

Child Abuse (to report):

• Call 110 (police)
• Contact Jugendamt (youth services office)
• Call local child protection hotline

---

Prepare now so you are ready if something happens.

Write down and keep accessible:

• Your address in German (Straße and Hausnummer)
• Your phone number
• Insurance company name and policy number
• Emergency contact at home
• Any relevant medical information (allergies, medications, chronic conditions)
• Blood type (if you know it)
• Doctor’s name and phone number

For your phone:

• Save 112, 110, 114, 19222 in contacts
• Keep a note in your phone with your address
• Keep ICE (In Case of Emergency) contact in your phone (see instructions for your phone type)

Tell people around you:

• Coworkers know your address
• Close friends know how to reach you
• Roommates know your doctor

---

You do not need perfect German to get help. These simple phrases will help you communicate clearly in an emergency. Speak slowly and calmly. People understand English, but having German phrases helps.

Basic emergency statements:

• “Es ist ein Notfall” = It is an emergency
• “Ich brauche Hilfe” = I need help
• “Rufen Sie einen Krankenwagen” = Call an ambulance
• “Rufen Sie die Polizei” = Call the police
• “Rufen Sie die Feuerwehr” = Call the fire department
• “Bitte senden Sie einen Krankenwagen” = Please send an ambulance

Medical emergencies:

• “Ich bin krank” = I am sick
• “Mir geht es nicht gut” = I do not feel well
• “Ich habe Schmerzen” = I have pain
• “Ich habe Brustschmerzen” = I have chest pain
• “Mir ist schwindelig” = I am dizzy
• “Ich kann nicht atmen” = I cannot breathe
• “Ich habe ein Fieber” = I have a fever
• “Ich habe allergische Reaktion” = I have an allergic reaction
• “Ich bin verletzt” = I am injured
• “Ich blute” = I am bleeding
• “Ich habe mich verbrannt” = I have a burn

Accident and injury phrases:

• “Es gab einen Unfall” = There was an accident
• “Es gibt einen Autounfall” = There is a car accident
• “Ich bin gefallen” = I fell
• “Ich kann mein Bein nicht bewegen” = I cannot move my leg
• “Ich bin bewusstlos gewesen” = I was unconscious
• “Jemand ist verletzt” = Someone is injured
• “Es gibt viel Blut” = There is a lot of blood

Poison and overdose:

• “Jemand hat Gift verschluckt” = Someone swallowed poison
• “Das Kind hat etwas Unbekanntes gegessen” = The child ate something unknown
• “Jemand hat zu viel Medikament genommen” = Someone took too much medication
• “Es gibt eine Chemikalienexposition” = There is chemical exposure

Crime and safety:

• “Ich wurde bestohlen” = I was robbed
• “Mein Haus wurde eingebrochen” = My house was broken into
• “Jemand bedroht mich” = Someone is threatening me
• “Ich fühle mich unsicher” = I feel unsafe
• “Es gibt einen Überfall” = There is an assault

Mental health crisis:

• “Die Person droht, sich selbst zu verletzen” = The person is threatening to hurt themselves
• “Jemand ist sehr verzweifelt” = Someone is very desperate
• “Ich habe Angst um diese Person” = I am afraid for this person

Fire and gas emergencies:

• “Es gibt einen Brand” = There is a fire
• “Es gibt einen Gasgeruch” = There is a gas smell
• “Das Haus brennt” = The house is burning
• “Es gibt Rauch” = There is smoke

Providing your location:

• “Ich bin in [Straße] Nummer [Hausnummer]” = I am in [Street] number [house number]
• “Die Adresse ist…” = The address is…
• “Ich bin nah beim Bahnhof” = I am near the train station
• “Ich bin in der Nähe von [Landmark]” = I am near [Landmark]
• “Ich kenne meine Adresse nicht” = I do not know my address

When calling emergency services:

• “Ich spreche nicht gut Deutsch” = I do not speak German well
• “Können Sie Englisch sprechen?” = Can you speak English?
• “Ich brauche einen Übersetzer” = I need a translator
• “Können Sie mich verstehen?” = Can you understand me?

Getting help around you:

• “Hilf mir, bitte” = Help me, please
• “Kann jemand einen Krankenwagen rufen?” = Can someone call an ambulance?
• “Ruft die Polizei” = Call the police
• “Wer spricht Englisch?” = Who speaks English?
• “Ich brauche Hilfe” = I need help
• “Es ist ein Notfall” = It is an emergency

Hospital and doctor:

• “Ich muss ins Krankenhaus” = I need to go to the hospital
• “Wo ist das nächste Krankenhaus?” = Where is the nearest hospital?
• “Ich brauche einen Arzt” = I need a doctor
• “Ich bin allergisch gegen…” = I am allergic to…
• “Ich nehme dieses Medikament” = I take this medication
• “Das tut mir weh” = That hurts

Key medical information to communicate:

• “Ich bin schwanger” = I am pregnant
• “Ich bin diabetisch” = I am diabetic
• “Ich habe Herzprobleme” = I have heart problems
• “Ich bin epileptisch” = I am epileptic
• “Ich bin asthmatisch” = I have asthma
• “Ich habe hohen Blutdruck” = I have high blood pressure

Additional useful phrases:

• “Danke für die Hilfe” = Thank you for the help
• “Verstehen Sie mich?” = Do you understand me?
• “Sprechen Sie langsamer” = Speak slower, please
• “Schreiben Sie es auf” = Write it down
• “Können Sie mir zeigen?” = Can you show me?
• “Wo ist die Toilette?” = Where is the bathroom?
• “Ich brauche mein Medikament” = I need my medication

How to use these phrases:

Write down the most relevant phrases for your situation. Keep them in your phone or wallet. In a real emergency, you can simply show someone the phrase on your phone if speaking feels too stressful.

Germans understand that you are nervous and will be patient. Using German, even imperfectly, shows effort and respect.

---

If you need to call emergency services, follow these steps.

Step 1: Stay calm

Take a breath. Emergencies happen. You are not in trouble for calling.

Step 2: Call the right number

• 112 for a life-threatening emergency
• 110 for non-emergency police
• 114 for medical after-hours
• 19222 for patient needs to be transported, accompanied by medical professionals

Step 3: Tell them what happened

Speak clearly and calmly. You do not need perfect sentences.

“There is a car accident. Two people are hurt.”

Or

“I fell and cannot move my leg.”

Or

“My son swallowed medication.”

Step 4: Give your address

This is the most important information. Say it clearly and slowly.

Ex: “Hauptstraße 00, 12345 Berlin”

If you do not know the address, describe your location.

“I am near the train station on the main street.”

Step 5: Answer dispatcher questions

They will ask:

• How many people are affected?
• What exactly happened?
• Is the person breathing?
• Is there bleeding?
• What is the exact address?

Answer honestly. They are trained to help.

Step 6: Follow instructions

The dispatcher may tell you:

• “Do not move the person”
• “Apply pressure to the bleeding”
• “Stay on the line”

Follow their instructions. They know what they are doing.

Step 7: Stay on the line

Do not hang up until told to. Dispatchers may have more questions.

---

You do not need to speak German well to get help.

What to know:

• Most 112 dispatchers can connect you to English speaker
• Say “English” and wait for interpreter or English-speaking dispatcher
• Use simple words: “ambulance,” “fire,” “accident,” “help”
• Point at things if you are with someone who speaks English
• Emergency workers are trained to communicate with non-Germans
• Never let language fear stop you from calling

If you speak very little German:

Say: “Ich spreche Englisch. Bitte helfen Sie.” (I speak English. Please help.)

Or simply say: “English, please.”

They will do their best to help.

---

Once emergency services arrive, they take over. Here is what typically happens.

At the scene:

1. Emergency responders assess the situation
2. They provide first aid if needed
3. They decide: Home, urgent care, or hospital
4. They transport you if necessary
5. They document what happened

If transported to hospital:

1. You arrive at emergency room (Notaufnahme)
2. Reception asks for ID and insurance
3. Medical staff examines you
4. You wait (can be 1-4 hours depending on urgency)
5. Doctor treats you
6. You either go home or are admitted

Hospital bills:

• Insurance covers most costs
• You may pay copay (€10 per visit typically)
• Hospital bills are not cheap but insurance covers majority
• If uninsured, hospital still treats you (bills come later)

After hospitalization:

• You may need follow-up with regular doctor
• Prescriptions are given
• Medical records are provided
• You may need to contact insurance about claims

---

Avoid these mistakes to get help more efficiently.

Mistake 1: Calling the wrong number

Do not call police for a medical emergency. Call 112. They dispatch everything.

Mistake 2: Not giving your address clearly

“I am somewhere near downtown” is not helpful. Give exact address if possible.

Mistake 3: Hanging up too soon

Stay on the line. Dispatcher may have more questions.

Mistake 4: Not explaining clearly

Do not say “help.” Say “accident” or “bleeding” or “chest pain.” Be specific.

Mistake 5: Assuming language is a barrier

Many dispatchers speak English. Ask. Do not let it stop you.

Mistake 6: Not having address written down

In panic, you forget. Write it down now and keep it somewhere you can find it.

Mistake 7: Being embarrassed

Calling for help is not embarrassing. It is what emergencies are for.

---

Emergency services in Germany are excellent. Response times are fast. Medical care is high-quality. Staff are professional and trained.

Knowing these numbers now means you will not panic if something happens later.

What to remember:

• 112 for life-threatening emergencies
• 110 for police and non-emergencies
• 114 for medical after-hours
• 19222 for medical transportation
• Have your address ready
• Speak calmly and clearly
• English is often available

You have got this.