German Emergency Phrases

Why Emergency German Phrases Could Save Your Life

Germany is one of the safest countries in the world and the vast majority of Australian visitors have trouble-free trips. But emergencies do happen — medical incidents, accidents, theft, getting lost in a rural area, a mental health crisis, a car breakdown on the Autobahn. When they do, the ability to communicate quickly and accurately in German is not just helpful — it can be critical.

Emergency services in Germany are well-funded and highly professional. An ambulance will arrive within minutes in any urban area. The police (Polizei) are approachable and helpful. But in genuine emergencies, the initial communication — what happened, where you are, what you need — happens in German, and every second matters.

This guide covers every emergency scenario an Australian traveller might face in a German-speaking country. Read it before you go. You will almost certainly never need it — but if you do, you will be very glad you prepared.

German Emergency Numbers

Important: 112 is the universal emergency number across the entire European Union and works in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. If in doubt, always dial 112 — operators speak English and German.

Calling for Help — Core Emergency Phrases

Medical Emergency Phrases

For Australians: Germany has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia — Australian citizens are entitled to emergency medical treatment in Germany under the same conditions as German residents. Carry your Australian passport and Medicare card. For non-emergency treatment, travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Reporting a Crime or Theft

Describing Symptoms and Body Parts in German

Contacting the Australian Embassy or Consulate

If you lose your passport, are arrested, have a serious medical emergency or face a major crisis while in a German-speaking country, the Australian Embassy or Consulate is your first point of contact. Australian consular staff can assist with emergency passports, contact family in Australia, provide a list of local lawyers and doctors, and provide welfare support.

• Australian Embassy Berlin (Germany)
  Wallstraße 76–79, 10179 Berlin
  Phone: +49 30 8800 880
  Emergency: +49 30 8800 880 (after hours via the embassy)
• Australian Consulate-General Frankfurt
  Bockenheimer Landstraße 51–53, 60325 Frankfurt
  Phone: +49 69 9055 8515
• Australian Embassy Vienna (Austria)
  Mattiellistraße 2–4, 1040 Wien
  Phone: +43 1 506 740
• Australian Consulate Zurich (Switzerland)
  Phone: +41 44 412 6262
• 24-hour Consular Emergency Line (from Australia): 1300 555 135
  From overseas: +61 2 6261 3305

Always register your travel with the Australian Government Smartraveller website (smartraveller.gov.au) before visiting Germany. This allows the Australian Government to contact you in a national emergency and makes consular assistance faster and easier.

Emergency German FAQs for Australians

What emergency number do I call in Germany?

Call 112 for all emergencies (fire, medical, serious accidents) — this is the EU-wide emergency number and works in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Call 110 for police only in Germany. Operators can assist in English but knowing the German phrases above will significantly speed up the response.

Does Australia have a health agreement with Germany?

Yes. Australia and Germany have a reciprocal healthcare agreement. Australian citizens are entitled to emergency and medically necessary treatment in Germany at the same cost as German residents (i.e. covered or heavily subsidised). You must show your Australian passport. Non-emergency treatment and medical evacuation are not covered — comprehensive travel insurance is essential.

What should I do if my Australian passport is stolen in Germany?

Report the theft to the local police (Polizei) immediately and get a written police report (Anzeige). Then contact the Australian Embassy in Berlin or Consulate-General in Frankfurt. They can issue an emergency travel document to get you home. The process takes 1–2 business days. Keep a digital copy of your passport in your email for exactly this situation.

Is Germany safe for solo Australian travellers?

Germany is consistently rated one of the safest countries in the world. Violent crime rates are very low. The main risks for tourists are petty theft (pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas like the Berlin train stations, Munich Oktoberfest and Christmas markets) and transport-related incidents. Standard vigilance — keeping valuables secure, being aware of your surroundings — is all that is required.

What is the number for the Australian Embassy emergency line?

From Germany, call the Australian Embassy Berlin directly: +49 30 8800 880. This operates 24 hours for genuine consular emergencies. If calling from Australia, the Consular Emergency Centre is 1300 555 135 (24 hours).

Complete Your Travel German Preparation

• → Essential German Travel Phrases
• → Airport German — From Landing to City
• → Hotel German — Check In and Get What You Need
• → Restaurant German — Order Like a Local
• → German for Beginners — Build a Foundation Before You Go