German mobile numbers start with +49 and then 15, 16 or 17, followed by eight or nine more digits. To get a German phone number from abroad you can take a German SIM or eSIM, keep the one you have active, or use a temporary German number when you only need one verification code.
How a German mobile number is built
The Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur) sets the plan. A mobile number starts with a two-digit service code, 15, 16 or 17, then a block code and the line's own digits. Inside Germany you dial a 0 in front; from abroad, +49 replaces it.
| Digits after +49 | Example shape | |
|---|---|---|
| 15x blocks | 11 | +49 151 1234 5678 |
| 160, 162, 163 | 10 or 11 | +49 160 123 4567 |
| 17x blocks | 10 or 11 | +49 171 234 5678 |
| 164, 168, 169 | Not mobile phones | Reserved for paging services |
From the Bundesnetzagentur's numbering plan for mobile services, in force since 21 May 2020. The example digits are placeholders.
Which services expect a German number
- Local platforms: Kleinanzeigen, for example, verifies only numbers from the EU, the EEA and Switzerland, and wants a number that is yours.
- Services that only operate in Germany may expect a German number, even if they do not say so up front.
- Global messengers such as WhatsApp and Telegram accept numbers from almost anywhere, but a German number makes sense if your contacts are in Germany.
Banks, payment apps and government services also ask for a German number. Those are not something a temporary number is for, in any country.
Getting one from abroad
- A German SIM or eSIM
- A real mobile line you keep for as long as the plan runs. The right choice for anything you will log back into.
- Keeping your German number abroad
- Keep the SIM active and roaming on, and texts reach you wherever you are.
- Internet calling numbers
- Often refused for verification: many sign-ups do not accept VoIP numbers.
- A temporary German number
- Receives one code within ten minutes, then closes. No contract, no SIM.
A German number for one verification code
- Choose the app, then Germany German numbers are offered per service and change daily, so start with the service you are signing up for.
- Compare the success rate The app shows it for Germany before you pay. If it is low, a neighbouring EU country may work better.
- Enter it with +49 Paste it in international format and leave out the domestic 0 when +49 is already selected.
- Read the code in the app If none comes within about two minutes, request another German number at no extra charge.
Popular combinations have their own pages: WhatsApp with a German number, Telegram with a German number, and every service on the Germany page.
Common questions
How do I get a German phone number?
For a number you keep, get a German SIM or eSIM. For a single verification code, a temporary German number from the app is enough.
How many digits does a German mobile number have?
After +49, ten or eleven digits. Numbers in the 15x blocks always have eleven.
Can I keep my German mobile number while living abroad?
Yes, as long as the SIM stays active. With roaming on, texts, including verification codes, still reach you.
Do I write the 0 after +49?
No. +49 replaces the leading 0: 0151 … becomes +49 151 ….