Emergency Guide for Students in Germany
Lost your passport? Phone stolen? Ill at night, in an accident, or ill on exam day? Clear steps for the most common emergencies, the numbers you need, and a printable emergency card.
What happened?
🪪 Your emergency card
General guidance, last checked October 2026. In any situation where life or health is at risk, call 112 first.
How to use the emergency guide
- Choose what happened, for example illness at night, a lost passport, a stolen phone or a lost bank card.
- Follow the steps in the order shown. The most urgent action always comes first.
- Use the phone numbers directly from the guide. On a mobile phone you can tap a number to call.
- After the emergency, finish the follow-up steps such as police reports or informing your university.
The most important numbers in Germany
112 is the number for fire and ambulance in all of Germany and the EU. 110 is the police. Both are free, work 24 hours and can be called from any phone.
116 117 connects you to the medical on-call service when your doctor is closed and it is not life-threatening. 116 116 blocks lost or stolen bank cards. TelefonSeelsorge on 0800 111 0 111 offers free, anonymous crisis support day and night.
Tips and common mistakes
- Save 112, 110 and 116 117 in your phone today, not when you need them.
- Keep photos or scans of your passport, residence permit and health insurance card in a secure place.
- If your passport is lost or stolen, report it to the police first. Then contact your embassy and your local foreigners office (Ausländerbehörde).
- Block a stolen phone SIM with your mobile provider and change important passwords.
- Pharmacies on night duty (Notdienstapotheke) are listed on the door of every pharmacy.
Frequently asked questions
When should I call 112 and when 116 117?
Call 112 for life-threatening situations such as chest pain, serious injuries or breathing problems. Call 116 117 for urgent but not life-threatening illness outside doctor opening hours.
Do I need to speak German on the phone?
Emergency operators often speak English. Stay calm, say where you are, what happened and how many people are affected.
Does it cost money to call?
No. 112, 110, 116 117 and 116 116 are free of charge.
This guide gives general information and does not replace professional help. In danger, always call 112 first.
