German in emergencies
Phrases and vocabulary for medical emergencies, the emergency call, theft, lost documents, and help at the police station.
Emergency 112 for life-threatening situations
For medical emergencies, accidents, or fires, the number is one one two. It is free across Europe.
Police 110 for crimes
For theft, assault, or other crimes, call the police in Germany on one one zero.
Keep important documents separately
Keep copies of your ID, insurance card, and visa separately from the originals — ideally digitally in the cloud.
Spell your address loudly and clearly
When calling 112, give the street name first, then the house number, then the city, and – if you are in a flat – the floor and a clue for the buzzer (e.g. 'second floor, buzzer Müller'). Spell unusual street names letter by letter. The dispatcher can track your location in real time if you keep your phone switched on.
Making an emergency call
You are calling 112 after an accident.
There has been an accident at Hauptstraße ten. One person is injured and breathing shallowly.
Should we stay on the scene until you arrive?
Reporting a theft
Your wallet was stolen on the metro.
My wallet was just stolen from me on the metro. I would like to file a report.
Could you help me get my cards blocked?
Replacing a lost document
You are going to the citizen office because your ID is gone.
I have lost my ID card and need a replacement — what is the procedure?
Which documents do I need to bring today?
Reporting a poisoning
Your child has drunk an unknown liquid in the kitchen and is complaining of stomach pain.
This is a medical emergency. My child has drunk an unknown liquid – I think it may be a cleaning product. The child is seven years old, is complaining of stomach pain, and seems drowsy. We are at Gartenstraße twelve, Munich.
The dispatcher asks: 'Do you still have the bottle? Please read me the product name and ingredients, and do not let the child fall asleep.'
Which number do I call in an emergency?
For medical emergencies, accidents, or fire dial one one two. For the police, one one zero.
How do I say that I have just been robbed?
Say directly: I have just been attacked. Please send the police immediately. Give the location as precisely as possible.
What do I do if I have lost my residence permit?
Report the loss to the police immediately and file a report. Then go to the immigration office with the confirmation.
When do I call 112 and when do I call 110?
112 is the emergency number for medical emergencies, accidents, and fires – whenever lives are at risk. 110 is the police emergency line for crimes, break-ins, and assaults. In some situations you need both: after a road accident, for example, call 112 first for the injured, then 110 for the police report.
What do I do if someone loses consciousness after poisoning?
Call 112 immediately and name the substance if you can. Place the person in the recovery position so they do not choke on vomit. Do not give the person anything to drink and do not try to induce vomiting – this is only appropriate in certain cases and should only be done when instructed by the dispatcher.
Do I need to show my health insurance card at the Notaufnahme?
In a genuine emergency, the Notaufnahme will treat you immediately even without your card. You should present your Krankenkasse card as soon as possible afterwards so billing can be processed. Without insurance, costs are initially charged to you; clarify afterwards with your Krankenkasse or the social welfare office.
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These texts are for language learning and general orientation only and may be simplified or out of date — they are not legal, financial, medical, or tax advice. Some content is AI-generated. Please confirm important details with the responsible authority or a qualified professional.