Helplines in Germany
If someone is in danger, call 112 for an ambulance or the fire brigade, or 110 for the police. For a confidential conversation at any hour, TelefonSeelsorge answers free on 0800 1110111 and on 116 123, and also offers chat. It works in German.
English-language help is strongest for women. The Hilfetelefon Gewalt gegen Frauen (116 016) and the Hilfetelefon Schwangere in Not (0800 40 40 020) both offer English and many other languages, 24/7. In a crisis in Berlin or Bavaria, the Berliner Krisendienst (030 390 63 10) and Krisendienste Bayern (0800 655 3000) have limited English, and the Bavarian line can arrange phone interpreting. Most other lines work in German.
Women experiencing violence, and anyone supporting them, can call 116 016 day or night, free, or use the chat. Shelter addresses are kept confidential, and the helpline can help you find a place. Pregnant women in difficulty can call 0800 40 40 020. Children and young people can ring Nummer gegen Kummer on 116 111, Monday to Saturday 14:00 to 20:00, and anyone under 25 can use krisenchat, a text-based service open 24/7. Men affected by violence can call 0800 1239900. Older people who feel lonely can talk to Silbernetz on 0800 4 70 80 90, daily 08:00 to 22:00. There are also lines for parents, eating disorders and addiction below.
On a foreign SIM, dial numbers as shown; 112 works on any phone across the EU. Each number was checked at its official source, with the date shown.
Emotional support
TelefonSeelsorge
Anonymous listening service for any difficult situation, also reachable on 0800 1110222, by chat and by email.
Checked 2026-10-19 · source
Suicide prevention
Berliner Krisendienst
Berlin crisis service by phone and in person; this number covers Mitte and Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, other districts use 030 390 63 20 to 030 390 63 90.
- Hours: 24/7 (district offices daily 16:00-24:00)
- Languages: German
- Some English
- Cost: free
- Website
Checked 2026-10-19 · source
Domestic violence
Hilfetelefon Gewalt gegen Frauen
Federal helpline for women experiencing violence, and for people supporting them, with counselling in 18 languages via interpreters.
- Hours: 24/7
- Languages: German, English, French, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, Turkish, Kurdish (Kurmanji), Romanian, Polish, Russian, Albanian, Bulgarian, Serbian, Vietnamese, Ukrainian, Chinese, Farsi/Dari, Arabic
- English available
- Cost: free
- Chat
- Website
Checked 2026-10-19 · source
Young people
Children
Parents
Pregnancy and postnatal
Hilfetelefon Schwangere in Not
Anonymous counselling for pregnant women and those around them, before and after the birth, including on confidential birth.
- Hours: 24/7
- Languages: German, English, Spanish, French, Albanian, Arabic, Bulgarian, Persian, Kurdish, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Serbian, Turkish, Ukrainian, Chinese (Mandarin), Italian, Portuguese, Vietnamese
- English available
- Cost: free
- Website
Checked 2026-10-19 · source
Alcohol and drugs
Eating disorders
Men
Older people
Health advice
Questions about getting help in Germany
What is the emergency number in Germany?
In Germany, call 112, 110 and 116117 in an emergency. If someone's life is at risk, don't wait: call straight away. Emergency calls are free.
Is there a free mental health helpline in Germany?
Yes. TelefonSeelsorge (0800 1110111), TelefonSeelsorge (116 123) (116 123) and Berliner Krisendienst (030 390 63 10). Details, opening hours and the official source for each number are listed on this page.
Can I get help in English in Germany?
Yes. These services say they offer English: Hilfetelefon Gewalt gegen Frauen (116 016) and Hilfetelefon Schwangere in Not (0800 40 40 020).
Where can women experiencing violence get help in Germany?
Contact Hilfetelefon Gewalt gegen Frauen (116 016). Shelter addresses are kept confidential for safety, so the helpline is the way in. In immediate danger, call 112.
Is there a helpline for children and young people in Germany?
Yes. Nummer gegen Kummer: Kinder- und Jugendtelefon (116 111) and krisenchat.
Numbers are checked against each service's own website on the date shown. Services change, so if a number doesn't work please tell me: hello@michellefernando.com.