📱Phone & Internet in Germany

Prepaid plans offer flexibility with no long-term commitment, ideal for short stays. Contracts usually provide more data and better per-GB value over 12 or 24 months.

Consider Aldi Talk, Lidl Connect, and Congstar (Telekom's budget brand) for competitive prepaid bundles. They are easy to activate and top up at supermarkets.

Telekom (D1), Vodafone (D2), and O2 (Telefonica) are the three primary network operators. Telekom generally has the best coverage, especially outside cities.

Providers like Congstar, 1&1, and Blau often offer good value on the main networks. Some have English-speaking customer service, which is a huge plus.

Most plans offer 5-50GB of high-speed data. Unlimited data plans exist but are often more expensive. Check your typical usage before committing.

All German plans must include EU roaming at no extra cost, meaning you can use your data, calls, and texts when traveling within the EU.

For any contract plan, you'll need proof of address, usually your Anmeldung certificate from the Bürgeramt. Prepaid can be anonymous but requires ID for full use.

Standard contract terms are 24 months. Be aware of the 1-3 month notice period for cancellation, or your contract might automatically extend.

Many modern providers and phones support eSIMs, offering a convenient digital alternative to physical SIM cards. Check if your provider offers this.

Before committing, use coverage maps on Telekom, Vodafone, and O2 websites to check signal strength at your home and frequently visited areas.

The most common internet type, using phone lines. Widely available, with speeds typically ranging from 16 Mbps to 250 Mbps depending on infrastructure.

Offered by providers like Vodafone and PŸUR, using TV cable networks. Often provides higher speeds (up to 1000 Mbps) than DSL, especially in urban areas.

The fastest and most future-proof option, offering symmetrical speeds up to 1000 Mbps or more. Availability is growing but still limited to certain regions and new builds.

Always check which internet technologies and providers are available at your specific German address before signing any contract. Use provider websites.

Telekom, Vodafone, O2, and 1&1 are the main players. Telekom offers DSL and Fiber, Vodafone dominates cable, and O2/1&1 use various infrastructures.

Common speeds are 50, 100, 250, and 500 Mbps. Prices vary from around €30-€60 per month, often with promotional rates for the first 6-12 months.

Providers typically offer a FritzBox or Speedport router for rent (around €5/month). You can often use your own compatible router if preferred.

Installation can take 2-6 weeks, sometimes longer. Plan ahead! A technician visit might be required, especially for new DSL or fiber connections.

Similar to mobile, home internet contracts are typically 24 months. Be mindful of cancellation periods and automatic extensions.

Many providers offer combined packages for internet, TV, and sometimes mobile. These can be cost-effective but lock you into one ecosystem.

For short-term needs or areas without fixed-line internet, mobile LTE/5G routers with large data plans can be an option, but often more expensive per GB.

Known for the best network coverage and speed, especially for DSL and Fiber. Often the most expensive, but offers excellent service and reliability.

A major player in cable internet, offering high speeds in urban areas. Their mobile network (D2) is also very good. Can be competitive on pricing.

Often offers the most competitive prices for mobile and DSL. Their network has improved significantly, but still might lag behind Telekom in rural areas.

A large reseller offering DSL, Fiber, and mobile plans, often with attractive introductory offers. Customer service can be a mixed bag.

Don't overlook smaller, regional providers like M-Net (Munich), NetCologne (Cologne), or Willy.tel (Hamburg). They sometimes offer superior local fiber deals.

Use independent comparison websites like Check24 or Verivox to easily compare prices, speeds, and offers from multiple providers in your area.

Some providers or MVNOs (e.g., Lebara) specifically target expats with international calling bundles. Check their websites for current promotions.

Be prepared that most customer service will be in German. Some larger providers or expat-focused MVNOs may offer English support.

Once your contract ends, you have the right to switch providers. Your new provider can often handle the cancellation with your old one.

For most contract plans, a Schufa credit check is performed. Newcomers with no German credit history might face challenges or require higher deposits.