Berlin Tourist Safety Guide — Emergency Numbers, Scams & Hospitals

🚨 Emergency Numbers in Berlin

General Emergency 112 Police 110 Ambulance 112 Fire 112 Alternative 110

Source: German Federal Government (bund.de)

Hospitals & Medical Care

Hospital emergency departments (Notaufnahme) treat urgent cases regardless of nationality. EU visitors use the EHIC/GHIC; others pay and claim via travel insurance. Dial 112 for an ambulance. The medical on-call service 116 117 handles non-emergency care after hours, and pharmacies (Apotheke) advise on minor issues.

Embassies & Consulates

Most embassies are in the Mitte and Tiergarten districts near the Brandenburg Gate. Search your own country's embassy directory for the exact address.

Find your embassy in Germany →

Emergency Phrases

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English	Local	Pronunciation
Help!	Hilfe!	HIL-fuh
Call the police	Rufen Sie die Polizei	ROO-fen zee dee po-lee-TSY
I need a doctor	Ich brauche einen Arzt	ish BROW-khuh EYE-nen ARTST
Where is the hospital?	Wo ist das Krankenhaus?	vo ist das KRAHN-ken-house
I'm lost	Ich habe mich verlaufen	ish HAH-buh mish fair-LOW-fen

Common Scams in Berlin

Fake ticket inspectors on the U-Bahn/S-Bahn — real inspectors show official ID, never demand cash on the spot.
Overpriced drinks and 'flirt' bars around some Kreuzberg/Mitte nightlife — check prices before ordering.
Cup/shell games near Alexanderplatz and Brandenburg Gate are always rigged — don't play.
Distraction pickpocket teams on crowded transit and at ATMs — keep valuables secured.
Fake charity petitioners near tourist landmarks — decline politely and move on.

Safety Notes for Tourists

Berlin is fairly safe, but pickpocketing occurs on transit, at Alexanderplatz, and at big events and markets.
Kottbusser Tor and parts of the Görlitzer Park area have an open drug scene; stay alert, especially at night.
Always validate transit tickets before boarding — fines for fare dodging are steep.
Cycle lanes are heavily used; watch for fast bikes when crossing pavements.

Frequently Asked Questions — Staying Safe in Berlin

What is the emergency number in Berlin?

Dial 112 for ambulance and fire (works EU-wide) and 110 for police. Both connect to English-capable dispatchers when needed.

Is Berlin safe at night?

Berlin has a lively, generally safe nightlife, but keep valuables secure on transit and take care around certain stations and park areas late at night.

What should I do if I'm robbed in Berlin?

Call 110 for police if in danger, then file a report at a police station (Polizeiwache) for your insurance. Cancel stolen bank cards immediately using your bank's hotline.

Do police in Berlin speak English?

Many Berlin police officers speak English, and the city is very international, so communication is usually straightforward.

Last verified: 2026-08-14

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