Almost everyone needs internet at home: for work, for school, for video calls with family and for appointments with public authorities. In Germany, you usually get home internet through a contract with a provider. After that, the provider has to activate your connection. Activation (Freischaltung) means the provider switches on the line to your flat so the internet works. This often takes two to three weeks, sometimes longer. So order early, ideally as soon as you know your new address. The contract is signed by a person who lives in the flat. In a shared flat (Wohngemeinschaft), where several people share one flat, one contract for everyone is usually enough. Ask your landlord beforehand which connections are available in the building.
What you need
- Your exact address: street, house number, postcode and town. If possible, also the floor and the location of the flat, for example "2. Stock links" (2nd floor, left).
- A valid ID card or passport.
- A bank account with an IBAN. The IBAN is your international account number. Most providers collect payment by SEPA direct debit (SEPA-Lastschrift). This means the provider automatically takes the amount from your account every month. You can read more about this under Opening a bank account.
- An email address and a phone number. A German mobile number is often useful. See Choosing a mobile phone plan.
- Your name on the letterbox and doorbell. Otherwise letters won't arrive and the technician won't be able to find you.
- If you know them: the name of the previous tenant and the number on the wall socket. The wall socket (Anschlussdose) is the socket on the wall that you will later plug the router into. This information helps the provider find the right line.
- With many providers, a positive credit check (Bonitätsprüfung). The provider checks whether you have paid your bills reliably in the past. It often asks Schufa for this. Read more under Understanding and building your Schufa score.
Step by step
- Check availability. Enter your address on a provider's website. You will then see which types of connection are available at your address. The main types are: DSL via the telephone line, cable via the cable TV connection, fibre optic (Glasfaser) via a new, very fast line, and internet via the mobile network with a special router.
- Choose a speed. Speed is given in Mbit/s (megabits per second). For emails and websites, a low speed is enough. If several people watch videos or work from home at the same time, you need more.
- Compare plans. Pay attention to the monthly price, the price after the first few months, one-off costs and the contract term. You can compare plans at the bottom of this page.
- Sign the contract. You can do this online, by phone or in a shop. Before signing, you will receive a short contract summary (Vertragszusammenfassung). It contains the most important points. Read it carefully.
- Sort out the router. The router is the device that distributes the internet in your flat, including wirelessly via Wi-Fi (WLAN). You can rent or buy the router from the provider. But you are also allowed to use your own device if it is compatible with your connection.
- Wait for the appointment. You will receive a letter or email with the activation date. Sometimes a technician needs to come into the flat or the basement. In that case, you or someone else must be at home.
- Connect the router. Connect the router to the wall socket. Your login details are usually in a letter from the provider. Afterwards, change the Wi-Fi password.
- Keep your documents. Keep the contract, your customer number and your login details in a safe place.
Costs and deadlines
Prices differ from provider to provider. In addition to the monthly price, there are often other costs, for example a one-off setup fee, costs for the router or for a technician. Many plans are cheaper in the first few months and become more expensive afterwards. Check this before signing.
- Activation (Freischaltung): often two to three weeks, sometimes longer.
- Minimum contract term (Mindestvertragslaufzeit): the minimum time you have to keep the contract. It can be no longer than 24 months. Providers must also offer you a contract with a term of no more than 12 months.
- Notice period (Kündigungsfrist): how early you have to cancel before the end. After the minimum contract term, you can cancel at any time with one month's notice.
- Right of withdrawal (Widerrufsrecht): If you sign the contract online or by phone, you can withdraw from it within 14 days without giving a reason. Withdrawing means you take back your consent.
Common problems for newcomers
You don't have a Schufa record yet. People who are new to Germany often have no entries with Schufa yet. Some providers will then reject the contract. Ask several providers. Another option is internet via the mobile network on prepaid, meaning with credit you pay for in advance. In a shared flat, a flatmate can also sign the contract.
You haven't registered your address yet. For the internet contract, what counts is the address where the connection will be. You can often order as soon as you have a rental contract. Still, register your address soon. See Registering your address.
You only have a bank account abroad. In principle, providers are not allowed to refuse direct debits from an account in another country in the SEPA area (this includes, for example, all EU countries). In practice, there are still sometimes problems. A German current account (Girokonto) makes many things easier.
You speak little German. Some providers also offer service in English. Ask about it. You can also bring someone along who speaks good German. Don't sign anything you don't understand.
You need internet right away. Until activation, you can use the internet on your mobile phone. With a hotspot, your phone shares its internet connection with your laptop. Keep an eye on your data allowance.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to use the provider's router?
No. In Germany, you are allowed to use your own router. However, it must be compatible with your type of connection. If in doubt, ask the provider.
What happens if I move?
Tell your provider about the move early. They will usually continue to offer you the connection at your new address. If they cannot provide a connection there, you may cancel the contract with one month's notice.
What can I do if the internet is much slower than promised?
Measure the speed several times and write down the results. The Federal Network Agency (Bundesnetzagentur), a government body, offers a free measurement tool for this. Report the problem to the provider. If the difference is large, under certain conditions you have the right to pay less or to cancel.
Do I have to pay extra for TV?
Every household pays the broadcasting fee (Rundfunkbeitrag) for TV and radio. This applies regardless of your internet contract. Read more under Registering for the broadcasting fee.