One of the most popular study abroad countries in Europe and the world is Germany. Every year, thousands of students from all over the world apply to receive a top-notch international education. While international students can rest easy knowing that Germany is a secure country, knowing resources and safety is even more reassuring for students and their families.
Although Germany is a highly safe country, it is best to avoid certain areas in German cities because pickpockets may be an issue. It’s critical to constantly exercise caution and safety in crowded regions, especially at events.
Along with crowded public spaces, you should use caution at sporting events. Even if the cops are ready to help with everything, pickpocketing is a possibility. Similar to most other nations, Germany has seen instances of street protests. Apart from these, Germany is a safe and tranquil country. The world’s fourteenth safest nation is Germany. In general, it is safe for women to travel alone in Germany.
Advice on Safety for Foreign Students in Germany
Everyone could use some travel advice, but international students — who are frequently traveling alone or are visiting Germany for the first time — need it the most. To ensure that we are well prepared for our stay in the country of castles, let’s go through this piece of advice together.
- The emergency phone numbers are the first thing you need to know. The emergency number in Germany is 112, and you can call it free from any phone. You can contact the Fire and Ambulance Brigade by dialing this number. If you dial 110, the cops are available.
- Call the police for assistance. Germany’s police are dependable and trustworthy. They drive, bike, motorbike, or walk through the streets of German cities. You should call the police whenever you need assistance since the police advise people not to hesitate.
- You can also contact the German embassy or consulate if you’re an international student.
- Avoid wandering alone across dark, deserted spaces. It is advisable to stay away from vacant areas like certain desolate streets or uninhabited parks late at night.
- When utilizing an ATM, use caution. Pay attention to those around you and keep an eye out for any unusual behavior.
- Don’t drink alcohol when you’re alone. Make sure you are accompanied by trustworthy people whenever you go out to a party or participate in any festival or gathering.
- Don’t keep all of your possessions in one location. When discussing money and credit cards, this is critical. Since you don’t want to lose your wallet and be left with nothing, put them in various locations.
In Germany, efforts are being made to prevent discrimination against anyone based on race, ethnicity, country of origin, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or religion. Students should be aware of several options in case of an emergency or merely for safety advice. If situations of discrimination arise, you can contact the FADA. One thing to keep in mind is that your German university will give you access to a wealth of information about safety and welfare in Germany.
Emergency phone numbers
- Police – 110
- Fire and medical emergency – 112
- Violence against women hotline – 08000 116 016
- Suicide hotline – 0800 111 01 11
- AIDS hotline – 0180 331 94 11
Germany: How Peaceful Is It?
The Global Peace Index ranked Germany as the 16th most peaceful nation in the world in 2020. This rating of 163 nations was done by the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP). Germany ranked as the 11th-most peaceful nation in Europe out of 36 nations. Germany also came in at number 20 for Societal Safety and Security.
Are International Students safe against racism and discrimination?
German universities have anti-discrimination offices on the campus level. To protect students, every university has anti-discrimination measures in place. Germany’s Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency is its national agency (FADA). This organization assists in providing defense to those who were the targets of discrimination.
In Germany, are women safe?
In Germany, numerous organizations help women. The Center for Intersectional Justice and the Afro-German women’s movement ADEFRA e. V. are two examples. For women, the Frauenhauskoordinierung offers specialist counseling. Additionally, they work to stop all forms of violence against women.