Power Sockets in Germany [Guide 2024]

When moving to Germany, keep the right power adapter to make your trip easier and to use your gadgets properly. Type F sockets are standardized in Germany, but you will find type C sockets too, so have your needed plug with you. 

Types of Power Plugs

There are different types of power plugs according to their prong shapes, voltages, required power supply, and current.

Type C

Features of type C plugs are; - Two round pin prongs. - Not grounded.
- Unpolarized.
- 220-240V.
- Current of 2.5 A, 10 A, or 16 A

Type E

Features of type E plug are: - Two round pin prongs.
- Current up to 16 A.
- Round male pin in socket for grounding which is inserted into the recess present in plugs. This is a role reversal that is not present in any other plug-socket pair. 

Type F

Features of type F plug are: - 2 round pin prongs.
- Grounded.
- Current of 16 A.
- 220V- 240V.

Solutions to Power Socket Problems

Here are the solutions to the problems you might face due to the difference between the properties of different types of sockets:

No Compatibility of Plug Prongs with Socket Recess

If your plug has flat or round prongs of diameter greater or less than 4.8 mm, you cannot plug into any socket in Germany. 

Solution

Convert the shape of your plug through a power plug adaptor but ensure that your adaptor is compatible with your gadget’s plug and the type F socket’s recess. Buying an adaptor with a number of socket types is always recommended but do not plug all of them at once to avoid a short circuit. 

No Compatibility of Plug Power with Supply Power

The power supply operates at 230V and 50Hz in Germany. If your appliance operates at a different power supply, do not plug into the socket in Germany.

Solution

To operate the appliance of different voltage, use a voltage converter. If you are on a small trip, you can manage without a voltage converter. Your devices such as laptops, mobile phones, and cameras are dual voltage. They automatically detect the voltage and adapt themselves accordingly. Appliances such as curling irons, hair dryers, power tools, or refrigerators require voltage adaptors.

Do not plug in your high power appliance (a voltage of lower or greater than 230V) into a socket in Germany. Doing this will lead to the short circuit that can cause smoke and fire.

Voltage converters are of two types; low-power voltage converter for small appliances and high power voltage converter for large appliances. Remember that high power voltage converters are expensive and you need to pay high custom duty charges at the airport, so buying new appliances from Germany will save your money.

Rechargeable and Non-Rechargeable Batteries

There is a voltage sensor in most of the chargers, so you just need to plug in the charger to charge your devices. Read the user’s manual to avoid any inconvenience. If you have non-rechargeable batteries, be careful to dispose of them. Standard US batteries are easily accessible in Germany, but throwing non-useable batteries is not a practice in Germany. Throw them in the relevant trash bin for proper recycling. 

Unresolvable Problems

Unresolvable problems Include a clock with a higher frequency, a record turntable, and an old music player. US-made clocks and turntables will operate at a faster rate.

Solution

Say goodbye to these devices and get a new device manufactured in Germany as the voltage converter or an adaptor with different shape would not help. 

Conclusion

Keep your plug adaptor or voltage adaptor with you when traveling to Germany and ensure that your plugs are compatible with your device’s plugs and german sockets. Buy the voltage adaptors according to your need. Bring some extra cash to buy new equipment in Germany rather than buying a high power voltage adaptor.