Do You Need a Travel Adapter for Germany?
Germany uses Type C and Type F sockets at 230 V, 50 Hz. Phone and laptop chargers from Europe plug straight in. From the US, the UK, Australia, Canada and Japan you need a Type F adapter. Single-voltage hair dryers from the US, Canada and Japan also need a voltage converter.
Check your own plug
Verdict by where you are travelling from
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| From | Phone, laptop or USB charger | Hair dryer or straightener | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| The US | Adapter Type F | Converter + Type F adapter | Type F adapter · Step-down converter (amazon.com) |
| The UK | Adapter Type F | Adapter Type F | Type F adapter (amazon.co.uk) |
| Europe | Works | Works | Nothing |
| Australia | Adapter Type F | Adapter Type F | Type F adapter (amazon.com.au) |
| Canada | Adapter Type F | Converter + Type F adapter | Type F adapter · Step-down converter (amazon.ca) |
| Japan | Adapter Type F | Converter + Type F adapter | Type F adapter · Step-down converter (amazon.co.jp) |
Phone, laptop, USB and camera chargers are dual voltage, so they only need the right plug. Single-voltage hair dryers, straighteners and kettles need a converter unless rated for 220–240 V; electric shavers and CPAP machines vary by model. Read the INPUT line on the label. Adapter or converter?
More about sockets in Germany
29 other countries and territories in Europe have exactly the same socket types (of 53 in the region). The national plug standard is DIN VDE 0620, DIN 49441.
Standard from Wikipedia, Mains electricity by country (CC BY-SA 4.0), retrieved 8 September 2026.
Frequently asked questions
What plug does Germany use?
Germany uses Type C and Type F sockets. Type C: two round 4 mm pins, 19 mm apart. Type F: two round 4.8 mm pins with earth clips on the sides.
What is the voltage in Germany?
Germany runs on 230 V at 50 Hz.
Can I charge my iPhone or laptop in Germany?
Yes. Phones, laptops and USB chargers are dual voltage (100–240 V), so 230 V is fine. Chargers from Europe plug straight in. From the US, the UK, Australia, Canada and Japan you need a Type F plug adapter.
Do I need a voltage converter for Germany?
Only for single-voltage appliances made for 100–127 V countries, such as many hair dryers, straighteners and kettles. Anything marked INPUT 100–240 V works with a plug adapter alone.
Other countries in Europe
Same plugs and voltage as Germany
Socket types: Type C Type F · Voltage by country
Data verified 8 September 2026 against the IEC World Plugs dataset, WorldStandards and Wikipedia. How this data was verified.