Getting internet in Germany is one of the first practical challenges after moving. The options depend heavily on your building’s infrastructure — not all providers are available everywhere.
Checking Availability
Before comparing providers, check what your building supports. Telekom’s network map, Vodafone’s postcode checker, and 1&1’s address checker all show available speeds for your specific address. Your building’s existing cable wiring (or lack thereof) determines whether you can get cable internet. DSL arrives via phone line and is available almost everywhere but at lower speeds. Fibre (Glasfaser) is expanding rapidly but still has limited coverage in many areas.
Major Providers
Deutsche Telekom (T-Online) has the widest network and most reliable infrastructure but is the most expensive. Vodafone cable offers the highest speeds where available (up to 1Gbps in many areas) and is often 20–30% cheaper than Telekom for comparable service. 1&1 resells Telekom’s infrastructure at lower prices but customer service is a consistent complaint. Unitymedia (now Vodafone) covered western Germany; O2 Home is available in many areas and competitive for budget contracts.
Contract Lengths
Most German internet contracts are 24-month minimum commitments. There are shorter contracts available (waipu.tv, NetCologne, some providers) but at premium prices. Read the Preiserhöhungsklausel (price increase clause) — many contracts allow price increases during the contract term.
Practical Tips
Order internet before you move in if possible — installation appointments can take 2–4 weeks. Telekom usually has faster installation. Some buildings have existing cable connections that can be activated within days. A German address (registered via Anmeldung) is required for most contracts. Request your Widerrufsfrist (cancellation window) in writing if you’re unsure about the property.
Router
Providers supply a router but you have the legal right (since 2016) to use your own. The AVM Fritz!Box series is Germany’s most popular third-party router — reliable, feature-rich, and widely supported by all major providers. A FritzBox 7590 or 7690 is worth the one-time cost if you plan to stay in Germany long-term.
