📞 TelefonSeelsorge and crisis services
In brief
In Germany there are several free and anonymous phone services against loneliness and emotional distress – different depending on age and concern. The TelefonSeelsorge (0800 111 0 111 and 0800 111 0 222) is there for all age groups around the clock. Silbernetz (0800 4 70 80 90) is aimed specifically at people aged 60 and over. For children, young people and parents there is the Nummer gegen Kummer. All services are free of charge, and you do not have to give your name.
Step by step
- Choose the right numberTelefonSeelsorge for all age groups and topics, Silbernetz for ages 60 and over, Nummer gegen Kummer for children/young people (116111) or parents (0800 111 0 550).
- Call anonymouslyThe caller's number does not appear on the advice centre's display, and the call does not show up on your own phone bill.
- Alternatively chat or e-mailTelefonSeelsorge and Nummer gegen Kummer also offer online and e-mail counselling if phoning is not the right format.
- Agree regular contactThrough "Silbernetz-Freund*innen", older people can arrange a fixed weekly call-back from a volunteer contact person – not a one-off conversation but a reliable fixed appointment.
- Have yourself passed on in case of acute dangerAll hotlines are set up to refer callers on to emergency services in acute crises, but do not replace them themselves.
Deadlines
- Silbernetz is expressly intended for people aged 60 and over – younger callers are referred to the TelefonSeelsorge or other services.
- The parents' helpline is not staffed around the clock; check the current opening hours before relying on it.
- These hotlines offer listening and initial orientation, not diagnoses and not therapy.
- Counselling in other languages is not guaranteed everywhere and depends on the team on duty – when in doubt, ask directly.
In depth · legal basis, figures and practice – for advisers and professionals
TelefonSeelsorge
The TelefonSeelsorge is a pastoral care service run under the responsibility of the Protestant and Catholic churches and can be reached free of charge and anonymously around the clock on the nationwide uniform numbers 0800 111 0 111 (Protestant) and 0800 111 0 222 (Catholic) as well as on 116123. According to the sponsoring association, about 7,500 trained volunteers work at around 105 locations nationwide; around 1.3 million contacts (by phone and online) are made each year. Deutsche Telekom bears the charges for these special numbers.
Silbernetz
Silbernetz e. V. offers a three-tier service for people aged 60 and over who feel lonely: the Silbertelefon (0800 4 70 80 90, daily 8 a.m.–10 p.m., around the clock on public holidays and over Christmas/New Year) for a spontaneous conversation, "Silbernetz-Freund*innen" for a weekly recurring call from the same volunteer, and "Silberinfo" for referral to suitable local support services. The association reports several hundred thousand calls since its launch. Originally started as a Berlin pilot project, its expansion to further regions is funded under a federal model programme.
Nummer gegen Kummer
For children and young people, the children's and youth helpline is available on 116111 and 0800 111 0 333 Monday to Saturday from 2 to 8 p.m., free of charge and anonymous from landline and mobile networks. For mothers and fathers there is the parents' helpline on 0800 111 0 550, Monday to Friday 9–11 a.m. and additionally Tuesday and Thursday 5–7 p.m. The sponsor is the national association "Nummer gegen Kummer e. V." with local associations such as the Deutscher Kinderschutzbund (German Child Protection Association).
A question about your situation that this page does not answer? Write to us or use the contact form – we will tell you which office is responsible and what to bring. Free of charge, without individual legal advice.