The question of 112 or 116117 can decide the next few minutes in an emergency. The number 112 is for life-threatening emergencies, while 116117 is for urgent complaints that do not require an immediate rescue operation. This guide shows which number to dial when, what happens after the call and what the planned reorganisation of 116117 changes.
Short answer: For a life-threatening emergency, always dial 112. According to the Federal Ministry of Health, the rescue control centre is always directly reachable through it, and the number does not change. For urgent, non-life-threatening complaints, 116117 is the right route, and outside surgery hours it leads to the acute control centre of the Kassenärztliche Vereinigung. The Bundestag passed the reorganisation on 15 October 2026 (last updated: 15 October 2026).
The most important points at a glance
- For life-threatening situations, such as breathing difficulties, heavy bleeding or unconsciousness, dial 112.
- For urgent complaints outside surgery hours, 116117 is the right number.
- 112 and the rescue control centre remain reachable exactly as before.
- The number 116117 is being reorganised. The acute control centre is to be digitally linked with the rescue control centre.
- The new rules have been passed, but the source does not give an entry date.
When should you dial 112?
112 is the emergency number for situations in which a person is in acute danger to life or has suffered a serious injury. This includes cardiac arrest, stroke symptoms, serious injuries after an accident or poisoning with breathing difficulties. If you are asking yourself whether you should dial 112, the call is the right decision. The control centre decides which rescue service is sent.
The Federal Ministry of Health states that the rescue control centre remains directly reachable via 112 for emergencies that threaten life. The reform does not change this. If you are unsure whether a situation is an emergency, you can still dial 112. The control centre assesses the urgency and then passes the call on where needed.
When is 116117 the right number?
The number 116117 belongs to the acute control centre of the Kassenärztliche Vereinigung, the association of statutory health insurance physicians. It is intended for complaints that are urgent but do not require an ambulance. Examples are fever with a sore throat, severe pain without a threat to life, or the question whether a doctor’s visit is still needed today.
According to the Federal Ministry of Health, the acute control centre is meant to offer telephone or telemedical advice around the clock, including by video. Answering targets are also set: 75 percent of calls should be answered within 3 minutes and 90 percent within 10 minutes. These requirements describe the future organisation under the law as passed, not a situation already in place.
112 and 116117 compared
The table below summarises what you can expect from each number. The details refer to the description of the passed reform by the Federal Ministry of Health.
| Feature | 112 | 116117 |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Life-threatening emergency | Urgent complaints without rescue deployment |
| Who answers | Rescue control centre | Acute control centre of the Kassenärztliche Vereinigung |
| Availability | Around the clock, number stays the same | Around the clock, by telephone or video |
| After the call | Rescue service is sent where needed | Assessment and referral to the right service |
| Cooperation | Digitally linked with the acute control centre | Digitally linked with the rescue control centre |
What happens after the call?
After the reform, the two control centres are meant to work closely together. The source describes a binding agreement on which partner takes which cases. If a call reaches the wrong service, it is forwarded, and the data already collected goes to the responsible control centre. You do not have to repeat the whole story, provided you stay concise and factual during the first call.
For that reason, have the most important details ready: your location with address or landmarks, the type of complaint, how long it has lasted and whether any pre-existing conditions are known. These details help the control centre decide more quickly.
What does the reorganisation change for 116117?
Under the law, the tasks of the number 116117 are to be reorganised. The acute control centre takes over the existing tasks of the appointment service in acute case referral and becomes the central point of the triage procedure. For booking specialist appointments, the guide on appointment booking through 116117 is the better starting point.
The source also names the integrated emergency centres as the place where triage takes place together with the emergency department and the emergency practice. More on this is in the guide on integrated emergency centres. The expansion is financed jointly by the statutory health insurers and the KVen through a flat-rate availability financing, and the PKV also contributes. These details concern the organisation and not your entitlement to treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Can I dial 112 if I am unsure?
Yes. If you are not sure whether an emergency is present, 112 is the right call. The control centre checks the situation and decides whether a rescue service is needed or another service is responsible.
What do I do at night when my practice is closed?
For urgent complaints outside surgery hours, 116117 is the intended number. For life-threatening situations, it remains 112. Note both numbers in advance so that you do not have to search in an emergency.
Does 116117 already work in the new form?
The reorganisation has been passed by the Bundestag. The Federal Ministry of Health does not name a date for entry into force. Until implementation, the current rules apply.
Does 116117 replace the emergency call?
No. The emergency call remains 112. 116117 is the point of contact for urgent, non-life-threatening matters and for assessing where to turn.
What do I do when I am abroad?
The numbers 112 and 116117 apply in Germany. Other countries have their own emergency numbers. If you fall ill abroad, clarify cover with your health insurer in advance.
What you should do now
- Save 112 and 116117 in your phone under clear names.
- Note the address of your home and your university so that you can give it quickly on the phone.
- Before calling, decide briefly whether life is at risk. If in doubt, dial 112.
- Follow the status of the reform on the website of the Federal Ministry of Health until an entry date is fixed.
Related reading
- Emergency reform 2027: the new rules for emergency departments and out-of-hours care
- Integrated emergency centres: what is behind the concept
- Faster specialist appointments: using the 116117 service
- Do I have to see my GP first? The primary care system explained
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
