Home internet in Germany: DSL, cable, fibre and your contract rights

Who needs it

Anyone who wants Wi-Fi at home. It is optional: no law requires it. Most renters order their own contract. In shared flats (WG) and furnished apartments, internet is often already included, so check your rental contract first.

When

Order early. As soon as you know your move-in date, check availability and order. If the line is already active or only needs switching on, it can work within days. If a technician must visit or a new connection must be built, it can take several weeks.

What you need

• Your exact address, including floor and flat position (for example "3rd floor left"). In multi-flat buildings, the technician needs this to find your line.
• Name of the previous tenant, if you know it. It can help identify the existing line.
• A bank account for the monthly direct debit. See bank account.
• Valid ID.
• Many providers run a credit check (see SCHUFA).

How to do it

1. Check which technology your building has

Enter your address on provider or comparison websites to see what is available. Your landlord or neighbours can also tell you which lines are in the building.

2. Compare and order

Compare speed, monthly price over the whole minimum term, setup fees, router costs and contract length. Before you sign, the provider must give you a short Vertragszusammenfassung (contract summary). If you order online or by phone, you have a 14-day Widerruf (right of withdrawal).

3. Installation and router

You get a date for activation or a technician visit. Someone must be home for technician appointments. You may use your own compatible router instead of the provider's (Routerfreiheit); the provider must give you the access details.

Contract rules under the TKG

Since the Telecommunications Act (TKG) reform on 1 December 2021:

• The minimum term may be at most 24 months. Providers must also offer a contract with at most 12 months.
• After the minimum term, you can cancel at any time with one month's notice. There is no automatic one-year renewal any more.
• If you switch provider, the old provider must keep you connected until the switch works. If the outage lasts longer than one working day and it is not your fault, you can claim €10 per working day, or 20% of the monthly fee if that is higher.

Moving home

Under § 60 TKG, your contract moves with you:

• If your provider can serve your new address, it must continue the contract on the same terms. It may charge a moving fee, but not more than a new connection fee.
• If the provider cannot offer the service at the new address, you have a Sonderkündigungsrecht (special right to cancel) with one month's notice, from your moving date or later.
• Tell your provider about the move as early as possible.

When your internet is too slow

Under § 57 TKG, if the real speed is significantly, continuously or regularly lower than promised, you can reduce your payment in proportion or cancel without notice.

To prove it, use the official Bundesnetzagentur tool at breitbandmessung.de. Its desktop app runs a measurement series that is recognised as proof. Follow its instructions exactly, for example measuring over a cable connection rather than Wi-Fi.

Common problems

Can I get internet without a German bank account?

It is difficult. Most providers require a direct debit from a SEPA account. Any EU IBAN is legally acceptable, but some providers still ask for more checks.

Can I cancel my internet contract when I move abroad?

Moving abroad means the provider cannot serve your new address, so the one-month special cancellation right usually applies. Send your cancellation with proof of your move, such as your Abmeldung confirmation.

The previous tenant's contract is still on the line. What now?

Your new provider can usually handle this. Give them the previous tenant's name if you know it. Your landlord may also help.

How long does it take to get internet in Germany?

From a few days, if the line is ready, to several weeks, if a technician or new connection is needed. Order as early as possible.

Costs

You pay a monthly fee and often a one-time setup fee. Many offers are cheaper in the first months and more expensive later, so compare the total over the full minimum term. Router rental or purchase can add to the cost.