Power Plugs and Sockets in Germany - Do You Need an Adapter?

If you are travelling to Germany 🇩🇪 from Brazil 🇧🇷, then IT DEPENDS.

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In Germany, the plug types used are C and F. The voltage is 230 V with a frequency of 50Hz. On the other hand, in Brazil, the plug types used are C and N. The voltage in Brazil is 127-220 V with a frequency of 60Hz.

Type C

Type F

✅ Your devices from Brazil of type C will be valid and will work without an adapter.

⚠️ Your devices from Brazil of type N will not be valid for any socket and you will need an adapter.

⚠️ In Germany they use 230 V. Be careful with the voltage difference.

What are the plugs like in Germany?

In Germany, the predominant plug types are C and F. If you are coming from Brazil, then your devices are of type C or N.

In this sense, you will have to be more careful. Depending on where you stay, you may find valid plugs for your devices or not. We recommend that you always buy an adapter to avoid any worries.

Special considerations

In Germany, the type F (“Schuko”, short for “Schutzkontakt”) is the standard. Type C plugs (“Euro-plug”) are common, especially for low-power devices, however, type C sockets are very rare, only found in very old installations. The Schuko sockets accept type C, E, and F plugs.

Do I need a voltage and frequency converter to travel to Germany?

It is important to know that in Germany the electrical voltage is 230 V, with a frequency of 50Hz. In Brazil, the electrical voltage is 127-220 V and the frequency is 60Hz.

Since Brazil uses a wide range of voltages, you will not have a problem plugging in your devices in Germany as long as it matches the voltage there, which is 230 V.

Regardless of whether you need a voltage converter or not, you need a plug adapter, because the plug types are different in Germany.

Table of Contents

What are the plugs like in Germany?
Do I need a voltage and frequency converter to travel to Germany?
Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Below we will answer some of the most common questions asked by travelers going to Germany.

Can I charge my iPhone or Android mobile device in Germany?

If you are travelling from Brazil to Germany, you will need an adapter to charge your iPhone or Android mobile device. While it is true that nowadays these devices are designed to work with wide ranges of voltage and frequency, it should be remembered that both countries have incompatible plug types, so you may need an adapter in Germany to charge your iPhone or Android.

Can I plug in my laptop charger in Germany?

If you are travelling from Brazil to Germany, you will need an adapter to charge your laptop. Generally, these devices are designed to work with wide ranges of voltage and frequency, but it should be remembered that Brazil and Germany have incompatible plug types, so an adapter may be necessary to charge your laptop in Germany.

Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in Germany?

You will have to be careful when using your hair dryer or hair straightener in Germany. These devices are not usually dual voltage, so you should pay attention to ensure that the voltage of the hair dryer/straightener is the same as the socket you are going to use. To be able to use these devices with peace of mind, we recommend that you purchase a voltage adapter.

How do I know if my electrical device is dual voltage?

To know if your electrical device is dual voltage, you must check the label or product specifications. If the label indicates a voltage range, such as 100~240V and a frequency range like 50~60Hz, then your device is dual voltage and can be used without any problems. If your device is not dual voltage, then you will need a voltage converter to be able to use it in sockets in Germany with a different voltage than your device.

However, remember that dual voltage only affects the voltage and frequency.Since you are travelling to Germany from Brazil and there is not full compatibility, you may still need a plug adapter.

Dual Voltage Plug

What happens if I connect a 127 V device to a 230 V socket without an adapter?

Under no circumstances should you attempt to connect a 127 V device from Brazil to a 230 V socket in Germany without a voltage adapter. Doing this poses a great danger and the device could cause a fire. Before travelling to Germany, make sure you have a voltage adapter.

What happens if I connect a 60Hz device to a 50Hz socket without an adapter?

When connecting a 60Hz device to a 50Hz socket in Germany without a frequency adapter, the worst that can happen is that the device may run at a slower speed than expected. Nowadays, most devices are prepared for these small frequency differences, but in older devices, the difference may be more noticeable.