Power Plugs and Sockets in Germany - Do You Need an Adapter?
If you are travelling to Germany 🇩🇪 from Japan 🇯🇵, then YES, you will need an adapter.
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 Japan, the plug types used are A and B. The voltage in Japan is 100 V with a frequency of 50Hz.
Type C
Type F
⚠️ Your devices from Japan of type A and B will not be valid for any socket and you will need an adapter.
⚠️ Be careful with the voltage difference. In Germany they use 230 V while in Japan you have 100 V.
What are the plugs like in Germany?
In Germany, the predominant plug types are C and F. If you are coming from Japan, then your devices are of type A or B.
For this reason, you will need an adapter, as the plugs in Germany are not compatible with the devices from Japan and you will not be able to use your devices.
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 Japan, the electrical voltage is 100 V and the frequency is 50Hz.
Due to the large voltage difference, you will need to use a voltage converter to use your devices in Germany. However, it is important to mention that nowadays many electronic devices (such as mobile phones) are dual voltage, in which case a converter would not be necessary. In the Frequently Asked Questions section, we show you how to verify if your devices are dual voltage.
Regardless of whether you need a voltage converter or not, you need a plug adapter, because the plug types are different in Germany.
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 Japan 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 will 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 Japan 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 Japan and Germany have incompatible plug types, so an adapter is necessary to charge your laptop in Germany.
Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in Germany?
The truth is that you have to be careful with products like hair dryers or hair straighteners, because they are generally not dual voltage. Since the voltage difference is so great between Japan and Germany, we recommend buying a voltage adapter to be able to use your hair dryer safely in Germany.
However, since the plugs in Germany and Japan are not compatible, you will need a plug adapter to be able to use the hair straightener and hair dryer.
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 Japan, you will still need a plug adapter.
What happens if I connect a 100 V device to a 230 V socket without an adapter?
Under no circumstances should you attempt to connect a 100 V device from Japan 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.
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