Survival German #6
Getting connected in Germany means choosing between a Vertrag (contract) and Prepaid, and surviving sometimes-long internet install waits. Here’s how, and the German to sort it out.
How it actually works
- Decide: Prepaid (flexible, no credit check, top up as you go) or Vertrag (cheaper long-term, but needs a German bank account and often a Schufa).
- For mobile, compare providers (Telekom, Vodafone, O2) and cheaper resellers (Aldi Talk, congstar). Buy a SIM in a shop or online.
- For home internet (DSL, cable or fibre), order online or in a shop — expect a Techniker-Termin (installation appointment) days or weeks later.
- Sign the Vertrag and check two things: the Laufzeit (contract term, often 24 months) and the Kündigungsfrist (notice period).
- Activate the SIM or router, and note your Kundennummer (customer number) for support calls.
The German you’ll need
Ich möchte einen Handyvertrag. — I’d like a mobile contract.
Haben Sie auch Prepaid? — Do you also have prepaid?
Wie lang ist die Laufzeit? — How long is the contract term?
Ist die SIM-Karte sofort aktiv? — Is the SIM active right away?
Ich brauche Internet für zu Hause. — I need internet for home.
Wann kommt der Techniker? — When does the technician come?
At the counter: a real dialogue
Verkäufer: Guten Tag, wie kann ich helfen?
Hello, how can I help?
Anna: Ich möchte einen Handyvertrag.
I’d like a mobile contract.
Verkäufer: Mit Vertrag oder lieber Prepaid?
With a contract, or prepaid?
Anna: Mit Vertrag. Wie lang ist die Laufzeit?
With a contract. How long is the term?
Verkäufer: 24 Monate, mit einem Monat Kündigungsfrist.
24 months, with one month’s notice.
Anna: In Ordnung. Ist die SIM-Karte sofort aktiv?
Okay. Is the SIM active right away?
Verkäufer: In ein paar Stunden. Sie bekommen eine SMS.
In a few hours. You’ll get a text.
Anna: Super, danke!
Great, thanks!
Vocabulary
| Deutsch | English |
|---|---|
| der Handyvertrag | mobile contract |
| das Prepaid | prepaid |
| die Laufzeit | contract term |
| die Kündigungsfrist | notice period |
| die SIM-Karte | SIM card |
| der Internetanschluss | internet connection |
| der Techniker | technician |
| die Kundennummer | customer number |
| kündigen | to cancel |
Quick check
Test what you remember:
Quick check
5 questions
Nervous about speaking German at the shop? Rehearse this exact situation with a patient native tutor before you go — one lesson can turn dread into confidence.
Practise with a tutor on italki →Insider tips
- New in Germany with no Schufa yet? Start with Prepaid (Aldi Talk, congstar) — no credit check, no contract.
- Watch the Laufzeit and Kündigungsfrist — many contracts auto-renew if you miss the notice window. Set a reminder.
- Home internet installs can take weeks — order the moment you have a move-in date.
- Cheaper resellers run on the big networks: congstar uses Telekom, Aldi Talk uses O2 — same coverage, lower price.
- Keep your Kundennummer handy — you’ll need it for every support call.
Want to build your own sentences with confidence? The German Grammar Essentials workbook makes the grammar simple, with exercises and answers.
Get the workbook — $9