A Germany plug adapter is essential for UK travellers visiting Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, or anywhere in the country. Germany is where the “Schuko” plug standard originated, and it has since spread across most of continental Europe. If you have ever bought a European travel adapter in the UK, it was almost certainly designed around the German Type F socket. This makes a Germany plug adapter one of the easiest to find — any standard UK-to-EU adapter works perfectly throughout the country.
Germany uses Type C and Type F plugs with a voltage of 230V at 50Hz. UK plugs do not fit German outlets, so you need a travel adapter.
What Germany Plug Adapter Type Do You Need?
Germany uses two plug types:
Type C (Europlug):
- Two round pins, 4.0-4.8mm diameter
- No grounding
- Rated up to 2.5A
- Used for small, low-power devices
Type F (Schuko):
- Two round pins with grounding clips on the sides of the socket
- Rated up to 16A
- Used for higher-power devices
- The German standard that most of Europe adopted
“Schuko” is short for “Schutzkontakt” (protective contact), referring to the grounding system. The Type F socket has metal clips on the sides that make contact with corresponding areas on Type F plugs. The IEC World Plugs reference confirms Germany uses Type C and F.
Type C plugs fit into Type F sockets without issue, so a basic Europlug Germany plug adapter works for low-power devices.
Do I Need an Adapter from the UK?
Yes. UK plugs (Type G) have three rectangular pins and will not fit German sockets. You need a UK-to-EU adapter.
Germany is the easiest European country for adapters because the standard EU adapters sold in the UK are designed specifically for German-style sockets. Any “UK to Europe” adapter will work.
Do I Need a Voltage Converter?
No. Germany uses 230V at 50Hz, identical to the UK. Your UK devices work without any voltage conversion.
Modern electronics (phones, laptops, tablets, cameras) are dual-voltage (100-240V) and work worldwide with just a plug adapter. The only devices that might cause issues are older single-voltage appliances, which are rare for UK products.
Choosing a Germany Plug Adapter
[
TESSAN UK to European Travel Adapter
View on Amazon.co.uk
](https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07SXH3JT6?tag=trvell-21)
Type
Price
Best For
Basic Schuko adapter
£3-5
Single device, short trips
With USB-A/USB-C ports
£10-15
Charging phones directly
Multi-pack (3-6)
£8-12
Families, business travellers
Universal adapter
£15-25
Multiple countries
What to Look For
- Schuko/Type F compatible: All standard EU adapters are
- Grounded option: If your devices have a ground pin (three-pin UK plug), get an adapter that supports grounding
- USB-C port: Faster charging for modern phones
- Solid build: German sockets grip firmly; cheap adapters can be hard to remove
Germany vs Other European Countries
Germany’s Type F socket is compatible with:
- Austria
- Netherlands
- Spain
- Portugal
- Most of Eastern Europe
It differs slightly from France and Belgium (Type E), but modern Type E/F adapters work in both. If you buy an adapter labelled for Europe, it will work in Germany and France equally well.
Practical Tips
German sockets are recessed. The socket sits inside a circular recess in the wall. Bulky adapters or those with side-mounted USB ports may not fit properly. Choose a compact design.
Power strips work well. Bring a UK power strip and one adapter. German hotels and Airbnbs often have limited accessible sockets.
Train power outlets. German trains (ICE, IC) have sockets at most seats, using the standard Type F. Your EU adapter works on the train too.
Christmas market tip. If visiting German Christmas markets in winter, your phone battery will drain faster in the cold. Pack a power bank rather than relying on finding a socket.
Where to Buy
Before you leave:
- Amazon, Argos, Currys, supermarkets
- Prices: £3-15
At UK airports:
- WHSmith, Boots, Dixons Travel
- Prices: £8-20
In Germany:
- Saturn, MediaMarkt (electronics chains)
- Supermarkets occasionally stock adapters
- You will need a DE-to-UK adapter if buying there
Buy your Germany plug adapter in the UK before you leave. Amazon has a wide selection of EU adapters at reasonable prices.
Germany Voltage and Frequency
Specification
Germany
UK
Voltage
230V
230V
Frequency
50Hz
50Hz
Plug types
C, F
G
The voltage and frequency are identical. Only the plug shape differs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Germany the same plug as France?
Almost. Germany uses Type F (grounding clips on sides) while France uses Type E (grounding pin from socket). Modern adapters work in both — look for “Type E/F” compatibility.
Do I need a different adapter for Austria or Switzerland?
Austria uses the same plugs as Germany. Switzerland uses Type J (different) — you may need a separate adapter for Swiss sockets.
Can I use my UK laptop charger in Germany?
Yes, with a plug adapter. Laptop chargers are dual-voltage (100-240V). Just adapt the plug shape.
Do German hotels have UK sockets?
Rarely. Some international hotels have universal sockets, but do not count on it.
Will my three-pin UK plug work with a two-pin adapter?
Yes, if the adapter accepts UK plugs. The third pin (ground) is a safety feature. Most phone and laptop chargers are double-insulated and do not require grounding.
