SMS destination

Germany

Dialing code +49 · Europe. Everything you need to send compliant SMS to Germany with the Bird SMS API.

Policy last updated July 13, 2026

What you can send

SMS

Two-way messaging

Supported

Sender types

Every way you can originate a message to this country, with how each is cleared for use and how long that takes. Listed best route first.

Sender	Activation	Setup time	Notes
Short code	Manual review	~14–30 business days	Supports two-way replies.
Alphanumeric Sender ID	Instant activation	Same day	One-way only.
Long code (phone number)	Instant activation	Same day	Supports two-way replies.

Rules & regulations

What local regulators expect before you send, as the destination's own policy record states it.

ConsentOpt-in required

Template approvalNot required

Quiet hoursApply

What this market refuses

Gambling traffic is strictly forbidden in Germany, especially without a local gambling license. Companies with a local license can send gambling content. Please submit a Gambling license in case you are submitting for Gambling sender/content.

One API

How sending works

You send to every destination through the same endpoint and the same keys. Bird picks a compliant route for the country, applies opt-out handling on every message, and reports delivery from carrier receipts. The country-specific part is which sender you register. The API call does not change.

Sending to Germany, answered

What senders ask before their first message to Germany.

Do I need to register a sender before sending SMS to Germany?

Only for a short code. An alphanumeric sender ID or a long code can send without registration.

Can I use an alphanumeric sender ID in Germany?

Yes, and it needs no registration.

How long does sender registration take in Germany?

Registering a short code takes 14 to 30 business days.

Can I receive replies from Germany?

Yes, if you send from a short code or a long code. Replies are delivered to you as signed webhooks.

Are there quiet hours for SMS in Germany?

Yes. Local rules limit the hours in which you can send.

Do I need consent before messaging someone in Germany?

Yes. The recipient must opt in before you send the first message.

What other channels can Bird reach Germany on?

WhatsApp and Voice, from the same account and API.

The rest of the SMS platform

One API, one set of keys. Explore the other capabilities.

Sender-ID registrationPre-register alphanumeric and dedicated senders where countries require it.Routing190+ countries, 240 direct-to-carrier links, and automatic failover.NumbersLong codes, short codes, toll-free, and alphanumeric sender IDs.SendingThe send API: segments, Unicode safety, batch, and idempotency.Two-wayInbound SMS and conversational replies as HMAC-signed webhooks.All destinationsCoverage, sender types, and rules for every country Bird reaches.

Put it into practice.

Continue with the documentation, guides and examples for this topic. Resources are in English.

Implementation guideSMS overview Explore the capabilitySMS destinations

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Create a workspace, register a sender, and send your first message from the same API you will scale on.

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