Ich Kann Nicht Telefonieren Aber Angerufen Werden

"Ich Kann Nicht Telefonieren Aber Angerufen Werden": Understanding Call Restrictions in Germany

Many people moving to or living in Germany encounter situations where they can receive phone calls but are unable to make outgoing calls. This can be a frustrating experience, especially when needing to contact local services, businesses, or even family and friends. The reasons behind this issue are varied and depend on several factors. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the common causes and solutions for being able to receive calls but not make them in Germany.

Possible Causes: A Detailed Explanation

The inability to make outgoing calls while still receiving incoming ones is often related to the following:

• Blocked Outgoing Calls (Ausgehende Anrufe gesperrt): This is perhaps the most common reason. The phone line or SIM card might have a block placed on outgoing calls by the provider.
• Insufficient Credit (Unzureichendes Guthaben): For prepaid SIM cards, running out of credit means you can receive calls and SMS but not initiate them.
• New SIM Card Activation Delay (Verzögerung bei der Aktivierung der SIM-Karte): New SIM cards, especially prepaid ones, sometimes require a period of activation before full functionality, including outgoing calls, is enabled.
• Technical Issues with the Provider (Technische Probleme beim Anbieter): Occasionally, technical glitches on the network provider's end can temporarily prevent outgoing calls.
• Incorrect APN Settings (Falsche APN-Einstellungen): For mobile internet and calling services, especially with newer or unlocked phones, incorrect Access Point Name (APN) settings can block outgoing calls.
• Phone Settings (Telefoneinstellungen): Settings on your phone itself, such as call barring or number blocking features, can inadvertently prevent you from making calls.
• Debt or Unpaid Bills (Schulden oder unbezahlte Rechnungen): If you have outstanding bills with your provider, they may restrict outgoing calls until the debt is settled.
• SIM Card Registration Issues (Probleme bei der SIM-Kartenregistrierung): German law requires all SIM cards to be registered with a valid ID. Failure to register or problems with the registration process can lead to limitations, including the inability to make outgoing calls.
• Roaming Issues (Roaming-Probleme): If you are using a foreign SIM card in Germany (roaming), restrictions from your home provider or the German network may prevent outgoing calls.

Troubleshooting Steps: A Practical Guide

To diagnose and resolve the issue, follow these steps:

1. Check Your Account Balance (Guthaben prüfen)

For prepaid SIM cards, the first and easiest step is to check your current account balance. Most providers offer several ways to do this:

• Dialing a USSD code: Most providers have a specific USSD code (e.g., *100#) that you can dial to display your balance. The code is usually available on the provider's website or in the SIM card packaging.
• Using the provider's app: Many providers have dedicated mobile apps where you can check your balance, top up your credit, and manage your account.
• Calling customer service: You can call the customer service hotline to inquire about your balance.

If your balance is zero or very low, topping up your credit should resolve the issue.

2. Contact Your Provider (Anbieter kontaktieren)

If your balance is sufficient, or you have a contract-based plan, contact your provider's customer service. Explain the situation clearly, stating that you can receive calls but cannot make them. Be prepared to provide your customer ID or phone number for verification.

The customer service representative can check for:

• Blocked outgoing calls: They can confirm if there is a block on outgoing calls and remove it if necessary.
• Technical issues: They can investigate any technical problems on their network that might be affecting your service.
• Account status: They can verify that your account is in good standing and that there are no outstanding bills or registration issues.

Important: Keep a record of your conversation with customer service, including the date, time, and the name of the representative you spoke with. This information can be useful if you need to follow up later.

3. Check Your Phone Settings (Telefoneinstellungen prüfen)

Sometimes, the issue lies within your phone's settings. Check the following:

• Call barring: Go to your phone's settings, find the "Call Settings" or "Phone" section, and look for "Call Barring" or similar options. Ensure that outgoing calls are not blocked.
• Blocked numbers: Check your blocked numbers list to ensure that you haven't accidentally blocked all outgoing calls.
• Airplane mode: Make sure your phone is not in airplane mode, as this disables all wireless communication.

4. Verify APN Settings (APN-Einstellungen überprüfen)

Incorrect APN settings can affect mobile internet and, in some cases, voice services, especially if you're using Voice over LTE (VoLTE). Obtain the correct APN settings from your provider's website or customer service and configure them on your phone. The process varies depending on your phone's operating system (Android or iOS), but generally involves going to "Settings," "Mobile Networks," "Access Point Names," and adding or modifying the APN settings.

5. Check SIM Card Registration (SIM-Kartenregistrierung prüfen)

German law requires all SIM cards to be registered. If you haven't registered your SIM card or if there were issues with the registration process, you might experience limitations. Contact your provider to verify your registration status and complete the registration process if necessary. You will typically need to provide a valid form of identification, such as a passport or identity card.

6. Try a Different Phone (Anderes Telefon ausprobieren)

If you've tried all the above steps and are still unable to make outgoing calls, try inserting your SIM card into a different phone. This can help determine if the problem lies with your phone or with the SIM card/network connection. If the SIM card works in another phone, the issue is likely with your original phone, and you may need to have it repaired or consult with a mobile phone technician.

7. Software Update (Software aktualisieren)

Ensure your phone's operating system is up to date. Software updates often include bug fixes and improvements that can resolve connectivity issues.

8. Factory Reset (Auf Werkseinstellungen zurücksetzen)

As a last resort, you can try performing a factory reset on your phone. This will erase all data on your phone, so be sure to back up your important information first. A factory reset can resolve software-related issues that might be preventing outgoing calls.

Preventive Measures: Avoiding the Issue in the First Place

To minimize the chances of encountering this problem, consider the following:

• Register your SIM card promptly: As soon as you purchase a new SIM card, register it according to the provider's instructions.
• Keep your account in good standing: Pay your bills on time to avoid any service restrictions.
• Choose a reputable provider: Research different providers and choose one with a reliable network and good customer service.
• Understand your contract terms: Carefully read the terms and conditions of your mobile contract or prepaid plan to understand any limitations or restrictions.
• Regularly check your account balance: For prepaid plans, regularly check your balance and top up your credit as needed.

Key German Phrases to Remember

When contacting your provider or seeking assistance, these phrases can be helpful:

"Ich kann nicht telefonieren, aber angerufen werden." (I cannot make calls, but I can receive them.)

"Mein Guthaben ist ausreichend." (My credit is sufficient.)

"Ich möchte mein Guthaben prüfen." (I would like to check my balance.)

"Können Sie bitte prüfen, ob ausgehende Anrufe gesperrt sind?" (Can you please check if outgoing calls are blocked?)

"Ich habe meine SIM-Karte registriert." (I have registered my SIM card.)

"Wie lauten die APN-Einstellungen für mein Telefon?" (What are the APN settings for my phone?)

By understanding the potential causes and following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, you can effectively address the issue of being able to receive calls but not make them in Germany and ensure uninterrupted communication.