Quit Smoking Helpline in Germany

Frequently asked questions

Does Germany have a free quit-smoking helpline?

Yes. The federal quit-smoking counselling line on 0800 8 31 31 31 is free from German landlines and mobile networks. It is run by the BZgA "rauchfrei" programme (now operated by the BIÖG) and offers personal advice on planning a quit attempt, coping with withdrawal, and preventing relapse, plus up to five proactive callbacks once you have started.

Source: rauchfrei-info.de — Telefonberatung zur Raucherentwöhnung , Bundesinstitut für Öffentliche Gesundheit (BIÖG)

Is help to quit smoking free in Germany?

Calls to 0800 8 31 31 31 are free, and the online materials on rauchfrei-info.de are free too. Group and one-to-one cessation courses certified by the Zentrale Prüfstelle Prävention under §20 SGB V are reimbursed by statutory health insurers, normally to the tune of 75–150 € per course. Nicotine replacement therapy and prescription medicines (varenicline, bupropion) are generally self-paid for otherwise healthy adults.

Source: Zentrale Prüfstelle Prävention — Zertifizierung nach §20 SGB V , rauchfrei-info.de — BZgA-Programm zum Rauchstopp

When can I call the Germany quit-smoking line?

The line is open Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 22:00 and Friday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00. The service does not operate on 24, 25 or 26 December. Email enquiries can be sent to rauchfrei-beratung@bioeg.de and online self-help is available at any time on rauchfrei-info.de.

Source: rauchfrei-info.de — Telefonberatung zur Raucherentwöhnung

What languages does the German quit-smoking line support?

The BZgA telephone counselling is provided in German. The rauchfrei-info.de portal is in German; some printed materials and self-help leaflets are also available in additional languages such as English, Turkish and Russian. Many local stop-smoking courses can arrange an interpreter, so ask when you enrol.

Source: rauchfrei-info.de — BZgA-Programm zum Rauchstopp

Is there an app or online programme to help me quit?

Yes. The free "rauchfrei" app from the BZgA is available on iOS and Android and pairs with the online Rauchfrei Programm at rauchfrei-info.de. The app tracks your progress, calculates the money you save, sends daily support messages and includes a Fagerström dependence test. The portal also lists certified in-person cessation courses near you.

Source: rauchfrei-info.de — BZgA-Programm zum Rauchstopp