How to Get German IP Address with a VPN in 2022
Want to access your favorite German content on ARD Mediathek and other exclusive services? It’s easy with the simple trick of getting a German IP address using a VPN. In this guide, I’ve covered how to get German IP address and the suitable VPNs to change IP address to Germany.
With a German IP address, a person traveling abroad can acquire secure access to banking services like Commerzbank or Deutsche Bank. Moreover, you can also get German Netflix or stream platforms such as ProSieben Video and NDR outside Germany.
A VPN is the fastest, easiest, and most effective way to get a German IP address. All device-to-Internet communication is encrypted and routed through a server. After testing 50+ VPNs, I recommend using ExpressVPN to access geo-blocked German content as it’s backed by military-grade encryption and fast speeds.
You can leverage ExpressVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee and take it for a risk-free spin to get a German IP address.
How To Get German IP Address with a VPN [3 Easy Steps]
Getting a German IP address with a VPN is quite simple. Once you’re done setting up the VPN, you can securely access your German bank account and other geo-blocked German streaming services while abroad.
Here’s how to get German IP address in three easy steps:
1. Subscribe to a German VPN service (Recommended: ExpressVPN for its reliable Germany servers).
2. Install the ExpressVPN app and connect to a German server (Recommended: Frankfurt – 1 Server).
Download and install the ExpressVPN app on your device.
3. Once connected to the server, you should be able to access local German content.
How To Get German IP Address with a VPN – Video Tutorial
Here’s a quick video tutorial on how to get German IP address using a VPN:
What are the Best VPN to Get German IP Address – Quick Overview
Short on time? Here’s a quick rundown on the best VPNs to get German IP address:
- ExpressVPN: Best VPN to Get German IP Address. Ultra-fast server network of 3000+ servers in 94+ countries, including servers in Frankfurt and Nuremberg. Comes at a price of $6.67/mo and a 30-day refund guarantee to access local German content risk-free.
- NordVPN: Largest Server Network to Access Local German Content. Global server network of 5600+ servers in 59+ countries, along with high-speed servers in Berlin and Frankfurt. Costs $3.99/mo for a 2-year plan.
- Surfshark: Pocket-Friendly VPN to Get German IP Address. Costs only $2.49/mo and ensures secure access to all the exclusive services in Germany. Offers 3200+ servers in 65+ countries with 240+ Germany servers in Berlin and Frankfurt am Main.
- CyberGhost: User-Friendly VPN for Safe Browsing with German IP Address. Backed by fast servers and the best apps for newbies. Boasts a server network of 6000+ servers in 88 countries, with 1475 servers in 3 cities across Germany (Frankfurt, Berlin, and Dusseldorf). You can manually configure your home router as well. A one-year subscription to CyberGhost is $2.29/mo and includes a 45-day money-back guarantee.
- IPVanish: Secure VPN to Get a German IP Address. Exceptional security measures and a server network of 2000+ servers in 75 countries with over 50 VPN servers in Frankfurt. Costs $3.99/mo on a 1-year plan.
Check out the in-depth analysis of best VPNs to get German VPN address!
Why Do You Need a VPN to Get German IP Address?
You need a VPN to get German IP address in the USA because it gives you instant access to all the restricted German content. A VPN routes your internet traffic through an intermediary German server, making it seem that you’re accessing the websites from Germany.
When you use a VPN to unblock Germany’s online services, the services do not block you as your actual IP gets replaced with a German IP address. If you’re a German resident traveling abroad, you’ll need a VPN to access local content back home such as Zattoo, ZDF, and MySpass.
I tried watching ARD.de without a VPN outside Germany and saw this geo-restriction error that said:
“Unfortunately, this video cannot be played. We ask for your understanding. Important: Content with geoblocking can only be accessed from Germany.”
When I tried accessing ARD.de outside Germany without a VPN, I faced this geo-restriction error.
To overcome this geo-restriction error, I connected to ExpressVPN’s Germany VPN server Frankfurt – 1 and easily accessed ARD.de without facing any interruption.
Even if you’re in Germany, you’ll need a VPN to encrypt your personal information and hide your IP address in Germany to use the internet silently and securely. German Federal Intelligence Service (BND) monitors the region’s Internet activity and ISPs must keep your info for 10 weeks, which law enforcement can seek.
Most of Germany’s public Wi-Fi connections have inadequate protection, making data theft likely. VPNs protect you from hackers on public Wi-Fi networks. It builds a tunnel around your internet traffic, making it hard to intercept. ExpressVPN is the best VPN in Germany to stay protected at all times.
What are the Best VPNs to Get German IP Address [Sept 2022 Updated]
After rigorously testing each VPN, I have chosen the three best VPNs to get German IP address:
ExpressVPN: Best VPN to Get German IP Address
ExpressVPN is the best VPN to get German IP address because it offers the fastest connection speeds, the most reliable German servers, and impressive unlocking potential.
ExpressVPN has the most reliable German servers, making it the best Germany VPN.
I also connected to different Germany servers and got the following connection speeds:
| Servers of ExpressVPN | Frankfurt – 1 | Frankfurt – 3 | Nuremberg |
| Connection Speed | 89.42 Mbps | 88.47 Mbps | 87.45 Mbps |
ExpressVPN has 3000+ servers in 94+ locations across the globe, out of which German servers are located in Frankfurt and Nuremberg, offering an extensive Germany IP address list.
With such a global server presence, you can rely on ExpressVPN to get Australian IP, UK IP, or even a German IP in New Zealand securely.
In terms of security, AES 256-bit encryption offers the strongest protection against cyberattacks. Tunneling is done through Lightway and OpenVPN Protocol, allowing the secure transmission of internet communications, making it one of the best Europe VPNs.
The automatic kill switch protects against data leakage by stopping internet access if the server connection dies inadvertently. ExpressVPN adheres to a strict no-logging policy. Third parties cannot monitor your real IP address due to DNS/IPv6/WebRTC leak prevention, and I did not find any leaks while testing ExpressVPN German Servers.
In terms of speed, ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN I have tested to date. While testing, I recorded consistent connection speeds on nearby and distant servers. This means ExpressVPN is extremely reliable to stream videos and play games online.
While connected to the Frankfurt – 1 server, I got the 89.42 Mbps download speed and 84.64 Mbps upload speed.
ExpressVPN speed test results on Ookla.
At such connection speeds, it’s a great VPN for ZDF, Norddeutscher Rundfunk, RTL, RTL+, ZDF, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix Germany, and Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk. You can get a German VPN address from ExpressVPN and stream your favorite content.
ExpressVPN is compatible with macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux. ExpressVPN costs $6.67/mo on a 1-year plan, but you can try out the 30-day money-back guarantee to see if the service works for you.
- Extremely quick – ideal for streaming on German IP address
- TrustedServer technology operates exclusively
- Innovative security features
- Elegant applications and MediaStreamer DNS
- Five simultaneous connections maximum
- Slightly expensive
- Port forwarding is available on the router app only
You can learn more in our ExpressVPN review!
NordVPN: Largest Server Network to Access Local German Content
NordVPN offers the largest server network of 5600+ servers in 59+ countries, including 240+ Germany servers in Berlin and Frankfurt am Main to access all the local German content with a German IP address.
The specialized server types offered by NordVPN include double VPN, Onion over VPN, and P2P-optimized servers.
NordVPN has an extensive list of German servers.
I also connected to different Germany servers and got the following connection speeds:
| Servers of NordVPN | Germany #976 | Germany #924 | Germany #1095 |
| Connection Speed | 88.48 Mbps | 84.42 Mbps | 86.43 Mbps |
Additionally, NordVPN is the most secure service for accessing local German content securely as it has the most sophisticated high-end security features.
Top-tier encryption standards are acknowledged to exist. The service employs the 256-bit AES protocol with 2048-bit SSL keys by default. Protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks is enabled.
NordLynx is the next-generation VPN technology based on the WireGuard protocol. It facilitates a quicker connection to NordVPN servers and increases connection speeds without compromising security or privacy.
On my 100 Mbps internet connection, I managed to record 88.48 Mbps download speed and 79.42 Mbps upload speed while connected to Germany #976.
I recorded consistent connection speeds with NordVPN.
You can easily unblock Norddeutscher, RTL, Rundfunk, RTL+, ZDF, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, and Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk with NordVPN.
NordVPN has apps for Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, and macOS. Alternatively, it can be manually configured for usage on compatible routers. NordVPN costs $3.99/mo on a 1-year plan and subscription packages are backed by a 30-day money-back policy.
- Large server network available
- Extraordinary unblocking capability
- High-quality security features
- Doesn’t maintain any logs
- Torrenting supported on some servers
To read more, check out our NordVPN review!
Surfshark: Pocket-Friendly VPN to Get German IP Address
Surfshark is an affordable VPN to get a German IP address as it comes at a subscription cost of only $2.49/mo.
Despite being an inexpensive VPN service, Surfshark offers quick access to over 3200+ servers in 65+ countries and 240+ Germany servers in Berlin and Frankfurt am Main. This means you get a sufficient Germany IP address list with Surfshark.
Surfshark has sufficient servers in Germany.
I also connected to different Germany servers and got the following connection speeds:
| Servers of Surfshark | Berlin | Frankfurt am Main #6 | Frankfurt am Main #5 |
| Connection Speed | 86.48 Mbps | 81.41 Mbps | 83.15 Mbps |
The security features consist of 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak prevention, and a programmable kill switch. This VPN also contains automated virus scanning and ad filtering, as well as a NoBorders mode for circumventing country-wide limitations and a MultiHop server that routes over two VPN servers, increasing your anonymity and security.
While connected to the Berlin server, I got 86.48 Mbps download speed and 52.42 Mbps upload speed.
I managed to record these connection speeds with Surfshark on Ookla.
Surfshark works incredibly well with streaming providers. It allows you to watch live German broadcasts and even other German-exclusive content from RTL+, ZDF, Netflix, and Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk from anywhere around the globe.
Surfshark does not save any logs. Live chat is available around the clock if you need help. Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and macOS all have apps. Surfshark is also available as Chrome and Firefox add-ons.
Additionally, it allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously.
Surfshark is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, letting you test the service before making a longer commitment.
- Decent option for most VPN uses
- Allows access to all region-restricted services
- Prioritizes your privacy
- 24/7 customer support
- Poor torrenting speeds
To read more, check out our Surfshark review!
CyberGhost: User-Friendly VPN for Safe Browsing with German IP Address
CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN to get a German IP address for safe browsing because it offers dedicated, easy-to-use applications for different platforms.
With a low price point, CyberGhost is an excellent choice for newbies. In addition to being quick and easy to use, the service comes with an ever-expanding 6000+ servers in 88 countries. It offers 1475 servers operational in Germany’s 3 cities; Frankfurt (1324), Berlin (146), and Dusseldorf (24).
List of available Germany servers on CyberGhost.
I also connected to different Germany servers and got the following connection speeds:
| Servers of CyberGhost | Berlin | Dusseldorf | Frankfurt |
| Connection Speed | 79.02 Mbps | 77.41 Mbps | 72.32 Mbps |
256-bit AES encryption is enabled by default on the OpenVPN protocol for all communication (although recent versions added WireGuard support). There is a built-in internet kill switch that can’t be switched off at any time.
I got 79.02 Mbps download speed and 15.18 Mbps upload speed while connected to the Berlin server on my 100 Mbps internet connection.
CyberGhost is a great option to browse with German IP and watch German-exclusive content. You can easily unblock Norddeutscher, RTL, Rundfunk, RTL+, and ZDF with Surfshark.
Additional security features include ad blocking, anti-malware defense, and anti-tracking. Because CyberGhost is headquartered in Romania, it is exempt from all data retention rules. To avoid identifying you, the service does not record your activity.
Linux, Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS are all supported platforms. You may also set up your home router manually. CyberGhost costs $2.29/mo on a 1-year plan, and comes with a 45-day money refund policy. Live Chat for any assistance is available 24/7.
- More than 1475 fast German servers
- Excellent for streaming, torrenting, and surfing
- Extremely simple to use
- Could provide greater command over sophisticated features
To read more, check our CyberGhost review!
IPVanish: Secure VPN to Get a German IP Address
IPVanish is a secure VPN to get a German IP address, thanks to its AES-256 encryption standard that routes your traffic through an impenetrable tunnel.
The number of servers is over 2000+ servers in 75 countries, including 50+ German servers. With such a server network, IPVanish is an excellent choice to get a German IP address.
I also connected to different German servers and got the following connection speeds:
| Servers of IPVanish | Frankfurt |
| Connection Speed | 68.72 Mbps |
Standards for encrypting data are excellent. OpenVPN employs a 2,048-bit DHE-RSA key exchange with perfect forward secrecy, SHA512 authentication, and 256-bit encryption by default are all used by IPVanish.
IPVanish does not maintain any logs other than when an account is created for the first time, which is good news for privacy supporters.
On my 100 Mbps internet connection, I managed to get 68.72 Mbps download speed and 14.85 Mbps upload speed while connected to the fra-a26 Germany VPN server.
I got this speed test result with IPVanish on my 100 Mbps internet connection.
IPVanish is great to use for Kodi to enjoy watching German content online. I could only unblock Norddeutscher and RTL consistently with IPVanish.
In addition, IPVanish provides you with unlimited simultaneous connections. Apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS are available. On Linux PCs and wireless routers, this service must be manually installed.
IPVanish costs $3.99/mo on a 1-year plan and is backed by a 30-day money-back policy.
- Exceptional security features
- Protects all devices simultaneously
- Has trouble unblocking certain major streaming providers
To read more, check out our IPVanish review!
Comparison of Best VPNs to Get German IP Address
Here, we’ve compared the top features of the best VPN services to get German IP addresses.
| VPNs |  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Website | www.expressvpn.com | www.nordvpn.com | www.surfshark.com | www.cyberghost.com | www.ipvanish.com |
| Server Countries | 94+ | 59+ | 65+ | 88 | 75 |
| Compatible Devices | Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Linux, PS4&5 and more | iOS, Nintendo, Android, Windows, Xbox, Roku, routers | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Firestick, Roku, PS | Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, PS4 | Android, Windows, iOS, macOS, FireStick, Roku, PS4, Xbox |
| User Score | 9.9 | 9.5 | 8.5 | 9.2 | 8.7 |
| Average Speed (Base: 100 Mbps) | 86+ Mbps | 85+ Mbps | 85+ Mbps | 75+ Mbps | 85+ Mbps |
| Simultaneous Device Connections | 5 | 6 | Unlimited | 7 | Unlimited |
| Lowest Price | $6.67/mo (Save 49% and get 3 extra months FREE with 12-month plan) | $2.49/mo (Save 81% on 2 Years Plan) | $3.99/mo (Save 70% on 2 Years Plan + Extra Subscription) | $2.29/mo | $3.99/mo |
Methodology: Finding the Best VPNs to Get German IP Address
VPNs differ in speed, security, and server scalability. While some VPNs offer German servers for IP addresses, others do not. To recommend only the best VPNs to get German IP address, I tested 50+ VPNs against the following criteria:
- Availability of German servers: Without German servers, getting a German IP is impossible. The more available, the easier it is to find one with a low load. I’ve only listed VPNs that offer reliable German servers.
- Speed: Slow speeds result in lagging streaming and improperly loading webpages. I conducted frequent VPN speed testing and only recommended VPNs that showed consistent performance throughout the tests.
- Streaming Capability: I evaluated VPNs on a variety of streaming services (including Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max) to see how well they function. In this case, I gave preference to services with dependable access to German channels such as ARD.
- Security and Privacy: I have only recommended VPNs with 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and a no-logging policy so that you can navigate and stream media safely.
- Value: I especially considered the value you get after paying for a certain VPN so that you’re not being overcharged for mediocre services. You’ll find VPNs with long-term discounts and a money-back guarantee.
- Ease of Use: While testing, I preferred VPNs that have dedicated and beginner-friendly apps. Security should not be made technical for laymen, so I have enlisted VPNs with prompt customer support. ExpressVPN’s support team outperformed all the others, so I believe it is the best VPN for Germany.
Can I Use Free VPNs To Get German IP Addresses?
Yes, you can use free VPNs to get German IP address. However, it’s not recommended as most free VPNs come with congested server networks and inadequate security features. Additionally, a free VPN Germany like TunnelBear and Windscribe do not ensure consistent connection speeds.
Free German VPNs may be a rapid solution, but they have data limits, so watch how much you use. Free VPNs may have limited server locations. If their German server is unavailable, you won’t be able to get a German IP address.
If price is a concern, I recommend using ExpressVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee to access all the premium features and get a German IP.
How to Get German IP Address – Alternate Methods
Although there are other solutions to get a German IP address, they are not worth it as compared to VPN. I tried and rigorously tested each alternate method but using a VPN is the utmost solution to get German IP address to securely access the web.
If you’re still interested in other alternatives, then here’s how to get German IP address:
Tor Browser
You can download the Tor browser and guard yourself against network surveillance and intrusive policies if you do not have the budget.
The Tor browser is a free solution to stay anonymous with decent encryption standards and works for journalists and human rights activists aiming to hide their online identity.
Tor is not a great option if you want to get a German IP address to make financial transactions or conduct data-intensive activities like streaming. It’s because connection speeds are extremely compromised with a Tor browser. You can use a free Tor VPN and ensure better online anonymity with the Tor browser and VPN combination.
Proxy Server
Another option is to engage a proxy server German IP. It’s quite similar to how free VPNs work for obtaining a fake IP address for Germany, considering how this service is subject to data restrictions and an inaccurate privacy policy.
Free German proxy servers may not be able to unblock streaming services such as Netflix. Many streaming giants are quick to block off proxies so there’s a high chance that the German proxy server may not work properly.
The biggest problem associated with proxy server German IP is that they do not encrypt your traffic like a VPN, leaving you exposed to online snoopers and hackers.
Above all, the proxy provider can easily monitor what you’re doing online, so it’s not the best option to get German IP address in USA. I only recommend using a VPN to get a German IP, a Brazilian IP, a New Zealand IP, or even a US IP when you’re traveling abroad.
SmartDNS
SmartDNS is a service that allows you to pretend to be in a foreign country by spoofing your DNS queries. In this case, you can appear to be in Germany and stream ARD and other exclusive content.
When you access a German-exclusive online service while connected to SmartDNS, that website is tricked into believing you’re accessing from Germany and the blocked page automatically opens.
In all honesty, a SmartDNS service costs the same amount as a VPN, but does not offer the security and privacy. Some of my recommended VPNs come with the SmartDNS feature letting you experience the benefits of a VPN and DNS service, so it’s best to use a VPN to get German IP.
How to Get German IP Address – FAQs
Is VPN usage legal in Germany?
Yes, using a VPN is legal in Germany. As of now, VPNs are permitted in Germany but copyright infringement really isn’t. Although the VPN gives access to geo-restricted sites, it is the obligation to prevent infringing on intellectual property rights.
As consented to by the copyright owners, Amazon Prime, for instance, is only authorized to transmit in the USA. Conversely, there appears to be little interest in pursuing those who engage in such conduct.
How will I be notified that my IP address has been transferred to Germany?
Most popular VPN applications display the IP address to which you are currently connected. However, you may desire to determine whether your IP address has been transferred to Germany.
You can verify this by accessing online content that is exclusive to Germany (such as a TV platform or streaming service). If the content is accessible, your IP address is German.
Is it safe to use a VPN to obtain a German IP address?
Yes, it’s completely safe to use a VPN to obtain a German IP address. It’s important to choose a VPN with top-grade security and encryption features to keep you safe while using the internet.
Using a VPN is safer than not using one. Internet use may lead to identity theft, hacked accounts, and exposed payment information. “Incognito” mode can safeguard online privacy. Private browsing is only partially private. In incognito mode, your computer won’t record the websites you visit.
Private browsing won’t prevent your ISP or others from spying on data. A VPN protects your internet activities from your ISP, hackers, websites, and other parties.
Can a German IP address be assigned to my home router?
Yes, a German IP address can be assigned to your home router by using a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN.
Most VPNs offer a detailed installation guide. Nowadays, it’s rare but it’s possible that your router isn’t VPN-compatible, so you need a pre-configured router in this case. It’ll save time. You must connect to a German server to get a German IP address free.
Does a VPN provide protection in Germany?
Yes, a VPN provides unmatched protection in Germany by keeping you anonymous and hiding your actual IP address with a fake IP address.
Germany is a member of the 14 Eyes intelligence sharing community, so your online activities are likely traced and shared with other countries. By using the best VPN Germany, you stay protected from such surveillance.
What are the risks of using a VPN for a Germany IP address?
There are no inherent risks to using a German IP address as Germany has sufficient internet freedom. But in April 2020, the Network Enforcement Act (NetzDG) was amended and online platforms were asked to disclose the collected user data to the Federal Criminal Police (BKA) to monitor online hate crimes.
In December 2019, the government approved a bill regarding the use of software for increased communication surveillance by the authorities. With a German IP, you are exposed to the same intrusive surveillance and like many other countries, torrenting is not legal in Germany.
Wrapping Up
The fastest way to access German content is by using a VPN. Most VPNs offer servers in Germany, which answer how to get German IP address. But not all VPNs have the same level of encryption standards, privacy policies, and connection speeds to be considered the best VPN Germany.
I highly recommend subscribing to ExpressVPN as it’s the best VPN for Germany. It lets you conveniently unblock German subscriptions such as RTL+ and ZDF while traveling overseas. Safe to say, it’s an excellent VPN for ZDF.
Considering ExpressVPN’s government-grade encryption policies, you can maintain your online privacy with the best Germany VPN. Try ExpressVPN’s risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee and stream your favorite content!
