How to get a German IP address from abroad

What is a German IP address?

A German IP address is an internet protocol address that’s assigned to a device in Germany or appears to be in Germany. German IPs are assigned to computers that connect or seem to connect to the internet through a German internet service provider (ISP). When you have a German IP address from a German server, you’ll appear to be in Germany on the websites you visit.

How to get German IP address

Whether you want to access German services like banks, you’ll need to use an IP address in Germany. If you’re currently in Germany, you’ll already be accessing the web with a Germany IP address courtesy of German servers. However, if you’re abroad, you’ll have to use a special service to get a German IP address. Luckily, you have three different options to choose from.

Get a German IP address with a VPN

The easiest way to get a German IP address is to use a VPN, or virtual private network. This service creates a data tunnel through which all of the data you send to and receive from websites gets encrypted. This allows you to access the internet privately.

If you direct the VPN to connect to the internet through a secure intermediary German server, you’ll be assigned a German IP address that will make it appear as though you’re in Germany.

Here’s how to change your IP address to German using a VPN:

1. Choose a VPN service and go to its website.
2. Create an account and select a service plan.
3. Download the VPN app and log in.
4. Choose a Germany VPN server and connect to it.
5. Visit German websites and use their services as though you were located in Germany.

When you use a VPN to connect to a German ISP, you’ll receive a dynamic IP address, and this address can change each time you connect. However, these dynamic addresses are used by other VPN clients, and that can increase the risk of the IP address getting banned by some sites.

To reduce this risk, some VPNs offer an extra service. You can pay a little more and receive a dedicated IP address. This dedicated German IP replaces your real IP address and is one that only you can use. It shields you from the risk that a server could be blocked due to other users’ behavior. This is a great option if you will normally use your VPN to connect through German servers.

Get a German IP address with a proxy server

A VPN is the easiest and most secure way to get yourself a German IP address. However, you can also obtain one through a proxy server. A proxy is someone or something that does something on your behalf, and that’s exactly what a proxy server does.

Rather than connecting to websites directly via your ISP, you can connect through a proxy server that acts as an intermediary between your device and the web. This option can provide you with an extra level of security by filtering traffic and blocking malicious sites. It also changes your IP address.

If you want to get a German IP by using a proxy server, you have many possibilities, many of which are free. However, proxy servers have their downsides.

First, they’re not nearly as user friendly as VPNs. Second, they don’t encrypt your online traffic like a VPN does, so your traffic is still susceptible to snooping. Third, many streaming services and secure websites are able to block proxy servers, so this technique might not work for your intended use anyway.

Get a German IP address with the Tor browser

Your third option to get a German IP address when you’re not actually in Germany is to use the Tor browser.

The name Tor comes from “the onion router,” which is a network that bounces traffic around a network of multiple relays. That makes it next to impossible to track your online activity.

If you want to get a German IP, here’s how to use Tor to do it:

1. Download and install the Tor browser.
2. Modify the torrc file at “tor-browser-install-location>/Browser/TorBrowser/Data/Tor/torrc.”
3. You’ll see “EntryNodes us StrictNodes 1” and “ExitNodes us StrictNodes 1.”
4. Change “us” to “de.”

While the Tor browser is free and (eventually) works to establish a German IP, it’s certainly not as convenient as using a VPN.

Why change your IP address to a German one?

Here are some of the main reasons you may want to change your IP to German.

• Access content while abroad. If you’ve subscribed to streaming services, you may want to be able to watch your shows even when you’re not in Germany.
• Online banking and shopping. Without a German IP, you may not be able to access your Deutsche Bank account or sell items on Kleinanzeigen. You can also improve your German banking experience by practicing secure online banking with VPN services.
• Cheaper flights. Did you know that online flight and travel websites track your IP and give you prices based on your location? If you’re trying to get cheaper flights and trips from or in Germany when you’re not there, a German IP can help you get the best deals.
• ISP throttling. Your internet service provider may be intentionally slowing down your connection if it identifies you as a “heavy user.” If you use a VPN to get hold of a German IP, your ISP won’t be able to inspect your data packets and throttle internet traffic based on the services you use.
• Privacy and security. Germany has strict laws for protecting its citizens’ privacy. However, it still monitors some internet traffic. You can gain even more privacy and security by using a VPN to obtain an IP address in Germany.

FAQ

Can I use a free VPN to get a German IP address?

Yes, it’s possible to get a Germany IP address by using a free VPN, but it’s not recommended. Free VPN services are advertised all over the net and seem to provide a good alternative to paid services.

However, these free VPNs have some serious drawbacks. Because they’re free, they normally also throttle your connection and, therefore, aren’t great for accessing German services while you’re abroad. And some VPNs are free because they might be collecting your data and selling it to the highest bidder. Using a reputable VPN provider offers you better service, speed, security, and ease in getting your German IP address.

Is it legal to change your IP address to a German one?

It is perfectly legal to change your IP address in Germany to a German IP address because no laws prevent you from using VPNs or other services to do so. In fact, VPNs are legal in most countries around the world. However, if you’re traveling abroad, it’s always important to know if using your VPN is allowed in the country you’re going to.

You should find out where VPNs are legal and where they are banned, like in North Korea and Iran, or heavily restricted, like they are in Russia and China.

Can I get an IP address to a specific German city?

The answer to this question depends on the technique you use to get your German IP address. If you use a proxy server or the Tor browser, you won’t necessarily be able to choose the location of your German server. But with some quality VPNs that have multiple server locations in Germany, you’re able to choose if you want to connect through a server in a specific city like Berlin or Frankfurt.

How do I know if my IP address has been changed to Germany?

Whether you’ve decided to use a VPN, a proxy server, or the Tor browser to change to a German IP address, you want to be sure that you’ve done so successfully before you start browsing. The VPN app you use should indicate that you’re using a server in Germany if that’s what you’ve selected. The Tor browser will show you the same thing.

However, you can also use this tool to answer “What is my IP?” and it will instantly display your IP and location. Try it and you should see that you have a German IP address.