How to Get a German IP Address With a VPN in 2025
Excited about kicking back with a beer and watching ARD Mediathek? Sounds like a plan, but what if the German content you want to watch is geoblocked? If you don’t know how to get a German IP address, we’ll walk you through how to do just that in this guide.
Written by Arjun Ruparelia (Writer)
Last Updated:
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Key Takeaways: How to Get a German IP Address
- To get a German IP address, download and install a VPN. Go to NordVPN’s website and sign up at a 72% discount.
- Connect to a German VPN server.
- Enjoy secure browsing and uncensored content in Germany.
The Best VPNs for an IP Address in Germany:
- NordVPN — Best VPN overall with great speeds, advanced features and affordable pricing. NordVPN is available at a 72% discount and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark — Best budget VPN that still packs a punch. You can sign up for Surfshark with a 66% (plus 3 months free) discount and use the 30-day money-back guarantee if you change your mind.
- ExpressVPN — Easy-to-use VPN with great performance and features. ExpressVPN’s yearly plan offers 25% off on the first year with three months free.
Facts & Expert Analysis: The Best Germany VPN Explained
- The best way to obtain a German IP address is by using a VPN.
- A German IP address will let you access German content, like local TV channels and Netflix Germany.
- If your German bank won’t let you use its electronic banking apps while travelling, using a VPN can help you bypass that restriction.
The quickest way to get a German IP address is by using a VPN (virtual private network). However, if you don’t know how to get a German IP address using a VPN, we’re going to walk you through a simple three-step process to get set up with a VPN and get a German IP.
With a German IP, you’ll be able to stream geoblocked German content, access German Netflix and watch ARD Mediathek outside Germany. You’ll also be able to access popular German streaming platforms like ProSieben, Zattoo, ZDF, RTL+ and more, letting you experience a wide range of German content including news, sports, entertainment and cultural programming.
The reason this works is that when you try to access German websites with a German IP, it makes the website think you’re physically located in Germany.
VPNs do a lot more than bypass geoblocks though. A virtual private network also offers security. If you’re using online banking services or performing other sensitive tasks, using a VPN will keep your data safe. Let’s quickly walk through how to get a German IP address using a VPN.
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- Comprehend the essential role a VPN plays in safeguarding your digital life
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- Develop the ability to distinguish fact from fiction in VPN promotions
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01/17/2022 Facts checked
Cloudwards updated the article to reflect changes in the VPN services.
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10/01/2024 Facts checked
We updated our VPN recommendations based on our latest round of performance testing.
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01/26/2025 Facts checked
Expanded sections about the top VPNs with German servers with more details.
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02/11/2025 Facts checked
We updated the article to include more information on our recommended providers.
Quick Guide: How to Get a German IP Address With a VPN
Setting up a VPN to get a German IP address is simple, but if you haven’t used a Germany VPN before, here are three easy steps you need to follow. Once you’re done, you’ll be able to access German streaming services, unblock the German version of Netflix or securely access your German bank account.
- Download and Install a VPN
Your first step is to navigate to NordVPN’s site and choose a discounted plan at 72% off. Don’t worry — you’re covered by a 30-day refund policy if needed.
- Connect to a German Server
Launch the installed VPN app on your device and log in. Use the world map or the search bar to find a German server and connect to it.
- Access Local German Content
You’ll now be able to access online German content, including Netflix Germany, watch live German TV online or use other geoblocked German services.
What Are the Best VPNs With German Servers?
Only a VPN with servers in Germany can assign German IP addresses. Most major VPNs have servers in Germany, but the following are our top three best VPN providers for Germany.
- NordVPN — Top-notch security and a massive network of servers
- Surfshark — Excellent VPN for Germany that gets into Netflix
- ExpressVPN — Fast VPN with a strict no-logs policy
You should look for more than just German servers when comparing VPNs. The VPNs we’ve recommended can get you German IPs, but also offer speed, security and the ability to bypass geoblocks.
Security & Privacy
A VPN that offers good security and privacy will ensure that your data is safe and no other entity is able to log it. Security is even more important when you’re using online banking or torrenting. Ideally, the Germany VPN you choose should have strong encryption and security protocols, IP address and DNS leak protection, a kill switch and a strict no-logs policy.
The best VPNs for Germany will also utilize RAM-only servers that automatically wipe all data upon restart, providing an additional layer of security against data breaches.
Speed
Sure, you’ll be able to get ARD Mediathek outside Germany once you have a German IP, but what if it keeps buffering? To avoid poor streaming experience, you should choose a VPN that offers fast connection speeds.
A slight reduction in speed is normal when using VPNs; the key is to keep this reduction to a minimum. Learn more about which VPNs offer the fastest speeds in our guide on fastest VPNs.
Streaming Services
Streaming websites like Netflix are improving their capabilities to identify VPNs and block them. A lot of VPNs out there can’t bypass geoblocks on websites like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. However, choosing from one of our best VPNs for streaming will ensure that you’re able to access the geoblocked content you want.
The 3 Best VPNs for Getting a German IP Address
There are a ton of good VPNs out there. If you’re feeling a little overwhelmed, we’ve chosen the three best VPNs to get a German IP address for you.
1. NordVPN — The Best VPN for a German IP Address
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NordVPN has one of the largest server networks of any VPN with over 5,200 servers, more than 240 of which are in Germany. The service clearly marks the virtual server locations in its country list, providing transparency about whether you’re connecting to a physical server or a virtual location in Germany.
The service is unbeatable in terms of speed and features, and it comes at an attractive price to boot. Its Meshnet feature lets you create secure remote connections between devices with better speeds and lower latencies. This is particularly useful for accessing German content from abroad while maintaining optimal performance.
NordVPN has also evolved its security features with Threat Protection Pro, which includes advanced anti-malware capabilities, DNS filtering and protection against phishing attempts. Even Basic plan users can access DNS filtering to block unsafe sites and intrusive ads. Plus, NordVPN offers you an added layer of security with its double VPN and Onion over VPN servers.
If you’re on a budget, NordVPN is a great choice. If you want to learn more about it, give our NordVPN review a read, or try it out yourself with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
- **VAT may apply
- Unlimited GB
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- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
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- *The prices are shown only apply for the first 12 months.
- Unlimited GB
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- **The prices are applicable only for the first 24 months. Secure, high-speed VPN Threat Protection Pro™: Anti-malware and advanced browsing protection Threat Protection Pro™: Ad and tracker blocker Password manager with Data Breach Scanner 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage Identity and SSN monitoring and alerts Credit monitoring services Up to $1M in identity theft insurance Up to $100K in cyber extortion insurance
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2. Surfshark — Affordable Germany VPN With Unlimited Connections
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Surfshark is the cheapest of our top three recommendations, and it has servers in Frankfurt and Berlin, so is ideal for getting a German IP address on a budget. A relative newcomer compared to NordVPN and ExpressVPN, Surfshark still has a bit of work to do but has grown to be one of the best VPNs in most areas, including streaming and security.
For this reason, we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend checking out Surfshark’s plans, all of which offer money-back guarantees lasting 30 days. Advanced users can also benefit from its MultiHop connections that route traffic through multiple servers for enhanced privacy. If you need more information, we’ve got a full Surfshark review for you to look over.
- Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
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- Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
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- Everything in One, plus Data removal Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
- Unlimited GB
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3. ExpressVPN — Great German VPN for Beginners
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ExpressVPN has servers in 160 locations, four of which are in Germany. It offers secure protocols, including the Lightway protocol, which ensures minimal speed loss when connecting to German servers, delivering consistent performance for streaming and gaming.
In addition, ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology ensures all servers run on volatile memory, leaving no data traces on physical hardware. Plus, it has a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and it’s fast. You can learn more about it in our ExpressVPN review.
All that said, ExpressVPN doesn’t come cheap. If you’re on a budget, you’ll want to opt for longer plans that come with a discount. However, if you’re open to paying a premium for an excellent service, you can give ExpressVPN a go using its 30-day money-back guarantee without any risk.
- Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
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- Yes
Can I Use a Free VPN to Get a Free German IP Address?
You can use a free VPN to get a free German IP address, for example PrivadoVPN has German servers you can use. However, most free VPNs are unreliable and insecure, especially if you’re using one of the worst free VPNs. When you need a free VPN for Germany and getting a German IP to access geoblocked German content, it’s best to use one of our recommended VPNs. Read our PrivadoVPN review for more information.
What Are the Dangers of Using VPNs for a Germany IP Address?
The internet in Germany is free, so there are no inherent risks to using a German IP. Furthermore, Germany consistently ranks among the countries with the highest freedom index scores in Europe, making it a relatively safe location for VPN usage, though certain privacy considerations apply.
However, in April 2020, the Network Enforcement Act (NetzDG) was amended to strengthen user rights and mandate online platforms to disclose data collected from users to the Federal Criminal Police (BKA) to keep an eye on hate crimes.
Also, the government approved a bill in December 2019 that allows authorities to use monitoring software for increased communication surveillance. When you use a German IP, you’re subject to the same monitoring. For more information, read our guide on the best VPNs for Germany.
Torrenting, as in most countries, is illegal in Germany. This is why it’s best to use a good VPN for getting a German IP. While there aren’t any significant concerns about using a German IP, it’s important to use a VPN that offers good security and privacy.
Final Thoughts
Most VPNs have a server in Germany and can help you obtain German IPs, but not all VPNs are equal in terms of speed and security. NordVPN is our top pick for a German IP address, thanks to its amazing security and dedicated IP addresses in Germany.
Trying NordVPN for a month is completely risk-free, as you can use the 30-day money-back guarantee if you end up not liking it. Surfshark is an excellent alternative.
Have you used a VPN to obtain a German IP address before? If yes, which VPN did you use? Were you able to get into Netflix and other geoblocked streaming websites? Let us know in the comments below, and as always, thanks for reading!
FAQ
You can get a free German IP using a VPN for free, like Windscribe or TunnelBear. Most free VPNs are unreliable and lack adequate security. Windscribe and TunnelBear are among the best free VPNs and do offer good security, but speed often suffers. If you’re looking for a low-cost VPN, NordVPN is an excellent choice.
When you use a VPN to connect to a server in Germany, it will mask your real IP address and assign you a fake IP address. When you access websites with your newly assigned German IP, it will make the websites think you’re actually in German, so you’ll be able to access the geoblocked content.
You can get a foreign IP using a VPN. Simply sign up with a VPN service provider, download their app and connect to a server located in a foreign country to get a foreign IP.
PrivadoVPN, hide.me, Windscribe and TunnelBear all have free servers in Germany. While free VPNs are usually a bad idea, these four are reliable and secure. However, they are often slow on their free plans, so you may want to consider a low-cost alternative like NordVPN instead.