Warning Day: Germany to test emergency alerts on September 10

On September 10, 2026, Germany will hold its annual Warning Day (Warntag) to test its emergency alert system. Here’s what you need to know: 

Emergency alert test in Germany on September 10

At 11am on September 10, 2026, people in Germany should receive an emergency alert on their mobile phones. This is a test emergency alert, and you do not need to do anything. An “all clear” (Entwarnung) alert will follow at 11.45am.

Germany tests its emergency alert system annually in the second week of September. Each year, the federal government tries to increase the number of people the warning message reaches while ensuring it is delivered as promptly as possible.

You should receive the message on your mobile phone, but you might also see it on train platform displays, on TV, on the radio, or via the NINA and Katwarn warning apps. 

If you haven't received the message, make sure your mobile phone's operating system is up to date. If your phone receives messages via cell broadcast, you might not receive the “all clear” message.

Sirens will sound in some parts of Germany

Depending on where you are in Germany, you may also hear sirens at 11am. Regions and communes across the country can choose to test their siren warning systems on Warntag, but they are not obliged to.

The first warning siren at 11am will be an ascending and descending wailing tone lasting for one minute. The “all clear” tone at 11.45am will be a continuous tone for one minute.

Germany’s Federal Office for Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance suggests speaking to vulnerable groups, such as people who have fled war, the elderly and children, before the siren sounds, so that they can expect the alert and know there is nothing to worry about.

You can also take a look at our article What to do if there is a real emergency warning in Germany.