This guide explains the process
This is about the how: the concrete steps, deadlines and pitfalls of a switch. Whether a switch is worth it for you and how much you can save is answered in our guide Is switching tariffs worth it?
Table of contents
The switching process in 7 steps
Knowing and following the order lets you switch without stress and without an interruption to supply. These steps apply to most contract types – from electricity and gas to mobile.
- 1Get your documents ready: postcode, annual consumption, meter or customer number and bank details – the basis of every contract.
- 2Compare tariffs: filter offers on a comparison portal – not just by monthly price, but by term, price guarantee and bonus rules.
- 3Sign the new contract: usually online. You often authorise the new provider to cancel the old contract on your behalf.
- 4Cancel the old contract: the new provider usually handles this. Still check the cancellation confirmation yourself.
- 5Prepare the switch day: for energy, photograph the meter reading and send it to both providers. For mobile, request number porting (Portierung).
- 6Allow time for the switch: usually one to two weeks. Fibre can take longer because of technical installation.
- 7Use your right of withdrawal: 14 days from signing. Withdrawal cancels the contract in writing – including any cancellation authority you gave.
Pro tip
Request a written confirmation immediately after every sign-up and keep it together with the cancellation letter – digitally and printed. Online, a switch is often done in under 15 minutes.
Step 2 in practice: compare electricity
Start with the most common switch. Enter your postcode and annual consumption and compare for free and without obligation – the new provider handles the rest of the process.
Independent, free comparison. meinetarife24 is financed through provider commissions, at no extra cost to you.
Notice periods and special cancellation rights
Cancelling too early or too late costs you money. Deadlines differ a lot by contract type. For mobile, the TKG reform of 2021 introduced a statutory notice period of just one month (for contracts from 1 December 2021). For electricity and gas, minimum terms of 12 or 24 months are common; the cancellation must usually arrive at least four weeks before the contract ends.
Special right to cancel – the main triggers:
- Price increase: when an increase is announced you may cancel extraordinarily – from the moment of the announcement.
- Moving home: a change of address often allows special cancellation, especially if the provider doesn’t supply your new address.
- Technical changes: e.g. moving from DSL to fibre can trigger a special cancellation right.
Always cancel in writing – by registered letter or email with a read receipt. Verbal cancellations are hard to prove.
Pro tip
Note the cancellation date in your calendar right after signing and set a reminder three months before the contract ends – enough time to compare and cancel on time.
Specifics: electricity, gas, mobile, DSL and PKV
Not every switch works the same. The contract type sets the rules, deadlines and process:
| Contract type | Notice period | Specifics | Typical duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | 4 weeks to contract end | Read the meter, grid operator stays the same | 1–2 weeks |
| Gas | 4 weeks to contract end | Basic supply as fallback, report meter reading | 1–2 weeks |
| Mobile | 1 month (since 2021) | Number porting (Portierung) possible | 1–5 working days |
| Internet/DSL | 1 month (since 2021) | Fibre can take longer, return the router | 2–6 weeks |
| PKV | 3 months to year-end | Internal switch without health check possible | Individual |
Energy: when switching electricity or gas the grid operator always stays the same, only the supplier changes. Miss the switch and you land in the more expensive basic supply of the local provider.
Mobile & internet: number porting is central – the new provider requests it from the old one. Since the TKG reform of 2021, new contracts can be cancelled monthly.
PKV: an internal switch within private health insurance is possible under § 204 VVG without a new health check; age provisions are carried over for tariffs with equal or lower benefits. Check carefully which benefits the new tariff includes.
Avoiding common mistakes and traps
- Cancelling too late: miss the deadline and you get an automatic 12- or 24-month renewal.
- The bonus trap: over 24 months, a tariff with a big bonus but a higher monthly price often costs more. Always compare the total price.
- Missing the withdrawal window: the 14 days run from signing – after that you’re bound.
- Wrong meter reading: leads to incorrect bills. Photograph the meter on switch day and send it to both providers.
- Forgetting porting: request number porting in time or you may lose your number.
- Not checking the cancellation confirmation: without the old provider’s confirmation you risk paying twice.
Preparing your switch well
A well-prepared switch lays the basis for lasting low prices. Treat switching as a recurring task, not a one-off, and you keep control:
- Review the market about every ten months – new offers appear constantly.
- Actively use filters for term, price guarantee and bonus.
- Note the cancellation date right after signing.
- Use special cancellation rights consistently on every price increase.
- Keep all documents, cancellations and confirmations safe.
Start your switch – in several languages
Compare for free and without obligation. Whether a switch is worth it is covered in our guide Is switching tariffs worth it?
Frequently asked questions
What is the process of switching tariff?
Seven steps: get your documents ready, compare tariffs, sign the new contract, arrange cancellation of the old contract, prepare the switch day, allow time for the switch, and use your 14-day right of withdrawal.
How long does a tariff switch take in Germany?
Usually one to two weeks. With fibre connections it can take longer because of technical installation work.
What documents do I need for a tariff switch?
Your postcode, annual consumption, meter or customer number and bank details. These are usually enough to sign the new contract.
Can I cancel my mobile contract monthly?
Since the TKG reform of 2021, new mobile contracts have a notice period of just one month – for all contracts signed after 1 December 2021.
What is the difference between an internal switch and a provider switch?
An internal tariff switch happens within the same provider, e.g. in private health insurance without a new health check. A provider switch is a full move to a different company and often offers larger savings.
Key German Terms
Tarifwechsel
Tariff switch
Anbieterwechsel
Provider switch
Kündigungsfrist
Cancellation period
Mindestlaufzeit
Minimum term
Sonderkündigungsrecht
Special right to cancel
Rufnummernmitnahme
Number porting
Widerrufsrecht
Right of withdrawal (14 days)
Zählerstand
Meter reading