Today, Thursday, September 11, 2025, Germany is holding its annual Nationwide Warning Day. At 11:00 a.m., a test alert will be sent out.
At 11:00 a.m. today a test alert will be sent out across the country to check how well different warning systems are working in case of an emergency.
What happens at 11 a.m.?
The German Federal Office of Civil Protection and Disaster Assistance (BBK) will trigger a test alert. The alert will reach millions of people via radio, television, warning apps, digital display boards, and especially through Cell Broadcast messages on mobile phones. In many cities and towns, sirens or loudspeaker vehicles will also be tested.
When does the all-clear come?
At about 11:45 a.m., an all-clear message will be sent through most warning channels. Important: Cell Broadcast, the mobile phone alert system, currently sends warnings only – not all-clear messages.
Why is Germany doing this?
The test is designed to make sure that warning messages reach as many people as possible during disasters or major crises. Officials call it a “stress test under full load”. The day also raises awareness: if people know what an alert looks and sounds like, they can react faster in real emergencies. Citizens are invited to share their experiences in an online survey starting today. The results will help improve the warning systems.
