Many people think that you can reach anyone in Cologne with the area code 0221. But is that really the case? This "rumor" is widespread, but it is incorrect. There are several other area codes for Cologne.
Below you can see where these area codes apply and what they are called:
- Cologne-Porz district: 02203
- Meschenich district: 02232 (same as Brühl)
- Rondorf district: 02233 (same as Hürth)
- Lövenich, Marsdorf, and Weiden districts: 02234 (like Pulheim)
- Rodenkirchen (partly), Sürth, Weiß, Godorf, Hahnwald and Immendorf districts: 02236 (like Wesseling)
- Flittard district (partly): 0214 (like Leverkusen)
- Dellbrück district (partly): 02202 (like Bergisch Gladbach)
But why exactly is this the case? The reason lies in the past, as the above-mentioned districts and boroughs did not always belong to Cologne. They were only recognised as part of Cologne after a reorganisation in 1975. However, the area codes were retained. But as we all know, there are rules and exceptions everywhere. In Porz, for example, there are two area codes. This is because the Porz district of Poll was already part of Cologne before 1975, so the area code 0221 applies in Poll.
Another interesting point is that there used to be a few technical reasons why area codes could only be assigned to specific locations. However, this is no longer the case today, and theoretically, you could choose your area code freely. However, there is currently still a law that does not allow the free choice of area codes.
