The most important number to memorize and to always have at hand is this, 112! Calling this number will connect you to the emergency operator, who will then take care of all further actions. Always have this number in your mobile phone. Regardless if the emergency would involve the police, the fire department or the ambulance, this number must be your #1 call! 112, always remember that number!

Police

In the hopefully rare case of ever having to contact the police, you can find the main department in the street Rademarkt 12, very close to the city centre. Get directions The main page of the website is in English and contains important issues. The department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can also be reached by phone: +31 - 0900-8844. In general, all police officers have a high level of English and are very willing to help you with any problem. Smaller departments can be found in the street Korreweg 3.Get directions opening times
, as well as in the street Diamantlaan 168 Get directions website and in the street Parkallee 20 Get directions website

Fire department

Like the main police department, the fire department is operating 24/7. It is located in the street Sontweg 10 Get directions and can be reached (for non-emergency reasons) at this number: +31 – (0)503674777. Despite the website only being available in Dutch, it gives some useful information on how to avoid/prevent a fire.
For emergencies, we urge you to call 112 immediately!

Hospitals

In case of an emergency, we advise you to call 112 immediately!

The city of Groningen has the best hospitals in the entire region and has recently even increased its reputation. The newly built UMCG (Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen) is located at the street Hanzeplein 1. Get directions For information, please visit the website or call one of the following numbers: +31 - (0)50 361 61 61 or +31 - (0)50 361 33 00.

The other, highly recommended hospital in Groningen is the Martini Ziekenhuis, located in the street Van Swietenplein 1. Get directions Easily approachable by bus no. 2 to “De Punt” (disembark on station “van Swietenplein”). For additional information, call: +31 - (0)50 524 52 45.

Under the following link, which unfortunately only comes in Dutch, you find a list of all dentists in Groningen, including phone number, address and opening hours:stadsbron.groningen.nl

Consulates in the city of Groningen
6 European countries have consulates in the city of Groningen. In case you hold the
nationality of one of these countries (Germany, Belgium, Denmark, Hungary, France and
Norway), you can consult them for any legal issues.
Further information and directions can be found here

No, in general the Dutch speak English quite well. At most places like supermarkets, the university, stores and even the middle of the street you can address persons in English. Be sure to asks them if they speak English before asking them complicated questions. Furthermore, some Dutch inhabitants understand some German and French, but most won’t be able to have a conversation in these languages.