How to Watch Netflix or Hulu in Germany

How do I watch Netflix in Germany?

With all the on demand streaming TV these days it is a common question from families moving to Germany. How can I watch Netflix in Germany or can we watch Hulu in Germany? The good news is, for everyone living overseas today life is great. We used to be stuck with AFN and all their great commercials. the bad news is there are still some challenges. Depending on whether or not you live on post will affect your access.

Netflix and Hulu on Post

If you live on post in a housing area you “should” be good to go for Netflix, Hulu, and even Amazon Prime. All three companies have started unblocking on post IP addresses for a few years now. If for some reason you cannot access one of these services you will have to jump through some hoops to do so. While each company has their own process, here is a response from customer service at Netflix about how to get your on post IP unblocked.

Thank you for your inquiry, and more importantly, thank you for your service!

So there you go. Most on post IP addresses are probably up to date but if anything changes you will have to go through this process. Once you are unblocked you are free and clear to watch all the streaming TV you want. Unfortunately you are still stuck living on post…

Netflix or Hulu off Post

For those who are lucky enough to live off post and experience Germany a bit more for a few years there is some bad news. All these streaming services only unblock the know IP addresses provided to them for US military installations. They will not unblock your individual IP address at your German rental. However, there are still a few options.

• Utilize a virtual private network or “VPN”: A VPN through a service such as Unblock-Us or StrongVPN will allow you to mask your own German IP and make these services think your IP is based in the United States thereby allowing you access. One drawback of a VPN is that companies like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon can eventually figure out you are using one. When that happens you may get a message telling you to turn the VPN off. It is in the interest of VPN companies to keep you connected so they will try to provide fix but there is no telling how long this method will work.

• Watch German Netflix: If you do not want to deal with the hassle of a VPN, you can still use your Netflix account and watch via Netflix.de. Surprisingly, there is still a really good amount of quality content and everything filmed in English can be watched that way. You just have to change the language once you start the program. The same goes for Amazon.de and Amazon video but you will have to open a new Amazon.de account. In addition to Amazon Prime you can rent a lot of new release movies and still watch them in English. Unfortunately, there is no Hulu.de so that method is out.

So that is where we stand today. Like all technology, the situation is constantly evolving. Check back for updates or let us know if you have a different experience in the comments below.