Perform time synchronization of computers

    Description

    If you want to set the clock of your computer or your mobile device exactly, you can use a service of the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) which enables time synchronization via the Internet.

    Often, you need to indicate the exact time in official traffic and business transactions via the Internet. However, most computer clocks run inaccurately. If you need the exact time on your computer, it is necessary to adjust the computer clock regularly.
    For the time synchronization of your computer, you can use the services of the PTB.

    For the time synchronization, 3 time servers are at your disposal whose clocks are directly synchronized by the atomic clocks of the PTB. Central European Time (CET) or Central European Summer Time (CEST) is the legally valid time in the Federal Republic of Germany.


    The servers of PTB use the so-called "Network Time Protocol" (NTP) to transmit the time information. With this protocol, the clocks of computers, mobile devices or network components can be synchronized.

    For this purpose, programs are required which support the NTP. Such programs are available for all common operating systems.
    After installing such a program, you need to specify one or more of the following addresses:

    • ptbtime1.ptb.com
    • ptbtime2.ptb.de
    • ptbtime3.ptb.de.

    Depending on the runtimes in the network connections, accuracies of one to ten milliseconds can be achieved.

    Contact person

    Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)

    Address

    address

    Bundesallee 100

    38116 Braunschweig

    Save contact

    address

    Abbestraße 2-12

    10587 Berlin

    Save contact

    Contact

    Internet

    Version

    Technisch geändert on 25.04.2025

    Language version

    Deutsch

    Sprache: de

    Englisch

    Sprache: en

    Sprachbezeichnung nativ:

    English

    Required documents

    none

    Forms

    Forms: none
    Online procedure possible: yes
    Written form required: no
    Personal appearance required: no


    Prerequisites

    none

    Procedure

    To synchronize the time of your computer, you must first install a program on your computer.

    • The programs are available for all common operating systems.
    • After installing the program, add the addresses of the NTP server to it.
    • One or more of the following addresses must be entered:
      • ptbtime1.ptb.en
      • ptbtime2.ptb.de
      • ptbtime3.ptb.de
    • The synchronization of your computer clock is done automatically

    Deadlines

    none

    Processing time

    none

    Costs

    none

    Notes (specifics)

    The PTB accepts no liability for damage caused by a failure of the PTB's time service, as a result of faulty transmission by the PTB's time servers or as a result of deviations caused by delays on the Internet at the users.

    Further Information

    Area of validity

    Germany-wide

    Official approval

    Officially approved by Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy on 11.10.2017

    Version

    Technisch geändert on 01.12.2025

    Keywords

    Legal time, Clock, Atomic clock, Time setting, Atomic time

    Language version

    Deutsch

    Sprache: de

    Englisch

    Sprache: en

    Sprachbezeichnung nativ:

    English