Q: how can I recover my contacts from iCloud if the device where I had them doesn't work anymore?

Hiomeva,

If you were using Settings>iCloud>Contacts they will be available on the iCloud.com Contacts App.

If your Contacts were synced to iCloud you can use a computer and log in to https://www.icloud.com

Then go the the Contacts app there, select all of the contacts and then click on the gear-shaped icon at lower left and use Export vCard.