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A1 verb #18 am häufigsten 13 Min. Lesezeit

to call

Top 18

At the A1 level, 'to call' is one of the first verbs you learn. It is used in very simple, everyday situations. The most common use is for talking on the phone. You might say, 'I call my mother every Sunday' or 'Can you call me later?' It is also used for names, like 'My name is Robert, but my friends call me Bob.' At this stage, the focus is on the basic subject-verb-object structure. You learn that you 'call someone' and you don't need to use the word 'to' after 'call'. It is a regular verb, so the past tense is 'called'. You also learn it in the context of shouting, like 'Call for help!' if there is a problem. The vocabulary is practical and helps you handle basic communication needs. You will see it in simple dialogues about making plans or introducing yourself. It's a 'doing' word that connects you to other people, either by voice or by phone. Mastering this word at A1 gives you a vital tool for social interaction and seeking assistance in English-speaking environments.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'to call' in more varied ways and with slightly more complex grammar. You might use it in the present continuous to describe what you are doing right now: 'I am calling the doctor's office.' You also begin to learn phrasal verbs like 'call back'. For example, 'He is busy, so he will call you back in ten minutes.' You also use 'call' to describe habitual actions or requests in the past. 'When I was a child, my mother called me for dinner every night at 6 PM.' You might also encounter the phrase 'call for' in simple contexts, like 'The recipe calls for two eggs.' This shows that the word can mean 'requires' or 'needs'. You are becoming more comfortable with the different meanings—shouting, phoning, and naming—and can choose the right one based on the situation. Your sentences are getting longer, and you can use 'to call' to link ideas, such as 'I called him because I wanted to ask a question.' This level is about building confidence and expanding the contexts in which you use this versatile verb.

At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'to call' with greater precision and in more formal or professional contexts. You will encounter more phrasal verbs, such as 'call off' (to cancel) and 'call on' (to visit or to ask someone to speak). For example, 'The meeting was called off because the manager was sick,' or 'The teacher called on me to answer the question.' You also start using 'call' in idiomatic expressions like 'call it a day' (to stop working) or 'a close call' (a narrow escape from danger). Your understanding of the word's nuances increases; you know that 'calling someone out' means challenging them, which is different from just 'calling' them. You can use 'to call' in the passive voice more naturally. You might also use it to describe professional duties, such as 'calling a meeting' or 'calling a press conference'. At B1, you are moving beyond simple communication and using 'to call' to describe more complex social and professional interactions. You are also more aware of the difference between American 'call' and British 'ring' and can adapt your language accordingly.

At the B2 level, you use 'to call' fluently and can understand its use in abstract or figurative ways. You might use it to describe a 'calling' or a vocation: 'She felt a calling to become a doctor.' You are comfortable with complex phrasal verbs like 'call forth' (to evoke) or 'call up' (to remember or to draft into the military). You can use 'to call' in sophisticated idiomatic expressions, such as 'to call the shots' (to be in control) or 'to call someone's bluff' (to challenge someone to prove their claim). Your grammar is more advanced, allowing you to use 'to call' in various tenses and moods, including the conditional: 'If I were you, I would have called earlier.' You also understand the use of 'call' in specific fields like law or sports, where it has technical meanings. You can participate in debates and use 'to call' to frame your arguments, such as 'calling into question' someone's motives. At this level, 'to call' is no longer just a simple verb; it is a versatile tool for nuanced expression and critical thinking.

At the C1 level, your use of 'to call' is near-native and highly nuanced. You can use it to convey subtle shades of meaning and tone. You might use it in literary or formal writing to evoke specific emotions or ideas. For example, 'The haunting melody called to mind memories of his childhood.' You are familiar with obscure phrasal verbs and idioms, and you can use them correctly in context. You understand the historical and cultural connotations of the word, such as its use in religious or philosophical texts. You can use 'to call' to describe complex social phenomena, such as 'calling out' systemic injustice. Your ability to use the word in the passive voice and in complex sentence structures is flawless. You can also play with the word's multiple meanings for rhetorical effect. At C1, you are not just using the word; you are mastering it as a part of a sophisticated and expressive vocabulary. You can switch between formal and informal registers with ease, knowing exactly when to 'call' and when to use a more specific synonym.

At the C2 level, you have a complete and effortless command of 'to call' in all its forms and contexts. You can use it with the precision of a native speaker, including its most subtle idiomatic and metaphorical applications. You might use it in highly specialized professional or academic discourse, where it takes on very specific meanings. You are comfortable with the word's use in poetry, where its sounds and associations can be exploited for artistic effect. You can understand and use 'to call' in all regional dialects of English, recognizing the subtle differences in usage between them. Your use of the word is characterized by its elegance and appropriateness to the context. Whether you are 'calling' for a revolution, 'calling' a foul in a high-stakes game, or 'calling' upon ancient wisdom, you do so with total confidence and accuracy. At this level, 'to call' is a seamless part of your linguistic repertoire, used with the same ease and flexibility as any other word in your extensive vocabulary. You are a master of the English language, and your use of 'to call' reflects that mastery.

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps

to call in 30 Sekunden

To contact someone by phone or voice.
To give a name or title to someone.
To require or demand something (call for).
To cancel or stop an event (call off).

The verb to call is a fundamental building block of English communication, primarily functioning as a bridge between individuals. At its most basic level, it describes the act of reaching out to someone using technology, specifically a telephone or smartphone. In our modern era, this has expanded to include voice over IP (VoIP) services, yet the terminology remains rooted in the traditional 'phone call'. Beyond technology, 'to call' is an essential vocal action. It describes the physical exertion of the voice to attract attention, such as shouting a friend's name across a crowded street or summoning a pet. This dual nature—technological and biological—makes it one of the first verbs an English learner masters. Furthermore, 'to call' serves a naming function. When we identify something, we 'call' it by its name. This is not just about labels; it is about recognition and social categorization. In professional environments, the word takes on a more formal tone, such as when a chairperson 'calls a meeting' to order, signifying the official start of a proceeding. The versatility of 'to call' is also evident in its role as a precursor to action, such as 'calling for help' in an emergency. This multifaceted verb adapts to the speaker's needs, whether they are in a casual, formal, or urgent situation.

Telecommunication: The act of dialing a number to speak with someone remotely. Example: 'I will call you when I arrive at the station.'
Vocal Summons: Using your voice loudly to get someone's attention. Example: 'She called his name from the balcony.'
Naming and Identification: Assigning a specific name or title to a person or object. Example: 'They decided to call the baby Alexander.'

Please to call the office if you are going to be late for the presentation.

In social contexts, 'to call' is often used to initiate plans. A simple 'Give me a call' is a standard way to invite future communication without the pressure of an immediate commitment. In the realm of sports and games, 'to call' has specific meanings, such as a referee 'calling a foul' or a poker player 'calling a bet'. These uses highlight the verb's ability to denote a decision or a declaration. In literature and high-level discourse, 'to call' can imply a vocation or a deep inner urge, such as 'feeling called to the ministry'. This depth of meaning allows the word to transition seamlessly from the playground to the boardroom, and from everyday chatter to philosophical debate. As you use this word, consider the medium: are you calling through a device, calling with your voice, or calling something by a name? Each context provides a slightly different flavor to this essential English verb.

I heard someone to call my name in the middle of the crowded mall.

Professional Usage: To convene or organize an official event. Example: 'The CEO called a press conference for Tuesday.'

What do you to call this specific type of tool in English?

The situation to call for a very careful and measured response.

Urgency: To request immediate assistance. Example: 'Call 911 if there is an emergency!'

Don't to call me before 8 AM because I will be sleeping.

Using 'to call' correctly involves understanding its grammatical patterns and the prepositions that often accompany it. The most common structure is the direct object pattern: [Subject] + [call] + [Person]. For example, 'I called Sarah.' In this instance, no preposition is needed between the verb and the person being contacted. This is a frequent point of confusion for learners who might try to say 'call to Sarah,' which actually changes the meaning to shouting at her rather than phoning her. When 'to call' is used to mean 'to name,' the structure is [Subject] + [call] + [Object] + [Name]. For instance, 'They call him the King of Pop.' Here, 'him' is the object, and 'the King of Pop' is the complement. This pattern is essential for describing identities and nicknames. Another vital pattern involves the phrasal uses, such as 'call back,' which means to return a phone call. 'I missed your call, so I am calling you back now.' This is a transitive phrasal verb where the object can sit in the middle or at the end.

The 'Call For' Pattern: Used when a situation requires a specific action or quality. Example: 'This celebration calls for champagne!'
The 'Call Out' Pattern: To shout something loudly or to challenge someone's behavior. Example: 'He called out the correct answers to the class.'

Did you to call the doctor about your test results yet?

In the imperative form, 'call' is a powerful command. 'Call me!' is a direct request for communication. In the present continuous, 'I am calling,' it often indicates an action happening right now or a planned future action. 'I am calling the bank tomorrow.' The past tense 'called' is regular, making it easy to use in narratives. 'He called me three times last night.' It is also important to note the use of 'call' in passive constructions, such as 'The game was called off due to rain,' where it means cancelled. This versatility allows 'to call' to function in a wide array of sentence types, from simple A1-level statements to complex C2-level idiomatic expressions. Whether you are identifying a person, requesting a service, or reacting to a situation, the structural flexibility of 'to call' makes it an indispensable tool for any English speaker. Pay close attention to the context to decide if you need a preposition or a direct object, as this is where most grammatical nuances reside.

The teacher to call on the students who had their hands raised.

The 'Call In' Pattern: Often used for professional requests or radio shows. Example: 'She called in sick to work this morning.'

You can to call me by my first name, please.

I'll to call back later when you are not so busy.

The word 'to call' is ubiquitous, echoing through almost every environment where English is spoken. In the domestic sphere, it is the sound of a parent 'calling' children for dinner or a roommate 'calling' out that the mail has arrived. In these settings, it is often informal and loud. Transitioning to the workplace, 'to call' becomes the language of coordination. You will hear colleagues say, 'I'll call a meeting for 2 PM,' or 'Can you call the client and confirm the details?' In professional settings, 'calling' often implies a level of authority or responsibility. On the streets and in public spaces, you might hear people 'calling' for a taxi or 'calling' out to a friend they've spotted in a crowd. The word is also a staple of the service industry; think of a barista 'calling' out a customer's name when their coffee is ready. This auditory landscape is filled with the various applications of 'to call,' making it a word that is as much about sound as it is about meaning.

In the Office: Used for scheduling and client communication. Example: 'Let's call the vendor to discuss the pricing.'
In Emergency Services: A critical verb for seeking help. Example: 'The operator told him to stay on the line while she called the ambulance.'

The referee had to to call a time-out because of the injury on the field.

Media and entertainment are also saturated with 'to call'. In movies, characters 'call for backup' or 'call their lawyers'. In sports broadcasting, commentators 'call the game,' providing a play-by-play description of the action. Even in the digital world, we 'call' functions in programming or 'call' upon data from a server. The word's presence in music is equally strong, with countless songs featuring lyrics about 'calling' a lover or 'calling' home. This wide distribution across different media ensures that learners will encounter 'to call' in diverse accents and registers. Whether it is the frantic 'call' of a news reporter during a breaking story or the gentle 'call' of a lullaby, the word is a constant presence. Understanding where you hear it helps you grasp the social cues associated with it—when it requires a loud voice, when it requires a phone, and when it is a formal declaration of an event.

I can hear the birds to call to each other early in the morning.

In Retail: Used to check stock or help. Example: 'I'll call the other store to see if they have your size.'

The captain to call all hands to the deck during the storm.

Don't forget to to call your grandmother on her birthday!

One of the most frequent errors learners make with 'to call' involves the unnecessary use of prepositions. Many languages require a preposition like 'to' or 'at' when contacting someone, leading students to say 'I will call to you' when they mean they will phone you. In English, 'call' is a transitive verb in this context, so it takes a direct object: 'I will call you.' Using 'call to' actually changes the meaning to shouting or vocalizing toward someone to get their attention. Another common pitfall is the confusion between 'call' and 'phone' or 'ring'. While they are often interchangeable, 'call' is the most versatile and widely used in American English. In British English, 'ring' is very common, but using 'call' is never wrong. Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the phrasal verb 'call off'. It means to cancel, but students might confuse it with 'call out' (to shout or challenge) or 'call on' (to visit or ask to speak). Misusing these can lead to significant misunderstandings in professional settings.

Mistake: 'Call to [Person]': Incorrect: 'I will call to my mother.' Correct: 'I will call my mother.' (Unless you are shouting at her from another room).
Mistake: 'Call for [Name]': Incorrect: 'They call for him John.' Correct: 'They call him John.' (No 'for' is needed when naming someone).

Incorrect: I to call to the taxi. Correct: I called a taxi.

The distinction between 'call' and 'name' can also be tricky. While you can 'call' someone a name, you don't usually say 'What is your call?' when asking for someone's name; you say 'What is your name?' or 'What do people call you?' The latter implies a nickname or a preferred name. Furthermore, the use of 'call' in the sense of 'to visit' (as in 'to call on someone') is quite formal and becoming less common in casual speech. Modern learners might use it thinking it's standard, but it can sound old-fashioned. Finally, be careful with the phrase 'call it a day'. It's a common idiom meaning to stop working, but learners sometimes take it literally, thinking it refers to naming the day itself. Mastering 'to call' requires paying attention to these small but significant differences in preposition use and idiomatic context. By avoiding the 'call to' trap and understanding the specific meanings of its phrasal forms, you will sound much more natural and fluent in your English communication.

Incorrect: They to call to this fruit an apple. Correct: They call this fruit an apple.

Mistake: 'Call back to': Incorrect: 'I will call back to you.' Correct: 'I will call you back.'

Incorrect: He to call me a liar. (This is actually correct, but often confused with 'called me to be a liar').

Incorrect: The meeting was to call out. Correct: The meeting was called off.

While 'to call' is a versatile workhorse of the English language, there are many synonyms and related words that can provide more precision depending on the context. If you are talking about using a phone, alternatives include 'to phone', 'to ring' (common in the UK), or 'to dial'. For more modern communication, you might use 'to FaceTime', 'to Skype', or 'to Zoom'. If the meaning is to shout or attract attention, synonyms like 'to yell', 'to holler', 'to scream', or 'to hail' (as in 'hailing a cab') offer different levels of volume and intent. When 'to call' means to name something, you could use 'to label', 'to dub', 'to entitle', or 'to designate'. Each of these alternatives carries a slightly different nuance. 'Dubbing' someone often implies giving them a nickname or a title, while 'designating' something is more formal and official. Understanding these synonyms allows you to vary your vocabulary and express yourself more accurately.

Call vs. Shout: 'Call' is often used to get attention or summon. 'Shout' focuses on the high volume of the voice, often due to anger or distance.
Call vs. Name: 'Call' is the act of using the name. 'Name' is the act of giving the name initially. 'We named him John, and now we call him John.'

Instead of just to call, you could say he 'summoned' the waiter to the table.

In professional contexts, 'to convene' is a more formal alternative to 'calling' a meeting. If you are 'calling for' something, you might also be 'demanding', 'requesting', or 'advocating' for it. For example, 'The activists called for change' could be 'The activists advocated for change.' In the sense of a brief visit, 'to drop by' or 'to stop in' are more casual alternatives to the formal 'to call on'. Even the word 'to contact' can be a useful, broader alternative that covers calling, emailing, and texting. By exploring these synonyms, you can see how 'to call' sits at the center of a large web of communicative actions. Choosing the right word depends on whether you want to sound casual, formal, loud, or precise. As you advance in your English studies, try to replace 'call' with some of these more specific verbs to enrich your speaking and writing.

The king to call (or dubbed) the brave soldier a knight.

Call vs. Ring: 'Call' is universal. 'Ring' is specifically British and refers to the sound a phone makes.

She to call (or yelled) out in pain when she stubbed her toe.

They to call (or designated) this area as a no-smoking zone.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

"The committee will call a formal inquiry into the matter."

Neutral

"I will call the office to confirm my appointment."

Informell

"Give me a call when you get home, okay?"

Child friendly

"The mommy bird calls her babies for lunch."

Umgangssprache

"He got called out for his fake sneakers."

Wusstest du?

The word 'call' has been used for telephone communication since the very invention of the telephone in the late 19th century.

Aussprachehilfe

UK /kɔːl/

US /kɔl/

Single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word.

Reimt sich auf

ball fall hall mall tall wall small stall

Häufige Fehler

Pronouncing it like 'cool' (/kuːl/).
Pronouncing it like 'cell' (/sel/).
Adding an extra vowel at the end.
Making the 'l' too light.
Confusing it with 'coal'.

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Lesen 1/5

Very easy to recognize in text.

Schreiben 1/5

Regular spelling and simple patterns.

Sprechen 2/5

Must distinguish between phone and shout meanings.

Hören 2/5

Can be confused with 'cool' or 'coal' in fast speech.

Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest

Voraussetzungen

I you phone name speak

Als Nächstes lernen

phone ring shout name summon

Fortgeschritten

vocation nomenclature designation convene evoke

Wichtige Grammatik

Transitive Verb

You call someone (no 'to').

Regular Past Tense

Add -ed: called.

Phrasal Verbs

Call off, call back, call on.

Object Complement

They call him (object) a hero (complement).

Imperative

Call me!

Beispiele nach Niveau

I call my mom every day.

I use the phone to talk to my mother daily.

Present simple for a habit.

Please call me Bob.

Use the name Bob for me.

Imperative form for a request.

Can you call a taxi?

Please phone for a taxi.

Modal 'can' for a request.

She called my name.

She shouted my name.

Past simple of a regular verb.

I will call you tonight.

I will phone you later today.

Future with 'will'.

Don't call him now.

Do not phone him at this moment.

Negative imperative.

They call this a cat.

The name of this animal is a cat.

Present simple for a fact.

Call for help!

Shout so someone can help you.

Imperative for urgency.

I am calling the doctor now.

I am on the phone with the doctor's office.

Present continuous for an action now.

He called me back later.

He returned my phone call.

Phrasal verb 'call back' in past tense.

The recipe calls for milk.

The recipe needs milk.

'Call for' meaning 'requires'.

She called to say hello.

She phoned for the purpose of greeting.

Infinitive of purpose 'to say'.

We called the baby Leo.

We gave the baby the name Leo.

Past simple for naming.

I'll call you when I arrive.

I will phone you after I get there.

Future with 'will' and a time clause.

Did you call the police?

Did you phone the emergency services?

Past simple question with 'did'.

He calls his dog 'Buddy'.

The dog's name is Buddy.

Present simple with a nickname.

The meeting was called off.

The meeting was cancelled.

Passive voice with phrasal verb 'call off'.

Let's call it a day.

Let's stop working for now.

Idiomatic expression.

The teacher called on me.

The teacher asked me to speak.

Phrasal verb 'call on'.

It was a very close call.

It was a narrow escape from danger.

Noun use in an idiom.

I need to call in sick.

I need to phone work to say I am ill.

Phrasal verb 'call in'.

They called for a strike.

They officially requested a work stoppage.

'Call for' meaning 'officially request'.

She called out his mistake.

She publicly mentioned his error.

Phrasal verb 'call out'.

I'll call by your house later.

I will visit your house briefly.

Phrasal verb 'call by' (British English).

The situation calls for action.

The situation requires immediate doing.

'Call for' in an abstract sense.

He called her bluff.

He challenged her to prove her claim.

Idiomatic expression.

She felt a calling to teach.

She felt a strong inner urge to be a teacher.

Noun 'calling' meaning vocation.

The witness was called to testify.

The witness was officially summoned to court.

Passive voice in a legal context.

Don't call into question my motives.

Don't doubt or challenge why I am doing this.

Idiomatic phrase 'call into question'.

He called forth all his courage.

He summoned or evoked his bravery.

Phrasal verb 'call forth'.

The game was called on account of rain.

The game was stopped because it rained.

Formal passive construction.

She's the one who calls the shots.

She is the person in control.

Idiomatic expression 'call the shots'.

The music called to mind the sea.

The music made him remember the ocean.

Idiomatic phrase 'call to mind'.

He was called to the bar in 2010.

He officially became a lawyer (barrister) in 2010.

Technical legal idiom.

The duty of care calls upon us all.

The responsibility requires everyone's participation.

Formal use of 'call upon'.

Her behavior was called into account.

She was asked to explain or justify her actions.

Formal idiom 'call into account'.

The prophet called down fire.

The prophet summoned fire from above.

Literary phrasal verb 'call down'.

He called out the hypocrisy of the elite.

He publicly exposed their double standards.

Modern social idiom 'call out'.

The wild is calling to me.

Nature is strongly attracting me.

Metaphorical use.

The meeting was called to order.

The meeting officially began.

Formal procedural phrase.

The nuance calls for a subtle hand.

The small details require a careful approach.

Highly abstract use of 'call for'.

He is a man of many callings.

He has many different interests or professions.

Plural noun 'callings'.

The siren call of fame is dangerous.

The tempting but risky attraction of being famous.

Literary allusion to 'siren call'.

They called upon the ancient spirits.

They summoned or requested help from spirits.

Archaic/Literary register.

The decision was a tough call to make.

The choice was very difficult.

Noun 'call' meaning decision.

He called his soul his own at last.

He finally felt independent and in control of himself.

Philosophical/Literary idiom.

The debt was called in by the bank.

The bank demanded immediate repayment.

Financial phrasal verb 'call in'.

She called the bluff of the entire board.

She challenged the collective deception of the directors.

Advanced idiomatic application.

Häufige Kollokationen

make a call

call for help

call a meeting

call someone's name

return a call

call a taxi

call the shots

call it a day

call into question

call back

Häufige Phrasen

Give me a call.

Call me later.

What do you call this?

Call for backup.

Call the police.

Call in sick.

Call off the wedding.

Call on a friend.

Call out a name.

Call it even.

Wird oft verwechselt mit

to call vs recall

Recall means to remember, not to call someone again.

to call vs phone

Phone is more specific to the device; call is broader.

to call vs cool

Similar spelling but completely different pronunciation and meaning.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

"Call it a day"

To decide to stop doing something, especially working.

We've been working for ten hours; let's call it a day.

informal

"Call the shots"

To be the person who makes the important decisions.

In this house, my mother calls the shots.

informal

"A close call"

A situation in which something bad almost happened.

That car almost hit us! It was a close call.

neutral

"Call someone's bluff"

To challenge someone to do what they say they will do.

He threatened to quit, so I called his bluff.

neutral

"Call a spade a spade"

To speak plainly and directly about something.

Let's call a spade a spade: the project is a failure.

neutral

"Call the tune"

To be in a position of control or authority.

The person who pays the bill calls the tune.

neutral

"Call it quits"

To stop doing something or end a relationship.

They decided to call it quits after five years.

informal

"Call to mind"

To cause someone to remember something.

The smell of baking calls to mind my grandmother.

formal

"On call"

Available to be called for work if needed.

The doctor is on call this weekend.

professional

"Call into question"

To cause doubts about something.

The new evidence calls his story into question.

formal

Leicht verwechselbar

to call vs Ring

Both mean to phone someone.

'Ring' is more common in British English and refers to the sound.

I'll ring you later.

to call vs Shout

Both involve loud voices.

'Call' is usually to get attention; 'shout' is just about volume.

He shouted in anger.

to call vs Name

Both involve identification.

'Name' is giving the name; 'call' is using the name.

We named him Paul.

to call vs Summon

Both mean to ask someone to come.

'Summon' is much more formal and official.

The judge summoned the jury.

to call vs Contact

Both mean to reach out.

'Contact' is a general term for calling, emailing, or texting.

Please contact our support team.

Satzmuster

Subject + call + Object

I call my friend.

Subject + call + Object + Name

They call me John.

Subject + be + calling + Object

I am calling the doctor.

Subject + call + Object + back

I will call you back.

Subject + call + off + Object

They called off the game.

Subject + call + for + Noun

The situation calls for patience.

Subject + call + to mind + Object

This calls to mind a story.

Subject + call + Object + into question

They called his honesty into question.

Wortfamilie

Substantive

Verben

Adjektive

Verwandt

So verwendest du es

frequency

Extremely high in all domains of English.

Häufige Fehler

I will call to you. → I will call you.
For phone calls, 'call' does not take the preposition 'to'.
He called out the meeting. → He called off the meeting.
'Call off' means cancel; 'call out' means shout or challenge.
What is your call? → What is your name?
'Call' is not used to ask for a name directly in this way.
I called in sick to my boss. → I called in sick.
The phrase 'call in sick' usually stands alone or with 'to work'.
She called me a liar to my face. → She called me a liar.
This is correct, but learners often try to add 'to be' (She called me to be a liar).

Tipps

No Preposition

Remember: 'Call [Person]', not 'Call to [Person]' for phone calls.

Phrasal Verbs

Learn 'call back', 'call off', and 'call on' as they are very common.

Natural Phrasing

Say 'Give me a call' instead of 'Please telephone me' to sound more natural.

Context Clues

If someone says 'call a meeting', they are organizing it, not phoning it.

Naming

Use 'They call him...' to introduce a nickname in your stories.

Regional Differences

Be aware that 'ring' is common in the UK, but 'call' is understood everywhere.

Call it a day

Use this phrase at the end of a long study session or work day.

Emergency

Always know how to 'call for help' or 'call the police' in English.

Professionalism

'Calling a meeting' is a standard way to start a formal gathering.

The 'L' Sound

Make sure the 'l' at the end of 'call' is clearly heard.

Einprägen

Eselsbrücke

C-A-L-L: Communicate At Long Length (on the phone) or Cry At Loud Levels (shouting).

Visuelle Assoziation

Imagine a large old-fashioned telephone and a person shouting through a megaphone.

Word Web

Phone Shout Name Meeting Help Taxi Doctor Friend

Herausforderung

Try to use 'call' in three different ways today: for a phone call, for a name, and for an idiom.

Wortherkunft

From the Old Norse word 'kalla', meaning to shout or summon loudly. It entered Middle English as 'callen'.

Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To cry out, shout, or speak loudly.

Germanic

Kultureller Kontext

Be careful with 'calling names', which means insulting someone.

Americans say 'call', Brits often say 'ring' or 'phone'.

'Call me Ishmael' (Moby Dick) 'I Just Called to Say I Love You' (Stevie Wonder) 'Ghostbusters: Who you gonna call?'

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Telecommunications

make a call
receive a call
missed call
return a call

Socializing

give me a call
call me later
what's your name?
they call me...

Work/Business

call a meeting
conference call
call in sick
call the client

Emergencies

call for help
call 911
call the police
call an ambulance

Sports

call a foul
call a time-out
bad call
referee's call

Gesprächseinstiege

"What do your friends usually call you?"

"How often do you call your family members?"

"When was the last time you had to call for help?"

"Do you prefer to text or call people?"

"Who is the person you call the most often?"

Tagebuch-Impulse

Describe a time when you had a very important phone call.

Write about a situation that was a 'close call' for you.

If you could call anyone in the world right now, who would it be and why?

What is something you feel 'called' to do in your life?

Do you think people call each other on the phone less than they used to?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Use 'call me' for phone calls. 'Call to me' means shouting to get attention.

It is an idiom that means to stop working or doing an activity for the rest of the day.

Yes, it is very common to say 'I will call you on Zoom' or 'Let's have a video call'.

It is a regular verb, so the past tense is 'called'.

It means to cancel something that was planned, like a meeting or a wedding.

You can say 'I am calling you back' or 'I am returning your call'.

It is both! 'I will call you' (verb) and 'I missed your call' (noun).

It means that the recipe requires or needs a certain ingredient.

As a noun, a 'calling' is a strong feeling that you must do a particular job, like being a doctor.

It means to publicly challenge someone or tell them they are doing something wrong.