In 15 Seconds
- Use it to initiate a phone call with anyone.
- The prefix 'an' always moves to the end of the sentence.
- Do not use it for shouting across a room.
Meaning
This phrase is the standard way to say you are calling someone on the phone. It is the go-to verb for starting a voice conversation, whether it is via a smartphone, landline, or even an app.
Key Examples
3 of 6Calling a friend
Ich rufe dich morgen an.
I will call you tomorrow.
Calling a doctor
Ich muss den Arzt anrufen.
I have to call the doctor.
Texting a crush
Ruf mich bitte später an!
Please call me later!
Cultural Background
When answering the phone, Germans almost always say their last name. Saying just 'Hallo' is often seen as too informal or confusing for the caller. It is common to hear 'Grüß Gott' when someone answers the phone, especially in more traditional or rural areas. Swiss Germans often use 'Grüezi' and may be more likely to use the French-influenced 'Merci' during the call. In a German office, if you call someone and they aren't there, it's standard to ask 'Kann ich eine Nachricht hinterlassen?' (Can I leave a message?).
The 'An' Sandwich
Think of the sentence as a sandwich. The verb 'rufe' is the first slice of bread, and 'an' is the second slice at the very end. Everything else is the filling!
Case Alert
Never use the Dative with anrufen. It's always 'dich', 'mich', 'ihn', 'sie' (Accusative).
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to initiate a phone call with anyone.
- The prefix 'an' always moves to the end of the sentence.
- Do not use it for shouting across a room.
What It Means
anrufen is the bread and butter of German phone communication. It simply means to dial a number and reach out to someone. Think of it as the 'action' of initiating a call. It is not about the long chat you have afterward. It is about the moment you hit that green 'call' button.
How To Use It
This verb is a bit of a rebel. It is a separable verb. This means the an part likes to travel. In a basic sentence, the an jumps to the very end. You say Ich rufe dich an. See how the an sits at the finish line? It stays there like a loyal dog. If you use a helper verb like kann, it stays together. Ich kann dich anrufen. It is like a puzzle piece that moves.
When To Use It
Use it whenever you need to talk to someone. Use it for making a doctor's appointment. Use it to check in on your parents. It works perfectly for business meetings too. If you are texting a friend, you can say Ruf mich an!. It is universal across all levels of German society. It is the most common way to describe this action.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use anrufen if you are shouting. If you see a friend across the street, use rufen. anrufen requires a phone or a communication device. Also, do not confuse it with telefonieren. telefonieren is the act of being on the phone for a while. anrufen is the act of making the call happen. If you just want to yell for help, leave the an at home.
Cultural Background
Germans take phone etiquette quite seriously. When you anrufen a business, expect a formal greeting. They will often say their last name first. It is a sign of transparency and professionalism. Calling someone after 8:00 PM is often considered rude. Unless they are your best friend, keep it to business hours. Privacy is highly valued in German culture.
Common Variations
You will often hear zurückrufen. This means to call someone back. It is very common in office settings. Another one is jemanden anwählen. This is more technical, like 'dialing' a specific extension. If you miss a call, you might say Ich habe einen Anruf verpasst. The noun form is der Anruf. It is a simple, sturdy word family.
Usage Notes
Remember that 'anrufen' always triggers the accusative case for the person being called. It is a neutral verb suitable for all social contexts.
The 'An' Sandwich
Think of the sentence as a sandwich. The verb 'rufe' is the first slice of bread, and 'an' is the second slice at the very end. Everything else is the filling!
Case Alert
Never use the Dative with anrufen. It's always 'dich', 'mich', 'ihn', 'sie' (Accusative).
Identify Yourself
Germans find it slightly suspicious if you start talking without saying your name first. Always start with 'Hier ist...'
Business Calls
When calling a business, use 'bei' + the name of the business. 'Ich rufe bei Siemens an.'
Examples
6Ich rufe dich morgen an.
I will call you tomorrow.
The 'an' moves to the end of the simple sentence.
Ich muss den Arzt anrufen.
I have to call the doctor.
With the modal verb 'muss', the verb stays together at the end.
Ruf mich bitte später an!
Please call me later!
This is the imperative (command) form for friends.
Ich habe aus Versehen meine Katze angerufen.
I accidentally called my cat.
Uses the past participle 'angerufen' for a completed action.
Ich rufe meine Mutter jeden Sonntag an.
I call my mother every Sunday.
Shows a regular, recurring action.
Können Sie Herrn Müller bitte anrufen?
Could you please call Mr. Müller?
A polite request in a formal setting.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of 'anrufen' in the present tense.
Ich ______ meine Mutter ______.
In the first person singular, 'rufen' becomes 'rufe' and the prefix 'an' goes to the end.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the correct past tense sentence:
The Perfekt of 'anrufen' is formed with 'haben' and the participle 'angerufen'.
Match the German phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the four most important verbs related to phone usage.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Kannst du mich später ______? B: Ja, ich ______ dich um 19 Uhr ______.
The first blank is an infinitive after 'kannst', the second is a split verb.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch ______ meine Mutter ______.
In the first person singular, 'rufen' becomes 'rufe' and the prefix 'an' goes to the end.
Choose the correct past tense sentence:
The Perfekt of 'anrufen' is formed with 'haben' and the participle 'angerufen'.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the four most important verbs related to phone usage.
A: Kannst du mich später ______? B: Ja, ich ______ dich um 19 Uhr ______.
The first blank is an infinitive after 'kannst', the second is a split verb.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsMostly, yes. It can also be used for video calls (Skype/Zoom), but it always implies a voice connection.
Because it's a separable verb. German grammar requires the prefix to move to the end in main clauses.
No, that sounds like you are shouting toward someone's house. Use 'Ich rufe dich an'.
'Anwählen' is more technical, like 'to dial'. 'Anrufen' is the social act of calling.
Use 'Ich rufe dich zurück'. It follows the same separable rules.
It is neutral. You can use it with your best friend or the President of Germany.
It always takes 'haben'. 'Ich habe angerufen.'
Yes! 'Ruf einen Krankenwagen an!' is perfectly correct.
You can use the Accusative 'Ich rufe die Firma an' or 'Ich rufe bei der Firma an'. Both are common.
Yes, it is {der|m} Anruf.
No, for that you need 'einberufen'.
That is a formal/poetic sense meaning 'to pray to' or 'to invoke God'.
Use 'Ich rufe wegen (+ Genitive or Dative) an'. For example: 'Ich rufe wegen der Stelle an.'
Yes, it's standard German, though they might also say 'tellefoniere' in dialect.
Related Phrases
zurückrufen
similarto call back
telefonieren
similarto talk on the phone
auflegen
contrastto hang up
erreichen
builds onto reach/get hold of
besetzt sein
specialized formto be busy (line)
