Meaning
To call off a scheduled meeting or engagement.
Cultural Background
Canceling an appointment is called 'Termintreue' (appointment loyalty). If you cancel, you should offer a reason and immediately suggest a new time to show respect. In Switzerland, canceling very late (less than 24-48 hours) is often billed at the full rate, especially in medical and wellness sectors. While similar to Germany, the tone in Austria might be slightly more indirect or formal, often using 'leider Gottes' (unfortunately to God) in very traditional settings.
The 'Leider' Trick
Always add 'leider' (unfortunately) when canceling. It makes you sound much more polite and less aggressive.
Separable Verb Alert
Don't forget to kick the 'ab' to the end! 'Ich sage ab' is correct, not 'Ich absage'.
Meaning
To call off a scheduled meeting or engagement.
The 'Leider' Trick
Always add 'leider' (unfortunately) when canceling. It makes you sound much more polite and less aggressive.
Separable Verb Alert
Don't forget to kick the 'ab' to the end! 'Ich sage ab' is correct, not 'Ich absage'.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing part of the separable verb.
Ich sage den Termin für morgen ______.
The verb is 'absagen', so 'ab' goes to the end.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Select the correct cancellation:
'Termin' is masculine accusative, so it needs 'einen'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Können Sie morgen kommen? B: Nein, ich muss den Termin leider ______.
After 'muss' (modal verb), we need the infinitive at the end.
Match the verb to the context.
You want to cancel a hotel room. Which verb do you use?
Commercial bookings like hotels use 'stornieren'.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesIch sage den Termin für morgen ______.
The verb is 'absagen', so 'ab' goes to the end.
Select the correct cancellation:
'Termin' is masculine accusative, so it needs 'einen'.
A: Können Sie morgen kommen? B: Nein, ich muss den Termin leider ______.
After 'muss' (modal verb), we need the infinitive at the end.
You want to cancel a hotel room. Which verb do you use?
Commercial bookings like hotels use 'stornieren'.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsYes, you can say 'Ich muss für die Party absagen.'
No, it is used for doctors, hair salons, and even formal meetings with friends.
The perfect tense is 'Ich habe abgesagt'.
No, 'einen Termin' is the direct object. You just say 'den Termin absagen'.
For friends, it's fine. For a doctor or boss, a phone call or formal email is better.
Use the verb 'verschieben' (to postpone/reschedule).
Related Phrases
einen Termin vereinbaren
contrastTo make/agree on an appointment.
einen Termin verschieben
similarTo postpone an appointment.
jemandem absagen
specialized formTo reject someone (e.g., a job applicant).
