In 15 Seconds
- Used for initiating communication with someone new or official.
- Requires the preposition 'mit' plus the dative case.
- Perfect for business, networking, or reaching out to services.
Meaning
This phrase is used when you want to start communicating with someone, either for the first time or after a long break. It is like reaching out to build a bridge between you and another person.
Key Examples
3 of 6Applying for a job
Ich möchte gerne Kontakt mit der Personalabteilung aufnehmen.
I would like to get in touch with the HR department.
Reaching out to an old friend
Nach zehn Jahren hat er endlich wieder Kontakt zu ihr aufgenommen.
After ten years, he finally got back in touch with her.
Customer service issue
Sie sollten direkt mit dem Support Kontakt aufnehmen.
You should get in touch with support directly.
Cultural Background
In German business culture, 'Kontakt aufnehmen' is the standard way to describe the first step of networking or sales. It reflects the value placed on 'Proaktivität' (proactivity) and professional distance before moving to a first-name basis. Historically, it stems from the idea of 'taking up' a physical connection, like a telegraph line.
The Separable Secret
Always remember to kick the 'auf' to the very end of your sentence. It acts like a period!
Don't be too robotic
Avoid using this with family. It makes you sound like you're sending them a bill.
In 15 Seconds
- Used for initiating communication with someone new or official.
- Requires the preposition 'mit' plus the dative case.
- Perfect for business, networking, or reaching out to services.
What It Means
Imagine you want to talk to someone new. You need to start the connection. That is exactly what Kontakt aufnehmen does. It is the first step in communication. You are basically 'picking up' a line of contact. It sounds a bit more official than just 'calling.' It implies a specific purpose or goal. Use it when you mean business or intent.
How To Use It
You will usually use the preposition mit with this phrase. This requires the dative case. For example: Ich nehme Kontakt mit ihm auf. Notice how the auf flies to the end. This is because aufnehmen is a separable verb. It is like a puzzle piece moving away. You can also say Kontakt zu jemandem aufnehmen. Both versions are perfectly fine in daily life.
When To Use It
Use this when you are job hunting. It is great for networking events. Use it when you need to call customer service. It works well when finding an old school friend. It feels proactive and polite. You sound like someone who has a plan. It is perfect for emails and formal letters. Even in polite social circles, it fits well.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for your best friend. Do not use it for your partner at breakfast. It sounds way too stiff for that. Imagine saying 'I shall initiate contact with you' to your cat. It is just weird and overly formal. Stick to anrufen or schreiben for close friends. Save this phrase for people you don't know well yet.
Cultural Background
Germans value clear and direct communication channels. Taking the initiative is seen as a positive trait. This phrase reflects a structured way of starting relationships. It is not just 'chatting.' It is establishing a formal link. In a culture that loves 'Ordnung,' this is the 'orderly' way to start. It shows respect for the other person's time.
Common Variations
You might hear in Kontakt treten in very formal settings. Sich melden is the casual, younger sibling of this phrase. If you already know the person, use sich melden. If you are starting fresh, Kontakt aufnehmen is your best bet. People also say den Kontakt suchen if they are trying hard. It adds a bit of effort to the meaning.
Usage Notes
This is a neutral-to-formal collocation. It is highly effective in professional emails but should be avoided in very intimate or casual settings where it might sound distant.
The Separable Secret
Always remember to kick the 'auf' to the very end of your sentence. It acts like a period!
Don't be too robotic
Avoid using this with family. It makes you sound like you're sending them a bill.
The 'Sie' Factor
If you are 'Kontakt aufnehm-ing' with a stranger, always start with 'Sie' until invited otherwise.
Examples
6Ich möchte gerne Kontakt mit der Personalabteilung aufnehmen.
I would like to get in touch with the HR department.
Very standard for professional inquiries.
Nach zehn Jahren hat er endlich wieder Kontakt zu ihr aufgenommen.
After ten years, he finally got back in touch with her.
Shows a significant re-connection after a long time.
Sie sollten direkt mit dem Support Kontakt aufnehmen.
You should get in touch with support directly.
A helpful suggestion for solving a problem.
Ich versuche seit Stunden, Kontakt mit meinem WLAN-Router aufzunehmen.
I've been trying to get in touch with my Wi-Fi router for hours.
Using a formal phrase for a machine creates a funny effect.
Darf ich Kontakt mit Ihnen aufnehmen, um das Projekt zu besprechen?
May I get in touch with you to discuss the project?
A polite way to ask for a follow-up meeting.
Kannst du bitte Kontakt mit dem Lieferanten aufnehmen?
Can you please get in touch with the supplier?
A common task-oriented request in the office.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing part of the separable verb.
Ich nehme morgen Kontakt mit dem Anwalt ___.
The verb is 'aufnehmen', so 'auf' goes to the end of the sentence.
Choose the correct preposition.
Wir müssen Kontakt ___ der Botschaft aufnehmen.
While 'zu' is possible, 'mit' is the most common preposition used with 'Kontakt aufnehmen'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of Reaching Out
Texting a close friend
Schreib mir mal!
Standard professional/polite
Kontakt aufnehmen
Official government or legal
In Verbindung setzen
Where to use 'Kontakt aufnehmen'
Job Search
Contacting a recruiter
Broken Tech
Calling support
Old Friends
Finding a classmate
Real Estate
Emailing a landlord
Practice Bank
2 exercisesIch nehme morgen Kontakt mit dem Anwalt ___.
The verb is 'aufnehmen', so 'auf' goes to the end of the sentence.
Wir müssen Kontakt ___ der Botschaft aufnehmen.
While 'zu' is possible, 'mit' is the most common preposition used with 'Kontakt aufnehmen'.
🎉 Score: /2
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt means to initiate communication. You use it when you want to start a conversation with someone you don't talk to regularly, like Ich nehme Kontakt mit dem Arzt auf.
Yes, anrufen specifically means to call on the phone. Kontakt aufnehmen is broader and can include email, letters, or even LinkedIn messages.
Both are correct! Kontakt mit jemandem aufnehmen is very common, but Kontakt zu jemandem aufnehmen is also frequently used and sounds slightly more abstract.
You can use it *about* texting in a professional way, but don't use it *in* a casual text to a friend. It's too formal for that.
In this context, yes. In a sentence like Ich nehme Kontakt auf, the prefix auf always moves to the end.
You use the Perfekt tense: Ich habe Kontakt aufgenommen. The ge goes between the prefix and the verb.
Absolutely. It is the most common way to describe reaching out to clients or partners, such as Wir müssen Kontakt mit dem Kunden aufnehmen.
The best casual alternative is sich melden. For example: Meld dich mal! (Get in touch!).
It sounds a bit clinical for romance. Use it if you're being shy or indirect, but ansprechen (to approach/talk to) is usually better.
Not necessarily. It just refers to the act of initiating the connection, regardless of how long the talk lasts.
Forgetting the 'auf' at the end of the sentence is the most common error for learners.
Yes, you can say Ich habe über Instagram Kontakt aufgenommen to describe how you reached out.
Related Phrases
sich melden
in Verbindung treten
jemanden erreichen
den Kontakt halten
