Mastering German phone call phrases will help you sound more confident and professional during conversations. Whether you’re calling a friend, handling appointments, or making business calls, this guide provides you with essential vocabulary, useful expressions, and real-life dialogues to help you speak clearly and politely on the phone in German.
Why You Should Learn German Phone Call Phrases
Speaking on the phone in a foreign language can be challenging. In German, you need to know the right phrases and expressions to communicate clearly and politely. Whether you’re making personal calls, business calls, or handling appointments, this guide will help you master essential German phone call phrases.
Essential German Phone Call Vocabulary
Key Nouns
| German | English | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| das Telefon | telephone | [ˈteːlɛfoːn] |
| der Anruf | call | [ˈanˌʁuːf] |
| der Anrufbeantworter | answering machine | [ˈanˌʁuːf bəˌantvɔʁtɐ] |
| die Mailbox | voicemail | [ˈmaɪ̯l.bɔks] |
| die Leitung | line / connection | [ˈlaɪ̯tʊŋ] |
Important Verbs
- anrufen – to call
- abheben – to pick up the phone
- auflegen – to hang up
- verbinden – to connect / transfer
- hinterlassen – to leave (a message)
How to Start a Phone Call in German
Common Opening Phrases
- Hallo, hier spricht [Name]. – Hello, this is [Name] speaking.
- Guten Tag, mein Name ist [Name]. – Good day, my name is [Name].
- Ich rufe an wegen … – I’m calling about …
Useful German Phone Call Phrases
During the Conversation
- Könnten Sie das bitte wiederholen? – Could you please repeat that?
- Könnten Sie bitte etwas langsamer sprechen? – Could you please speak a little slower?
- Ich verstehe Sie schlecht. – I can’t hear you well.
- Die Leitung ist schlecht. – The line is bad.
If you also want to learn how to schedule appointments in German, check out our complete guide: Making Appointments in German – 50+ Phrases & Real-Life Dialogues.
Example German Phone Call Dialogues
Personal Call
You: Hallo Anna, hier ist Max. Wie geht es dir?
Anna: Hallo Max! Mir geht’s gut, danke. Und dir?
Business Call
You: Guten Tag, mein Name ist Lisa Müller. Ich möchte mit Herrn Schmidt sprechen.
Receptionist: Einen Moment bitte, ich verbinde Sie.
You: Danke schön!
Polite Phrases for Professional Phone Calls
Making a Good Impression
- Wie kann ich Ihnen helfen? – How can I help you?
- Danke, dass Sie angerufen haben. – Thank you for calling.
- Ich werde Ihre Nachricht weiterleiten. – I will forward your message.
How to End a Phone Call Politely in German
Closing Phrases
- Danke für das Gespräch. – Thank you for the conversation.
- Auf Wiederhören! – Goodbye (on the phone).
- Ich wünsche Ihnen noch einen schönen Tag. – I wish you a nice day.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Speaking German on the Phone
Typical Mistakes
- Using too informal language in business calls → Always use Sie form!
- Forgetting to say Auf Wiederhören when ending a formal call.
- Not asking to repeat or slow down when needed → Just ask politely!
Example: Könnten Sie das bitte noch einmal wiederholen?
Practice Exercises – Improve Your German Phone Conversations
Speaking Practice
- Role-play a phone conversation with a friend or tutor.
- Record yourself making a business call in German.
- Practice leaving a voicemail in German.
Download Your FREE German Phone Call Phrases Cheat Sheet
Download your FREE PDF: German Phone Call Phrases & Dialogues Cheat Sheet
FAQ About German Phone Call Phrases
How do you say “I’m calling about…” in German?
You say: Ich rufe an wegen …
What is the German phrase for “Please repeat that”?
You say: Könnten Sie das bitte wiederholen?
How do you end a business call politely in German?
You say: Auf Wiederhören!
What should you say if the connection is bad?
You can say: Die Leitung ist schlecht.
Want to master even more everyday German? Explore our guide to making appointments in German — another key skill for living and working in Germany!