👉 Note: This page is for German language learners and provides phrases and dialogues for making appointments. It is not an online appointment booking service.
Making appointments in German is an essential skill for everyday life, whether you’re scheduling a doctor’s visit, a business meeting, or a haircut. This guide will help you speak with confidence and avoid misunderstandings by giving you useful vocabulary, real dialogues, and grammar tips for making appointments in German.
Why Learning Appointment Phrases Is Important in German
In German-speaking countries, punctuality and professionalism are highly valued. Knowing how to make appointments properly will help you appear respectful and organized. Whether in a personal or professional setting, clear communication is key.
Useful Vocabulary for Booking Appointments
| German | English | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| der Termin | appointment | [ˈtɛrmiːn] |
| vereinbaren | to arrange | [fɛɐ̯ˈʔaɪ̯nbaːʁən] |
| absagen | to cancel | [ˈapˌzaːɡn̩] |
| verschieben | to reschedule/postpone | [fɛɐ̯ˈʃiːbn̩] |
| der Kalender | calendar | [kaˈlɛndɐ] |
| die Uhrzeit | time | [ˈuːɐ̯ˌtsaɪ̯t] |
Essential Phrases for Phone Calls and Emails
- Ich möchte einen Termin vereinbaren. – I would like to make an appointment. [ɪç ˈmœçtə ˈaɪ̯nən tɛrˈmiːn fɛɐ̯ˈʔaɪ̯nbaːʁən]
- Können wir einen Termin für nächste Woche machen? – Can we schedule an appointment for next week? [ˈkœnən viːɐ̯ ˈaɪ̯nən tɛrˈmiːn fyːɐ̯ ˈnɛçstə ˈvoːxə ˈmaxn̩]
- Ich rufe an wegen eines Termins. – I’m calling about an appointment. [ɪç ˈʁuːfə an ˈveːɡn̩ ˈaɪ̯nəs tɛrˈmiːns]
German Dialogue Examples: Booking a Doctor’s Appointment
Receptionist: Guten Tag, Praxis Dr. Müller. Was kann ich für Sie tun?
You: Hallo, ich möchte einen Termin mit Dr. Müller vereinbaren.
Receptionist: Wann passt es Ihnen?
You: Nächsten Dienstag vormittags, wenn möglich.
Receptionist: Um 10 Uhr wäre ein Termin frei.
You: Perfekt, danke!
How to Confirm, Reschedule, or Cancel Appointments
- Ich möchte den Termin bestätigen. – I’d like to confirm the appointment. [ɪç ˈmœçtə deːn tɛrˈmiːn bəˈʃtɛːtɪɡən]
- Ich muss den Termin leider verschieben. – I have to reschedule the appointment. [ɪç mʊs deːn tɛrˈmiːn ˈlaɪ̯dɐ fɛɐ̯ˈʃiːbn̩]
- Ich muss den Termin absagen. – I have to cancel the appointment. [ɪç mʊs deːn tɛrˈmiːn ˈapˌzaːɡn̩]
How to Be Polite and Professional When Making Appointments
Use polite forms like „ich würde gern…“ (I would like to…) and add „bitte“ (please) in your requests.
Example: Ich würde gern einen Termin für nächste Woche vereinbaren, bitte.
This shows respect and increases your chances of being helped kindly.
Practice Exercises to Improve Your Speaking and Writing
- Translate the following into German:
- I want to cancel my appointment.
- Can I come on Friday morning?
- Do you have time next week?
- Write an email to your hairdresser to book an appointment.
- Practice saying your available days and times in German.
German Grammar Tips: Using Dates and Times Correctly
When making appointments in German, use the correct cases and prepositions:
- am Montag – on Monday
- um 14 Uhr – at 2 p.m.
- am 15. Mai – on the 15th of May
Remember that dates use the dative case: am = an + dem.
Common Mistakes Learners Make When Making Appointments
- Using the wrong verb (e.g., “machen” instead of “vereinbaren”)
- Incorrect article with „Termin“ (it’s masculine: der Termin)
- Wrong word order in questions (e.g., „Kann ich kommen am Montag?“ instead of „Kann ich am Montag kommen?“)
Printable PDF: German Appointment Phrases Cheat Sheet
Download a handy PDF with all essential phrases, vocabulary, and example dialogues for making appointments in German. Click here to download.
Real-Life Scenarios: Appointment Conversations at the Hairdresser, Dentist, and More
Hairdresser
Hallo, ich möchte einen Friseurtermin am Samstag buchen.
– Hello, I’d like to book a hairdresser appointment on Saturday.
Dentist
Guten Tag, haben Sie nächste Woche einen Termin frei?
– Good day, do you have an appointment available next week?
Conclusion: Master Appointment-Making in German Step by Step
Mastering the skill of making appointments in German will save you time, prevent confusion, and help you integrate better into German-speaking life. Practice the phrases, understand the grammar, and use the dialogues to build your confidence. With time, you’ll handle every appointment with ease!