Please note: this guide is for language learners and is not an online booking service.
Making appointments is an essential part of life in German-speaking countries. Whether you need to book a doctor’s visit, a haircut, a government appointment, or a business meeting, knowing the right German phrases will help you communicate clearly and politely. This guide provides you with key phrases, example dialogues, and useful vocabulary so you can confidently arrange appointments in German in any situation.
Why Learning Appointment Phrases in German Is Important
In German-speaking countries, making appointments correctly is an essential part of daily life. Being able to schedule appointments politely and clearly helps you appear respectful and professional. Whether it’s a medical visit, a government office, or a haircut, knowing the right phrases ensures smoother interactions and prevents misunderstandings.
Types of Appointments You May Need to Book in Germany
Here are the most common types of appointments you may encounter in Germany:
Doctor’s Appointments
- General Practitioner (Hausarzt)
- Specialist (Facharzt)
- Vaccination appointments
Dentist’s Appointments
- Routine dental check-ups
- Tooth cleaning
- Dental treatments
Hairdresser and Beauty Appointments
- Haircuts and styling
- Coloring and treatments
- Beauty salon services
Appointments at Government Offices
- Visa or residency appointments (Ausländerbehörde)
- City registration (Bürgeramt)
- Driver’s license, tax office, or other administrative services
Business and Work-Related Appointments
- Job interviews
- Meetings with clients or colleagues
- Networking events
Social and Personal Appointments
- Meeting friends or family
- Fitness or sports class registrations
- Private lessons (music, language, etc.)
Essential Vocabulary for Booking Appointments in German
Key Nouns
| German | English | Pronunciation |
|---|
| der Termin | appointment | [ˈtɛrmiːn] |
| die Praxis | medical practice / clinic | [ˈpʁaksɪs] |
| der Friseurtermin | hairdresser appointment | [fʁɪˈzøːɐ̯ tɛrˈmiːn] |
| die Behörde | government office | [bəˈhøːʁdə] |
| das Gespräch | conversation / meeting | [ɡəˈʃpʁɛːç] |
Important Verbs
- vereinbaren – to arrange / schedule
- absagen – to cancel
- verschieben – to reschedule / postpone
- bestätigen – to confirm
- buchen – to book
Time and Date Expressions
- am Montag – on Monday
- um 10 Uhr – at 10 o’clock
- am 15. Mai – on the 15th of May
- heute – today
- morgen – tomorrow
- nächste Woche – next week
Polite Words and Phrases
- bitte – please
- ich würde gern … – I would like to …
- könnten Sie …? – Could you …?
- vielen Dank – thank you very much
Key Phrases for Phone Calls, Emails, and In-Person Appointments
Phone Call Phrases
- Ich rufe an, um einen Termin zu vereinbaren. – I’m calling to schedule an appointment.
- Wann wäre ein Termin möglich? – When would an appointment be possible?
Email Phrases
- Ich möchte einen Termin für nächste Woche buchen. – I would like to book an appointment for next week.
- Könnten Sie mir bitte mögliche Termine mitteilen? – Could you please let me know the available appointments?
In-Person Conversation Phrases
- Ich möchte einen Termin vereinbaren. – I would like to make an appointment.
- Haben Sie nächste Woche einen Termin frei? – Do you have an available appointment next week?
German Appointment Email Phrases – Useful Examples
When writing emails to schedule appointments in German, it’s important to sound polite and professional. Here are some useful phrases you can use:
- Sehr geehrte(r) [Name], – Dear [Name],
- ich möchte gerne einen Termin vereinbaren. – I would like to schedule an appointment.
- Könnten Sie mir bitte mögliche Termine nennen? – Could you please let me know the available appointments?
- Falls möglich, würde ich einen Termin nächste Woche bevorzugen. – If possible, I would prefer an appointment next week.
- Ich danke Ihnen im Voraus und freue mich auf Ihre Rückmeldung. – Thank you in advance and I look forward to your reply.
- Mit freundlichen Grüßen, – Kind regards,
Useful Questions to Ask When Making Appointments in German
Here are some useful questions you can ask when making or confirming appointments in German:
- Wann haben Sie freie Termine? – When do you have available appointments?
- Wie lange dauert der Termin? – How long will the appointment take?
- Kostet der Termin etwas? – Does the appointment cost anything?
- Kann ich den Termin verschieben? – Can I reschedule the appointment?
- Gibt es eine Stornogebühr? – Is there a cancellation fee?
- Kann ich jemanden mitbringen? – Can I bring someone with me?
German Dialogue Example: Booking a Doctor’s Appointment
Here’s an example conversation for 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 in German
Confirming an Appointment
- Ich möchte den Termin bestätigen. – I’d like to confirm the appointment.
- Könnten Sie mir bitte den Termin noch einmal bestätigen? – Could you please confirm the appointment again for me?
Rescheduling an Appointment
- Ich muss den Termin verschieben. – I have to reschedule the appointment.
- Könnten wir einen neuen Termin vereinbaren? – Could we arrange a new appointment?
For more helpful phrases, see our full guide on German Phone Call Phrases.
Cancelling an Appointment
- Ich muss den Termin absagen. – I have to cancel the appointment.
- Leider kann ich den Termin nicht wahrnehmen. – Unfortunately, I cannot attend the appointment.
How to Sound Polite and Professional When Making Appointments
Using Polite Phrases
- Ich würde gern einen Termin vereinbaren. – I would like to schedule an appointment.
- Wäre es möglich, einen Termin zu bekommen? – Would it be possible to get an appointment?
Adding “Bitte” (Please) and Other Polite Words
Always use “bitte” (please) when requesting an appointment, and consider adding phrases like:
- Vielen Dank im Voraus. – Thank you in advance.
- Herzlichen Dank. – Many thanks.
Using the Conditional Form for Politeness
The conditional form “würde” helps you sound more polite:
- Ich würde gerne einen Termin vereinbaren. – I would like to schedule an appointment.
- Ich würde den Termin gern verschieben. – I would like to reschedule the appointment.
Practice Exercises: Improve Your Speaking and Writing for Appointment Situations
Here are some exercises to help you practice making appointments in German:
- Translate the following sentences 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 aloud.
- Role-play booking a doctor’s appointment with a friend or tutor.
German Grammar Tips for Using Dates and Times Correctly in Appointments
Using Days of the Week
When referring to days of the week in appointments, use the dative case with “am”:
- am Montag – on Monday
- am Dienstag – on Tuesday
Using Time Expressions (am, um, von … bis …)
- am Vormittag – in the morning
- um 14 Uhr – at 2 p.m.
- von 9 bis 12 Uhr – from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Using Dates with Correct Cases (am + Dative)
Dates use the dative case with “am” (an + dem):
- am 15. Mai – on the 15th of May
- am 2. Juni – on the 2nd of June
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Appointments in German
Using the Wrong Verb
One common mistake is using the verb “machen” (to do/make) instead of “vereinbaren” (to arrange). The correct expression is: einen Termin vereinbaren – to make an appointment.
Incorrect Article with “Termin”
Another mistake is using the wrong article. “Termin” is masculine, so always use der Termin.
Incorrect Word Order in Questions
Be careful with German word order. For example, say: Kann ich am Montag kommen? – Can I come on Monday? Not: Kann ich kommen am Montag?.
Misusing Time and Date Expressions
Remember to use the correct prepositions:
- am Montag – on Monday
- um 14 Uhr – at 2 p.m.
- am 15. Mai – on the 15th of May
Incorrect expressions like auf Montag or zu 14 Uhr should be avoided.
Printable PDF: German Appointment Phrases Cheat Sheet
You can download a handy PDF containing all the key phrases, vocabulary, dialogues, and tips from this article. It’s a perfect quick reference to help you when making appointments in German.
Download your FREE PDF: German Appointment Phrases & Dialogues Cheat Sheet.
Real-Life Scenarios: Conversations at the Hairdresser, Dentist, and More
At the Hairdresser
You: Hallo, ich möchte einen Friseurtermin für Samstag buchen.
Hairdresser: Natürlich, um wie viel Uhr möchten Sie kommen?
You: Um 10 Uhr, bitte.
Hairdresser: Perfekt, wir sehen uns am Samstag.
At the Dentist
You: Guten Tag, ich möchte einen Termin für eine Zahnreinigung vereinbaren.
Receptionist: Wann würde es Ihnen passen?
You: Nächste Woche wäre ideal.
Receptionist: Wir haben Dienstag um 9 Uhr einen Termin frei.
You: Das passt, danke.
Other Common Appointment Situations
- Booking a visa appointment at the Ausländerbehörde
- Scheduling an appointment at the Bürgeramt
- Arranging a business meeting with a client
Conclusion: Master the Skill of Making Appointments in German
Mastering appointment-making in German will help you navigate everyday life smoothly and confidently. Whether you’re visiting a doctor, contacting a government office, or booking a haircut, knowing the right phrases and vocabulary will make your interactions professional and efficient. Keep practicing the dialogues and using the tips in this guide to build your confidence!
Frequently Asked Questions About Scheduling Appointments in German
How do you say “I would like to make an appointment” in German?
You say: Ich möchte einen Termin vereinbaren.
What is the German word for “appointment”?
The German word for appointment is der Termin.
How do I cancel an appointment in German?
You can say: Ich muss den Termin absagen.
Is it polite to confirm appointments in Germany?
Yes, it is considered polite and professional. You can say: Ich möchte den Termin bestätigen.
What should I say if I want to reschedule an appointment?
You can say: Ich muss den Termin verschieben. or Könnten wir einen neuen Termin vereinbaren?
