Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| anrufen | [ˈʔanʁuːfɱ̩] (narrow) [ˈʔanʁuːfən] (narrow) |
|
| antelefonieren | /ˈanteləfoˌniːʁən/ | colloquial |
| durchrufen | colloquial | |
| anläuten | ||
| aufringen | ||
| anbimmeln | colloquial, regional | |
| anklingeln | colloquial, regional | |
| telefonieren | /telefoˈniːʁən/ | Switzerland |
| anbellen | [ˈanˌbɛlən] (narrow) | Namibia |
The verb anrufen is used when you are initiating contact with someone by telephone. If you are describing the actual act of having a conversation with someone on the phone, you should use telefonieren instead.
Which one should you use?
While anrufen refers to the act of calling someone, telefonieren is used to describe the ongoing process of talking on the phone. The word durchrufen is a colloquial option that implies making a quick or casual call, often to check in or pass a message. The term antelefonieren is both colloquial and dated.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
durchrufen and antelefonieren are colloquial, with antelefonieren also being dated. anbimmeln and anklingeln are colloquial forms.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Switzerland, telefonieren is used. The forms anbimmeln and anklingeln are colloquial and regional, while anläuten is also a regional form. In Namibia, the word anbellen is used.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
anrufen is a separable verb. This means that in the simple present and simple past tense, the prefix an- moves to the end of the sentence.
Did you know?
- The verb anbellen is used in Namibia to mean 'to call', but in standard German it actually means 'to bark like a dog'.
- Using anrufen can also mean 'to invoke' or 'to call upon' a deity or a higher power in a religious or legal context.
- The word anrufen is composed of the prefix an- and the verb rufen, which literally means 'to shout' or 'to cry out'.
Examples in context
- Du musst Tom anrufen.You have to call Tom.This sentence shows how to use anrufen to express an obligation to call someone.Tatoeba #1907413 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #1895739 by CK
- Er wird mich anrufen.He'll call me.This sentence demonstrates the future tense usage of anrufen.Tatoeba #10027573 by Melang, translation #8477234 by CH
- Ich werde ihn anrufen.I'll call him.This sentence shows the use of anrufen to express a future intention to call someone.Tatoeba #698852 by jakov, translation #698858 by Eldad
- Ich möchte einen Anruf mit Herrn Müller vereinbaren.I would like to schedule a call with Mr. Müller.
- Ich habe ein wichtiges Telefonat mit Frau Schmidt geführt.I had an important call with Mrs. Schmidt.
- Kannst du bitte Anna anrufen und ihr sagen, dass wir später kommen?Can you please call Anna and tell her that we'll come later?
- Gestern habe ich lange mit meinem besten Freund telefoniert.Yesterday, I had a long call with my best friend.
- 314 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian and Hannah are discussing their plans for the weekend.
- MaximilianSoll ich dich heute Abend anrufen?Should I call you this evening?
- HannahJa, bitte, ich erwarte deinen Anruf.Yes, please, I am expecting your call.
- MaximilianIch kann dich erst später anrufen.I can only call you later.
- HannahKein Problem, ich bin den ganzen Abend zu Hause.No problem, I am home all evening.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “call” translations and entries anrufen, antelefonieren, anläuten, anklingeln, telefonieren, anbellen, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anrufen, antelefonieren, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
