Ruf mich an
/ʁuːf mɪç an/word by word
To say "call me" in German, use Ruf mich an.
This phrase is used to request that someone contact you by telephone.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form Ruf mich an is the singular informal imperative, used when addressing one person you know well. If you are addressing a group of people you know well, use Ruft mich an. For the polite formal imperative, use Rufen Sie mich an.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʁuːf mɪç an/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying Ruf mich, as this is an incorrect way to ask for a phone call. In German, the verb rufen alone usually means to shout or to call out to someone. You must include the prefix an to mean calling via telephone.
Did you know?
- The verb anrufen is a 'separable verb', meaning the prefix an jumps to the very end of the sentence. In a longer sentence, the two parts of the verb are split apart by all the other words.
- When Germans talk about their 'cell phone' (Handy), they still use anrufen. Interestingly, the word Handy is an English-sounding word that is almost exclusively used in Germany.
- The word Ruf is also used as a noun meaning 'reputation'. If someone has a 'good' Ruf, it means they are well-spoken of by others in the community.
Examples in context
- Ruf mich an, falls es regnet.If it rains, call me.This sentence shows how to use Ruf mich an in a conditional clause regarding the weather.Tatoeba #446924 by al_ex_an_der, translation #371788 by saeb
- Ruf mich an, bevor du losfährst.Call me before you leave.This sentence shows how to use Ruf mich an to express a request regarding timing before departure.Tatoeba #943381 by Miyako, translation #266856 by CK
- Ruf mich an, sobald du ankommst!Call me as soon as you arrive.This sentence shows how to use Ruf mich an to request a call immediately upon arrival.Tatoeba #2061218 by Zaghawa, translation #8808791 by sundown
- Rufen Sie mich an, sobald Sie Zeit haben.Call me as soon as you have time.
- 39 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Felix and Hannah are saying goodbye at the train station.
- FelixBis bald, Hannah!See you soon, Hannah!
- HannahJa, bis bald, Felix!Yes, see you soon, Felix!
- FelixRuf mich an, wenn du zu Hause bist.Call me when you are home.
- HannahMache ich, mach's gut!I will, take care!
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (Ruf, mich, an) and can differ in connected speech.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
