Technology (Leaving Cert German): Revision Notes
Calling & Texting
Making phone calls in German can feel challenging at first, especially when you can't see facial expressions or body language to help with understanding. However, with the right vocabulary and phrases, you can handle phone conversations and text messages confidently in German.
Essential phone vocabulary
Phone conversations in German require specific terminology that differs from everyday face-to-face communication. Here are the fundamental terms you'll need:
| German | English |
|---|---|
| das Telefon | phone |
| eine Nummer wählen | to dial a number |
| abheben | to pick up |
| auflegen | to hang up |
| der Klingelton | ringtone |
| ein verpasster Anruf | a missed call |
| abnehmen | to answer (a call) |
| eine Nachricht hinterlassen | to leave a message |
| die Mailbox | voicemail |
| eine SMS | a text message |
| eine Nachricht senden | to send a message |
| einen Anruf erhalten | to receive a call |
| auf Lautsprecher stellen | to put on speakerphone |
| der Stummschaltmodus | silent mode |
| das Telefon aufladen | to charge the phone |
Pronunciation tip: Many phone-related German terms are similar to English, making them easier to remember. For example, "das Telefon" sounds very similar to "telephone."
Example sentences:
- Ich muss eine wichtige Nummer wählen. (I need to dial an important number.)
- Kannst du bitte abheben? Das Telefon klingelt. (Can you please pick up? The phone is ringing.)
- Er hat aufgelegt, bevor ich antworten konnte. (He hung up before I could answer.)
- Meine Mailbox ist voll. (My voicemail is full.)
Phone greetings and common phrases
Starting a phone conversation properly sets the tone for the entire call. German phone etiquette has its own conventions that differ from face-to-face interactions:
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Hallo? | Hello? (when answering) |
| Wer spricht bitte? | Who is calling? |
| Ich verbinde Sie | I'm putting him/her on |
| Können Sie später nochmal anrufen? | Can you call back later? |
| Es tut mir leid, Sie haben sich verwählt | I'm sorry, you have the wrong number |
| Hier spricht [Ihr Name] | This is [your name] speaking |
| Könnten Sie bitte langsamer sprechen? | Could you speak more slowly, please? |
| Ich kann Sie schlecht hören | I can't hear you very well |
| Einen Moment bitte | One moment, please |
| Danke für Ihren Anruf | Thank you for calling |
German Phone Etiquette: Unlike casual face-to-face greetings, German phone conversations typically start with formal identification. Always say "Hier spricht [your name]" when calling someone, even if you think they might recognise your voice.
Example sentences:
- Hallo, hier spricht Maria. Wer ist denn da? (Hello, this is Maria speaking. Who's there?)
- Könnten Sie bitte etwas lauter sprechen? (Could you please speak a bit louder?)
- Einen Moment bitte, ich hole ihn. (One moment please, I'll get him.)
Expressing the purpose of your call
When making calls in German, you'll often need to explain why you're calling. The phrase "Ich rufe an, um..." (I'm calling to...) is particularly useful and should become your go-to opening:
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Ich rufe an, um mich zu entschuldigen | I'm calling to apologise |
| Ich rufe an, um zu fragen, wie es dir geht | I'm calling to ask how you are |
| Ich rufe wegen einer Buchung an | I'm calling about a booking |
| Ich rufe an, um eine Bestellung zu bestätigen | I'm calling to confirm an order |
| Ich rufe zurück, nachdem ich eine Nachricht erhalten habe | I'm calling you back after receiving a message |
| Ich möchte einen Termin vereinbaren | I would like to make an appointment |
| Du hast versucht, mich vorhin anzurufen | You tried to call me earlier |
| Ich rufe an, um nach dir zu sehen | I'm calling to check on you |
Worked Example: Starting a Business Call
Step 1: Identify yourself "Guten Tag, hier spricht [your name]."
Step 2: State your purpose using the key phrase "Ich rufe an, um einen Termin zu vereinbaren."
Step 3: Provide additional details "Hätten Sie nächste Woche Zeit für ein Gespräch?"
Complete call opening: "Guten Tag, hier spricht Anna Müller. Ich rufe an, um einen Termin zu vereinbaren. Hätten Sie nächste Woche Zeit für ein Gespräch?"
Example sentences:
- Ich rufe an, um eine wichtige Frage zu stellen. (I'm calling to ask an important question.)
- Wir rufen zurück, weil die Verbindung schlecht war. (We're calling back because the connection was bad.)
Reporting technical problems
Technical issues can occur during phone calls, and being able to describe them clearly is essential. Here's vocabulary for describing common problems:
| German | English |
|---|---|
| Ich kann Sie nicht mehr hören | I can't hear you anymore |
| Die Verbindung ist schlecht | The connection is bad |
| Mein Akku ist fast leer | My battery's almost dead |
| Wir wurden getrennt | We got cut off/disconnected |
| Es gibt Störungen auf der Leitung | There is noise on the line |
| Ich höre dich schlecht | I can't hear you well/I can barely hear you |
| Können Sie das bitte wiederholen? | Could you repeat that, please? |
| Mein Akku ist fast alle | I'm almost out of battery |
Staying Calm During Technical Issues: Don't panic when technical problems arise! Germans appreciate directness, so simply state the problem using phrases like "Die Verbindung ist schlecht" and suggest a solution like calling back.
Example sentences:
- Entschuldigung, die Verbindung ist sehr schlecht heute. (Sorry, the connection is very bad today.)
- Können wir später sprechen? Mein Akku ist fast leer. (Can we talk later? My battery is almost dead.)
German texting vocabulary
Digital communication in German includes both traditional terms and modern internet language that has been adapted from English:
| German | English |
|---|---|
| das Emoji | emoji |
| der Sticker | sticker |
| das Meme | meme |
| gesehen | seen (message status) |
| die SMS | SMS/text message |
| die Sofortnachricht | instant message |
| das Bildschirmfoto | screenshot |
| scrollen | to scroll |
| der Gruppenchat | group chat |
Pronunciation tip: "SMS" is pronounced "es-em-es" in German, just like in English. Many modern digital terms are borrowed directly from English and pronounced similarly.
Example sentences:
- Hast du meine SMS bekommen? (Did you receive my text message?)
- Der Gruppenchat ist sehr aktiv heute. (The group chat is very active today.)
- Ich schicke dir ein Bildschirmfoto. (I'll send you a screenshot.)
Common German texting abbreviations
German texting culture has developed its own shorthand, similar to English internet slang but with uniquely German expressions:
| Abbreviation | German Full Form | English |
|---|---|---|
| HDGDL | Hab dich ganz doll lieb | I love you very much (platonic) |
| LG | Liebe Grüße | Best regards/Love |
| KK | Kein Kommentar | No comment |
| WG | Wohngemeinschaft | Shared housing/flatmates |
| DNR | Das nächste Mal | Next time |
| ZB | Zum Beispiel | For example |
| OMW | On my way | On my way (same as English) |
| VLLT | Vielleicht | Maybe/perhaps |
Cultural Context: HDGDL is uniquely German and expresses platonic love - very common among friends and family. Don't confuse this with romantic love! Also, WG (Wohngemeinschaft) is a crucial term in German culture, referring to shared student or young professional housing.
Example sentences with abbreviations:
- Bis später! LG, Anna (See you later! Love, Anna)
- Kommst du heute zur Party? VLLT... (Are you coming to the party today? Maybe...)
- Meine WG sucht noch einen Mitbewohner. (My flatshare is still looking for a housemate.)
Example dialogue: Making a phone call
Worked Example: Professional Phone Conversation
Anna: Hallo, hier ist Anna. Ist das Herr Schmidt? (Hello, this is Anna. Is this Mr Schmidt?)
Herr Schmidt: Ja, hier spricht Schmidt. Wie kann ich Ihnen helfen? (Yes, this is Schmidt speaking. How can I help you?)
Anna: Ich rufe an, um einen Termin zu vereinbaren. Haben Sie nächste Woche Zeit? (I'm calling to make an appointment. Do you have time next week?)
Herr Schmidt: Einen Moment bitte, ich schaue in meinen Kalender... Wie wäre Mittwoch um 14 Uhr? (One moment please, I'll check my calendar... How about Wednesday at 2 pm?)
Anna: Das passt perfekt! Vielen Dank für Ihre Zeit. (That works perfectly! Thank you for your time.)
Herr Schmidt: Gern geschehen. Bis Mittwoch dann! (You're welcome. See you Wednesday then!)
Notice: This conversation follows the proper structure: identification, purpose statement using "Ich rufe an, um...", and polite closing.
Common mistakes & tips
Mistake 1: Wrong Phone Greeting
- Wrong: Ich bin Sarah
- Correct: Hier spricht Sarah / Hier ist Sarah
Mistake 2: Forgetting Formal vs Informal Address
- Use "Sie" (formal you) for business calls
- Use "du" (informal you) only with friends/family
Mistake 3: Direct Translation of English Texting Abbreviations
- Don't use "LOL" - use German equivalents or spell out "haha"
- "BRB" doesn't exist - say "bin gleich zurück" (bGz) or write it out
Pro Tip: When you can't understand something on the phone, don't hesitate to ask "Könnten Sie das buchstabieren?" (Could you spell that?)
Key Points to Remember:
- Phone conversations in German follow specific etiquette - always identify yourself when calling
- "Ich rufe an, um..." is your go-to phrase for explaining why you're calling
- German texting has its own abbreviations like HDGDL and LG - learn the common ones
- When having technical problems, don't panic - use simple phrases like "Die Verbindung ist schlecht"
- Practice makes perfect - the more you use these phrases, the more natural they'll become