Anrufbeantworter
/ˈanʁuːfbəˈʔantvɔrtɐ/
answering machine
Der Anrufbeantworter hat eine Nachricht für dich aufgenommen.
The answering machine recorded a message for you.
formal
A device that records incoming phone calls when the recipient is unavailable to answer.
Bitte hinterlassen Sie eine Nachricht auf dem Anrufbeantworter.
Please leave a message on the answering machine.
Common in homes and offices before the widespread use of smartphones.
Collocations
Anrufbeantworter abhörento listen to the answering machineAnrufbeantworter einschaltento turn on the answering machine
Pro Tip
Modern Usage
In modern German, 'Anrufbeantworter' is often replaced by 'Voicemail' or 'Mailbox'.
Word Origin
From German 'Anruf' (call) + 'Beantworter' (answerer), literally 'call answerer'.
Usage Notes
Now largely replaced by voicemail services on smartphones, but still used in some contexts.
Word Breakdown
Anruf
call
rootBeantworter
answerer
rootDeutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch