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anrufen

/ˈanˌʁuːfn̩/
verb★Beginner— to call
general

To make a phone call to someone

Kannst du bitte deine Mutter anrufen?

Can you please call your mother?

💡

The verb 'anrufen' is separable, meaning the prefix 'an-' can be separated from the verb stem in certain grammatical constructions.

Collocations

jemanden anrufento call someonezurückrufento call backanrufen lassento have someone call you

Synonyms

telefonierenanrufen lassen

Antonyms

auflegenignorieren

Related Phrases

jemanden anrufenphrase
to call someone
zurückrufenphrase
to call back

💡Pro Tip

Separable Prefix

Remember that 'anrufen' is a separable verb. In the infinitive, it is written as one word, but in the past participle, the prefix 'an-' is separated: 'Ich habe dich angerufen.' (I called you.)

⚡Gold Rule

Common Usage

'Anrufen' is the most common way to say 'to call' someone in German. It is used in both formal and informal contexts.

📖Word Origin

Derived from the prefix 'an-' (to) and the verb 'rufen' (to call). The separable prefix indicates direction or initiation of the action.

📝Usage Notes

In German, 'anrufen' is commonly used in everyday conversation to refer to making a phone call. It is a separable verb, meaning the prefix 'an-' can be separated from the verb stem in certain grammatical constructions, such as in the past participle ('angerufen').

Word Breakdown

an-
to, toward
prefix
+
rufen
to call
root
Deutsch-Englisch Wörterbuch

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