das  Telefonat

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈteːlɛfoːnaːt/

📞 What exactly is a Telefonat?

Das Telefonat (noun, neuter) refers to a conversation held over the telephone. It describes the act of talking on the phone or the result of it – the conversation itself.

It is derived from the word Telefon (telephone) and the suffix -at often gives it the meaning of an action or process.

⚠️ There is only one article for this word: das. Forms like der Telefonat or die Telefonat are incorrect.

🧐 Grammar under the Microscope: Das Telefonat

The word "Telefonat" is a noun of neuter gender. Therefore, the article is always das.

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

💡 Example Sentences

1. Das Telefonat mit meiner Mutter dauerte über eine Stunde.
   (The phone call with my mother lasted over an hour.)
2. Ich muss noch ein wichtiges Telefonat führen.
   (I still have to make an important phone call.)
3. Während des Telefonats machte ich mir Notizen.
   (During the phone call, I took notes.)
4. Die Kosten für internationale Telefonate sind gesunken.
   (The costs for international phone calls have decreased.)

🗣️ When do you say "Telefonat"?

Das Telefonat is used to describe a specific conversation on the phone. It often emphasizes the duration or content of the conversation more than the word Anruf (call).

• Typical Usage: When talking about a phone conversation that has already taken place or is planned, especially if it's somewhat longer or more important. ("Das war ein langes Telefonat." - "That was a long phone call.", "Ich habe morgen ein wichtiges Telefonat mit dem Chef." - "I have an important phone call with the boss tomorrow.")
• Difference from "Anruf": An Anruf (der Anruf) can also simply mean the attempt to reach someone ("Ich habe einen Anruf verpasst." - "I missed a call.") or be a very short conversation. Telefonat more strongly implies that an actual conversation took place or will take place.
• Context: Used in both private and professional settings.

🧠 Mnemonics to Help Remember

Article Mnemonic: Many nouns ending in -at that describe a process or result (like das Konsulat, das Referat, das Attentat) are neuter (das). Think: "Das result of the Telefonat was fascinating." - The 'as' and 'at' sounds hint at das.

Meaning Mnemonic: The word contains "Telefon". A Telefonat is an act (like Tat in German, though etymologically different) or result related to the Telefon – the conversation itself.

🔄 Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Potentially Misleading Words:

Although not directly similar, one might confuse Telefonat with das Telegramm (the telegram), which is an outdated form of written message transmission.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat das Telefon einen Therapeuten gebraucht?

Weil es zu viele aufgelegte Telefonate hatte! 😄

(Why did the telephone need a therapist? Because it had too many hang-ups!)

🎶 A Poem about the Telefonat

Das Telefon, es klingelt laut,
ein wichtiges Telefonat anvertraut.
Am anderen Ende eine Stimme spricht,
bringt Neuigkeiten, mal gut, mal schlicht.

Man lauscht, man redet, fragt und lacht,
hat manches Thema durchgedacht.
So schnell vergeht die Zeit im Nu,
beim Telefonat - hör gut zu!

--- English Translation ---

The telephone, it rings aloud,
an important phone call entrusted.
A voice speaks on the other end,
bringing news, sometimes good, sometimes simple.

One listens, talks, asks, and laughs,
has thought through many topics.
Time flies by so quickly,
during the phone call - listen closely!

❓ Little Riddle

Ich verbinde Stimmen, fern und nah,
bin ein Gespräch, ganz ohne da
im selben Raum zu sein, ist doch klar.
Ich bin's, geführt per Apparat.

Was bin ich?

(Lösung: das Telefonat)

--- English Translation ---

I connect voices, far and near,
am a conversation, without being there
in the same room, it's quite clear.
It's me, conducted via apparatus.

What am I?

(Answer: the phone call / das Telefonat)

🌐 Other Info about das Telefonat

Word Formation (Wortbildung):

• The word "Telefonat" is a compound or derivation.
• Root: "Telefon" (from Greek τῆλε tēle "far" and φωνή phōnē "sound, tone, voice")
• Suffix: "-at" (often used to denote a process, state, or result, similar to Latin -atus)

Cultural Note: Telefonate (phone calls) revolutionized the way people communicate and, despite modern alternatives like instant messaging or video calls, remain a crucial part of daily communication, both personally and professionally.