der  Anruf

A2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈanʁuːf/

📞 Ring Ring! What does 'der Anruf' mean?

Der Anruf (noun, masculine) primarily refers to the act of calling someone on the phone or the resulting communication or contact attempt.

• Main meaning: A telephone contact or the resulting (often short) conversation. Example: Ich erwarte einen wichtigen Anruf. (I'm expecting an important call.)
• Less common: A call or summons (in the sense of calling someone over, e.g., at a meeting), but this meaning is very unusual in everyday life; 'der Aufruf' is typically used instead. 🚨 Note: In the context of telephony, only the first meaning is relevant.

📊 Grammar Up Close: Der Anruf

The noun "Anruf" is masculine. It follows the strong declension pattern.

Example Sentences

1. Der Anruf kam unerwartet. (The call came unexpectedly.)
2. Ich habe deinen Anruf verpasst. (I missed your call.)
3. Nach dem Anruf war sie erleichtert. (She was relieved after the call.)
4. Die Dauer des Anrufs war kurz. (The duration of the call was short.)
5. Ich habe heute viele Anrufe erhalten. (I received many calls today.)
6. Er widmete sich seinen Anrufen. (He attended to his calls.)

🗣️ When and How to Use 'der Anruf'?

"Der Anruf" is used in the context of telecommunication.

• Einen Anruf tätigen/machen: To make a call (actively calling someone). Example: Ich muss noch einen wichtigen Anruf tätigen. (I still have to make an important call.)
• Einen Anruf erhalten/bekommen: To receive a call. Example: Hast du meinen Anruf bekommen? (Did you get my call?)
• Einen Anruf entgegennehmen/annehmen: To answer a call (picking up the phone when it rings). Example: Kannst du bitte den Anruf entgegennehmen? (Can you please answer the call?)
• Ein verpasster Anruf: A missed call. Example: Du hast einen verpassten Anruf von Mama. (You have a missed call from Mom.)
• Der Anrufbeantworter: Answering machine or service that records calls when you're unavailable.

Compared to 'das Telefonat', which often emphasizes a longer, actual conversation, 'der Anruf' can also refer to the mere act of contacting (the ringing) or a very brief exchange.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Anruf'

Tip for the article 'der':

Imagine a masculine mailman (der Postbote) delivering not letters, but an important 'call' (Ruf -> Anruf) to your door. Der Bote brings der Anruf. Think of 'call' in English starting somewhat like 'der K...' -> 'der Call' (doesn't quite work, but links 'der' to 'call'). Or remember that many communication-related actions resulting in nouns are masculine (der Brief, der Funkspruch, der Ruf).

Tip for the meaning 'phone call':

Think of going An ('to' or 'at') the phone to make or receive a Ruf ('call' or 'shout') = Anruf. The 'An-' prefix emphasizes initiating contact via the phone.

🔁 Similar & Opposite: Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Words easily confused

• Der Aufruf: A public appeal or summons (e.g., call for donations, call to strike). Not to be confused with a phone call!
• Der Ruf: Can mean a shout/call, but also reputation (e.g., ein guter Ruf - a good reputation).

😂 A Little Joke

German: Warum hat das Telefon eine Brille aufgesetzt?
Damit es bessere Anrufe tätigen kann! 😉

English: Why did the telephone put on glasses?
So it could make better calls! 😉 (Pun relies on 'bessere Anrufe' meaning 'better calls' and potentially 'better eyesight/views')

🎤 Poem about the Call

German:
Das Telefon, es klingelt schrill,
ein Anruf kommt, ganz leis und still?
Nein, laut! Wer mag am Ende sein?
Ein Freund, ein Job, ein Sonnenschein?
Man hebt ab schnell, sagt froh "Hallo!",
Der Anruf verbindet – irgendwo.

English Translation:
The telephone, it rings so shrill,
A call arrives, quite soft and still?
No, loud! Who might be on the line?
A friend, a job, a ray of sunshine?
One picks up fast, says bright "Hello!",
The call connects – from down below or far to go.

❓ Riddle Time

German:
Ich komme durch die Leitung,
manchmal mit Begleitung (von Rauschen klar).
Ich bringe Stimmen nah und fern,
man tätigt mich nicht ungern.
Mal bin ich kurz, mal bin ich lang,
beende oft den Müßiggang.

Was bin ich?
Lösung: Der Anruf

English Translation:
I travel through the wire,
Sometimes with static choir.
I bring voices near and far,
Making me isn't often a bar.
Sometimes I'm short, sometimes I'm long,
Often ending idleness' song.

What am I?
Solution: The (phone) call (Der Anruf)

💡 More Tidbits

Word Composition

Der Anruf is a noun derived from the verb anrufen (to call (on the phone)). It consists of:

• Prefix an-: Indicates direction, contact, or beginning.
• Verb stem ruf(en): Means to call, to shout, to reach someone with one's voice.

Together, they form the meaning of initiating contact by calling (originally), now specifically by phone.

Trivia

The invention of the telephone by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876 revolutionized communication, making 'der Anruf' (the call) a central part of modern life.