der  Anrufbeantworter

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈanʁuːf bəˌʔantvɔʁtɐ/

🎙️ What Exactly is an Anrufbeantworter?

An Anrufbeantworter (often abbreviated as *AB*) is a device or function (e.g., within a phone or voicemail system) that answers incoming telephone calls when the recipient is unavailable or chooses not to answer. It typically plays a recorded greeting (*Ansage*) and allows the caller (*Anrufer*) to leave a message (*Nachricht hinterlassen*).

The article is always der, as it's a masculine noun in German.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: Der Anrufbeantworter

The word *'Anrufbeantworter'* is a masculine noun. Here is its declension:

📝 Example Sentences

1. Der Anrufbeantworter ist eingeschaltet.
   (The answering machine is switched on.)
2. Ich habe eine Nachricht auf deinem Anrufbeantworter hinterlassen.
   (I left a message on your answering machine.)
3. Bitte sprechen Sie nach dem Signalton auf den Anrufbeantworter.
   (Please speak onto the answering machine after the beep.)
4. Die meisten modernen Telefone haben integrierte Anrufbeantworter.
   (Most modern phones have integrated answering machines.)

💬 How to Use 'Anrufbeantworter'?

The term Anrufbeantworter is used to refer to the physical device or the digital function that records messages.

• Typical Situations: You might *auf den Anrufbeantworter sprechen* (speak onto the answering machine), *den Anrufbeantworter abhören* (listen to the answering machine), *den Anrufbeantworter einschalten/ausschalten* (switch the answering machine on/off).
• Context: Historically a separate device next to the landline phone (*Festnetztelefon*), now often integrated into phones or mobile voicemail systems (*Mailboxen*).
• Abbreviation: In everyday language, the abbreviation AB is common (e.g., *„Sprich auf den AB!“* - *"Leave a message on the answering machine!"*).
• Comparison: Similar to *'Mailbox'* (especially for mobile phones), but *'Anrufbeantworter'* can specifically refer to a landline device too.

🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids

For the article 'der': Think of *der Apparat* (the apparatus) or *der Beantworter* (the answerer) – both masculine words ending often suggest 'der', just like *der Anrufbeantworter*.

For the meaning: Imagine *der Anruf* (the call) is waiting (*wartet*) and gets *beantwortet* (answered) – by a machine. *Anruf* + *Beantworter*.

🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms

⚠️ Note: *'Voicemail'* is often used synonymously in English and sometimes understood in German, but *'Mailbox'* is the more common German term for the mobile phone function.

😄 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Anrufbeantworter gekündigt?
Er hatte das Gefühl, dass ihm niemand mehr zuhört! 😄

Translation:
Why did the answering machine quit its job?
It felt like nobody was listening to it anymore! 😄

📜 Poem about the Answering Machine

Der Apparat, so still und klein,
nimmt Anrufe entgegen, ganz allein.
Ein Piepton klingt, die Botschaft spricht,
wer rief wohl an? Man weiß es nicht,
bis man ihn abhört, spät am Tag,
der Anrufbeantworter, keine Frag'.

Translation:
The device, so silent and small,
receives the calls, standing tall.
A beep sounds out, the message speaks,
who might have called? The answer seeks,
until one listens, late in the day,
the answering machine, no doubt, no nay.

❓ A Little Riddle

Ich habe eine Stimme, doch keinen Mund.
Ich nehme Nachrichten entgegen, zu jeder Stund'.
Bin ich nicht da, spring ich für dich ein.
Wer oder was mag ich wohl sein?

Translation:
I have a voice, but have no mouth.
I take messages, north and south.
If you're not there, I step in for you.
Who or what might I be, it's true?

Solution: Der Anrufbeantworter (The Answering Machine)

💡 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word *'Anrufbeantworter'* is a compound noun (*Kompositum*), composed of:

• Anruf (from *der Anruf* - the call)
• beantworter (derived from the verb *'beantworten'* - to answer)

It literally describes a device that 'answers' calls (in the sense of receiving them and enabling a response).

Cultural Context:

Although less common due to smartphones and mobile voicemail, *Anrufbeantworter* are still found in many households and offices with landlines (*Festnetzanschluss*). They represent an earlier era of telecommunication technology.