der  Anrufer

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈanʁuːfɐ/

📞 What does 'der Anrufer' mean?

Der Anrufer refers to a male person who calls someone, typically by phone. It's the person initiating the call.

The word derives from the verb anrufen (to call).

Important: The feminine form is die Anruferin (the female caller).

Example: Der Anrufer legte auf, bevor ich abheben konnte. (The caller hung up before I could pick up.)

Article rules for der, die, and das

📊 Grammar of 'der Anrufer' in Detail

Der Anrufer is a masculine noun. It follows the n-declension pattern, but only in the plural. In the singular genitive case, an '-s' is added.

Example Sentences

1. Der Anrufer meldete sich nicht mit Namen. (The caller did not give his name.)
2. Die Nummer des Anrufers war unterdrückt. (The caller's number was withheld.)
3. Ich habe dem Anrufer meine Adresse nicht gegeben. (I did not give the caller my address.)
4. Können Sie den Anrufer bitte beschreiben? (Can you please describe the caller?)
5. Die Anrufer in der Warteschleife werden ungeduldig. (The callers on hold are getting impatient.)
6. Die Bitten der Anrufer wurden notiert. (The callers' requests were noted.)
7. Wir danken allen Anrufern für ihre Geduld. (We thank all callers for their patience.)
8. Die Mitarbeiterin beruhigte die aufgebrachten Anrufer. (The employee calmed down the upset callers.)

🗣️ How to use 'Anrufer'?

Der Anrufer is mainly used in the context of telephone calls. It can occasionally refer to someone contacting via other means (e.g., video conference, intercom), although this is less common.

• Typical Context: Telephony, customer service, emergency call centers.
• Formality: The word is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
• Distinction: Der Angerufene is the person who receives the call (the callee).

Example: In der Telefonzentrale werden die Daten jedes Anrufers erfasst. (The data of every caller is recorded in the call center.)

🧠 Mnemonics for 'der Anrufer'

Article Mnemonic: Think of 'der Mann' (the man) who is calling. Der Anrufer is (usually) a man.

Meaning Mnemonic: The word contains 'rufen' (to call). An Anrufer is the person who is 'rufen' (calling) an (towards) someone.

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Potential for Confusion:

Sometimes Anrufer might be used colloquially for anyone initiating contact, but its core meaning relates to making a call (usually by phone).

😂 A Little Joke

Fragt der Chef den neuen Mitarbeiter: "Können Sie auch mit schwierigen Anrufern umgehen?" Antwortet der Mitarbeiter: "Kein Problem, ich lege einfach auf!"

Translation: The boss asks the new employee: "Can you handle difficult callers?" The employee replies: "No problem, I just hang up!"

📜 Poem about the Caller

Das Telefon, es klingelt laut,
ein Ton, der durch die Stille haut.
Wer mag es sein, wer ruft hier an?
Der Anrufer ist nebenan? Nein, nur am Draht, ganz unbekannt,
aus fernem oder nahem Land.
Er wartet auf 'ne Antwort prompt,
bis jemand an den Hörer kommt.

Translation:
The telephone rings out loud,
a sound that cuts through the silence.
Who could it be, who's calling here?
Is the caller next door?
No, just on the line, quite unknown,
from a distant or nearby land.
He waits for a prompt answer,
until someone picks up the receiver.

❓ Riddle

Ich starte die Verbindung, ohne da zu sein,
meine Stimme reist durch Kabel, fein.
Ich möchte sprechen, hören, fragen,
wer bin ich an den Telefontagen?

Translation:
I start the connection without being there,
my voice travels through cables, fine.
I want to speak, hear, ask,
who am I on telephone days?

Solution: Der Anrufer (The caller)

➕ Other Information

Word Composition: The word Anrufer is derived from the verb anrufen (to call). The suffix -er forms an agent noun (Nomen Agentis), indicating the person performing the action of the verb stem.

• anrufen (verb) + -er (suffix) -> der Anrufer (noun)

Feminine Form: As mentioned, the feminine form is die Anruferin.

Context Sensitivity: In legal or police contexts, der Anrufer can be an important witness or informant (e.g., der anonyme Anrufer - the anonymous caller).