answering machine
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answering machine
A device or function that answers calls and records a voice message from the caller when no one can personally take the call.
Ich war nicht zu Hause, aber du kannst mir eine Nachricht auf dem Anrufbeantworter hinterlassen.
I wasn't at home, but you can leave me a message on the answering machine.
'Anrufbeantworter' (answering machine) is a compound noun made from 'Anruf' (call) and 'beantworten' (to answer). The ending '-er' here refers to a device. Literally, it is therefore an 'Anruf-Beantworter' (call answerer).
Mein alter Anrufbeantworter mit dem Kassettenband funktioniert immer noch.
My old answering machine with the cassette tape still works.
Common verbs used with 'Anrufbeantworter' (answering machine) are 'eine Nachricht hinterlassen' (to leave a message) and 'den Anrufbeantworter abhören' (to listen to / check the answering machine). The correct preposition is 'auf' with the dative: 'auf dem Anrufbeantworter' (on the answering machine).
Sobald ich zu Hause bin, höre ich meinen Anrufbeantworter ab.
As soon as I'm home, I'll check my answering machine.
In spoken language, the abbreviation 'AB' is often used. This abbreviation is very common and is understood by most native speakers.
Sprich mir einfach auf den AB, ich rufe dich später zurück.
Just leave me a message on the answering machine; I'll call you back later.
mailbox
Anrufbeantworter and Mailbox record messages when calls are missed. Anrufbeantworter is the broader term and can refer to a separate device or a phone function. Mailbox refers to a digital version of this function, as used especially with mobile phones.
Zu Hause nahm der Anrufbeantworter neben dem Telefon ihre Nachricht auf.
At home, the answering machine next to the phone recorded her message.
Unterwegs nahm die Mailbox seines Handys ihre Nachricht auf.
While he was out, his cell phone’s voicemail recorded her message.
