01
callen
to call
To call someone or take part in a conference call. This term is used especially in business settings.
example
Wir müssen morgen früh mit dem Kunden in den USA callen.
We need to call with the client in the US tomorrow morning.
callen
to call
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Register and style
'Callen' (to call) is an Anglicism that is used almost only as jargon in certain groups, especially in everyday office life and in the gaming scene. In general everyday language, the word is uncommon.
EXAMPLE
Lass uns morgen früh kurz callen, um die Details zu besprechen.
Let's have a quick call tomorrow morning to discuss the details.
German conjugation
Although 'callen' (to call) comes from English, it is conjugated like a regular German verb. The forms are: 'ich calle', 'du callst', 'er callt'. The past participle is 'gecallt'.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben gestern über eine Stunde mit dem Projektteam gecallt.
We called with the project team for over an hour yesterday.
Context clue
The exact meaning of 'callen' (to call) is always clear from context. In an office setting, it refers to a phone or video conference; in a card game, to a poker move; and in a computer game, to a strategic callout.
EXAMPLE
Der Gegner erhöht den Einsatz. Wirst du callen oder aussteigen?
The opponent raises the bet. Will you call or fold?
Use at work
In a business context, 'callen' (to call) is often used with the preposition 'mit' (with) to name the person you are speaking with. It can refer to a one-on-one call or to a larger conference call.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss gleich mit der Kollegin aus München callen.
I have to call with my colleague from Munich in a moment.
Compare with
callen vs passen
to fit / suit / pass
'passen' and 'callen' can be opposites in games, especially in poker. 'passen' means that you do not take an action in this round or do not call. 'callen' means that you match another player's bet and put in the same amount. Learners may confuse the words because both occur in game situations and describe a decision on your turn. The practical difference is: with 'passen', you drop out of the action; with 'callen', you stay in.
callen
Laura callt den Einsatz, weil sie noch eine gute Chance auf den Gewinn sieht.
Laura calls the bet because she still sees a good chance of winning.
passen
Nach zwei schlechten Karten passt Max und wartet auf die nächste Runde.
After getting two bad cards, Max passes and waits for the next round.
In real life
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