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
callen
to call
In poker, to match another player's bet, meaning to put in the same amount.
EXAMPLE
Er hat All-In gesetzt, aber ich hatte gute Karten und habe gecallt.
He went all in, but I had good cards and called.
callen
to call
In a computer game, especially in esports, to announce a strategy or move for one's own team.
EXAMPLE
Der Captain callt, dass wir jetzt angreifen sollen.
The captain calls that we should attack now.
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 anrufen
to call
Anrufen is the neutral standard German term for making contact by telephone. Callen can mean the same thing, but here it is mainly used informally in business settings. Use anrufen in neutral situations; callen can be used in a casual business conversation.
callen
Im lockeren Teamgespräch sagte Ben, dass er den Kunden am Nachmittag calle.
During the casual team discussion, Ben said he would call the customer in the afternoon.
anrufen
In der offiziellen Besprechung kündigte Ben an, den Kunden am Nachmittag anzurufen.
During the official meeting, Ben announced that he would call the customer in the afternoon.
In real life
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