telefonieren
to phone
To have a conversation with someone over the phone.
EXAMPLE
Ich kann gerade nicht, ich telefoniere.
I can't right now, I'm on the phone.
telefonieren
to phone
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word structure
The verb 'telefonieren' (to phone) is derived from the noun 'das Telefon' (the telephone). The ending '-ieren' is a typical way to form verbs from nouns or foreign words.
EXAMPLE
Ich muss nachher noch kurz mit meiner Mutter telefonieren.
I still have to phone my mother briefly later.
Correct preposition
If you want to say whom you are speaking with, always use the preposition 'mit' followed by the dative. A direct connection with an accusative object is incorrect.
EXAMPLE
Gestern habe ich über eine Stunde mit meiner besten Freundin telefoniert.
Yesterday I was on the phone with my best friend for over an hour.
Typical use
'Telefonieren' (to phone) is often used to signal that you are busy. The answer 'Ich telefoniere gerade' (I'm on the phone right now) is a polite way to say that you can't speak at the moment.
EXAMPLE
Kannst du später wiederkommen? Ich telefoniere gerade geschäftlich.
Can you come back later? I'm on a business call right now.
Compare with
telefonieren vs anrufen
to call
Anrufen emphasizes making contact by telephone and takes the person being called directly in the accusative. Telefonieren focuses more on the conversation itself and is usually used with „mit“ for the person you are speaking to. Use anrufen when the contact is important, and often telefonieren when the duration of the conversation is important.
telefonieren
Ich telefoniere eine Stunde mit Lea über unseren gemeinsamen Termin.
I’m talking on the phone with Lea for an hour about our appointment.
anrufen
Ich rufe Lea kurz an, um ihr den Termin mitzuteilen.
I’ll call Lea briefly to tell her about the appointment.
In real life
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