Why is speaking on the phone in a foreign language especially | Learn German with Leo🦁

Why is speaking on the phone in a foreign language especially difficult?

Firstly, we can't see our conversation partner, their gestures, and emotions, which often help us to understand the meaning of what's being said (and our own gestures don't make much sense either).

Secondly, despite the advancement of technology in recent years, telephone communication is prone to interference, which makes understanding the fluent speech of native speakers even more difficult.

So, what should you do if you really need to make a call, but are scared?

The most important thing is not to get nervous.

We'll start with the most important phrases that will help you understand your conversation partner:

Könnten Sie bitte langsamer sprechen — Could you please speak slower?

Entschuldigung, ich habe Sie nicht ganz verstanden — Sorry, I didn't quite understand you.

Könnten Sie das bitte wiederholen — Could you please repeat that?

Die Verbindung ist sehr schlecht — The connection is very bad

Then, we'll provide words and phrases that will help you properly conduct a phone conversation:

Hallo! Hier ist Anna — Hello! This is Anna

Anna Ernst, guten Tag! — Hello, this is Anna Ernst!

Würden Sie mich bitte mit Herrn Ernst verbinden? — Could you please connect me with Mr. Ernst?

Ich rufe an wegen ... (+Genitiv) — I'm calling about ...

Mit wem spreche ich? — Who am I speaking with?

Bleiben Sie bitte dran — Please stay on the line

Können Sie mich bitte zurückrufen? — Could you please call me back?

Ich rufe heute Nachmittag zurück — I'll call back this afternoon

die Leitung ist besetzt / belegt — The line is busy

eine Nachricht hinterlassen — Leave a message

zurückrufen — Call back

Wie ist deine / Ihre Telefonnummer? — What is your phone number?

Meine Telefonnummer ist … — My phone number is …

Entschuldigung, ich habe mich verwählt — Sorry, I dialed the wrong number

Könnten Sie mir sagen, wann er wieder da ist? — Could you tell me when he'll be back?

Möchten Sie eine Nachricht hinterlassen? — Would you like to leave a message?

Vielen Dank für Ihren Anruf! — Thank you for your call!

Aufwiederhören! — Goodbye!

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