SpeeekDownload on the App Store
Back to Making Phone Calls

German Phrase

Ich rufe an, um meinen Termin zu bestätigen.

/ɪç ˈʁuːfə ʔan, ʊm ˈmaɪ̯nən ˈtɛʁmiːn tsuː bəˈʃtɛːtɪɡən/
Meaning"I’m calling to confirm my appointment."
💡

Meaning

I am calling (on the phone) in order to confirm my appointment. The sentence emphasizes the purpose of the call rather than just the act of calling.

🎯

When to use

Use this phrase when you need to call a doctor’s office, a business, a service provider, or any appointment‑based contact to make sure the scheduled time is still valid.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Ichrufan,ummeinenTerminzubestätigen.

1

Separable verb (anrufen)

The verb 'anrufen' splits in the present tense: the prefix 'an' moves to the end of the clause ('Ich rufe an').

2

Verb conjugation

In the first person singular present, 'anrufen' becomes 'ich rufe an' (not 'ruf').

3

Um‑zu infinitive clause

The purpose clause 'um … zu' introduces an infinitive that explains why the action is performed.

4

Accusative case

The object 'meinen Termin' is in the accusative because it is the direct object of 'bestätigen'.

5

Pronoun placement

When a separable verb is used with an infinitive clause, the prefix stays at the end of the main clause, while the infinitive verb goes to the end of the 'um‑zu' clause.

🗨In Conversation

A

Ich rufe an, um meinen Termin zu bestätigen.

I’m calling to confirm my appointment.

Guten Tag, Ihr Termin ist am Mittwoch um 10 Uhr.

Good day, your appointment is on Wednesday at 10 a.m.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich ruf an, um meinen Termin zu bestätigen.

    The verb must be conjugated: 'ich rufe an', not 'ich ruf an'.

  • Ich rufe an, um mein Termin zu bestätigen.

    Because 'bestätigen' takes a direct object in the accusative, it should be 'meinen Termin'.

  • Ich rufe an, um meinen Termin bestätigen.

    Do not omit the 'zu' in an 'um‑zu' clause; it is required for the infinitive construction.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich melde mich, um meinen Termin zu bestätigen.

    I’m getting in touch to confirm my appointment.

  • Ich rufe an, um meinen Termin zu verifizieren.

    I’m calling to verify my appointment.

  • Ich möchte meinen Termin bestätigen.

    I would like to confirm my appointment.

de

Cultural Tip

In German‑speaking countries it is considered polite to confirm appointments by phone, especially for medical or business meetings. Begin with a greeting ('Guten Tag') and, if you’re calling a formal institution, use the formal 'Sie' form. The separable verb 'anrufen' is very common in everyday conversation, so mastering its split position will make you sound natural.