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German Phrase

Ich ruf wegen der Stelle an.

/ɪç ʁʊf ˈveːgən deːɐ̯ ˈʃtɛlə an/
Meaning"I’m calling because of the position."
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Meaning

Literally, 'I call because of the position.' It is used when you are phoning a company or recruiter to ask about a job opening you have applied for.

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When to use

Use this sentence right after you have submitted an application and want to follow up by phone, or when you call to clarify details about a vacancy.

✦Grammar Breakdown

IchrufwegenderStellean

1

Verb: anrufen (to call)

The verb 'anrufen' is separable; in the present tense, the prefix 'an' moves to the end of the clause.

2

Contraction: ruf

In colloquial speech, the 'ich' can be omitted and the verb shortened to 'ruf' (short for 'rufe').

3

Preposition 'wegen'

'Wegen' takes the genitive case; however, in everyday language the dative is often used, especially with feminine nouns like 'die Stelle'.

4

Definite article 'der' (genitive feminine)

In the genitive, the feminine article 'die' becomes 'der'.

🗨In Conversation

A

Guten Tag, hier ist Maria Müller. Ich ruf wegen der Stelle an.

Good day, this is Maria Müller. I'm calling about the position.

Ja, Frau Müller, wir haben Ihre Bewerbung erhalten. Wie kann ich Ihnen helfen?

Yes, Ms. Müller, we have received your application. How can I help you?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich ruf wegen dem Stelle an.

    After 'wegen' the noun should be in the genitive; the correct article is 'der' for feminine nouns.

  • Ich ruf an wegen der Stelle.

    The separable prefix 'an' must go to the end of the clause, not in the middle.

  • Ich rufe wegen der Stelle an.

    While grammatically correct, the contracted 'ruf' sounds more natural in a quick phone call.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich rufe wegen der Stelle an.

    I am calling about the position.

  • Ich melde mich wegen der Stelle.

    I’m getting in touch about the position.

  • Ich rufe wegen meiner Bewerbung an.

    I’m calling about my application.

de

Cultural Tip

In German business culture, a short phone call to follow up on an application is common, but keep it concise and polite. Start with a greeting, state your name, and mention the job reference number if you have one. Avoid overly informal language unless you already have a friendly rapport with the contact.