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German Phrase

Ich rufe wegen deines Anrufs von vorhin zurück.

/ɪç ˈʁuːfə ˈveːgən ˈdaɪ̯nəs ˈʔanʁʊfs fɔn ˈfɔʁhɪn ˈt͡sʏʁʏk/
Meaning"I’m calling back because of your call earlier."
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Meaning

Literally, ‘I am calling back because of your call from a short while ago.’ It is used to explain why you are returning a phone call that the other person made earlier.

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When to use

Use this sentence when you received a call earlier and now want to get back to the caller, either in a personal or professional context. It signals that you remembered the earlier call and are responding promptly.

✦Grammar Breakdown

IchrufewegendeinesAnrufsvonvorhinzurück

1

Separable verb: zurückrufen

‘zurückrufen’ is a separable verb; in main clauses the prefix ‘zurück’ moves to the end of the sentence.

2

Preposition ‘wegen’ + Genitive

‘wegen’ always governs the genitive case, so ‘dein Anruf’ becomes ‘deines Anrufs’.

3

Genitive of masculine/neuter nouns

Add –s to the noun (Anruf → Anrufs) and use the appropriate article ending (dein → deines).

4

Temporal phrase ‘von vorhin’

‘von vorhin’ literally means ‘from a moment ago’ and is used to refer to something that just happened.

🗨In Conversation

A

Hallo, hier ist Thomas. Ich wollte dich kurz etwas fragen.

Hello, this is Thomas. I wanted to ask you something briefly.

Ich rufe wegen deines Anrufs von vorhin zurück.

I’m calling back because of your call a moment ago.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Ich rufe wegen dein Anruf von vorhin zurück.

    ‘wegen’ requires the genitive case, so ‘dein’ must become ‘deines’ and ‘Anruf’ gets an –s ending.

  • Ich zurück rufe wegen deines Anrufs von vorhin.

    With separable verbs, the prefix ‘zurück’ belongs at the end of the clause, not in the middle.

↔Alternatives

  • Ich melde mich wegen deines Anrufs von vorhin zurück.

    I’m getting back to you because of your earlier call.

  • Ich rufe dich wegen deines Anrufs von vorhin zurück.

    I’m calling you back because of your call earlier.

  • Ich rufe wegen deines früheren Anrufs zurück.

    I’m calling back because of your earlier call.

de

Cultural Tip

In German-speaking business culture, returning a missed call within a few hours is considered courteous. Using the separable verb ‘zurückrufen’ shows you are actively responding, and the phrase ‘wegen deines Anrufs’ makes the reason explicit, which is appreciated in formal settings.