German Phrase
Sollen wir einen anderen Termin ausmachen?
Meaning
The sentence is a polite suggestion to reschedule a meeting. It asks the listener whether they would like to set up a different date and time, implying that the current appointment no longer works for one or both parties.
When to use
Use this phrase in business or personal contexts when you need to change a planned meeting, a doctor's appointment, a class, or any scheduled event. It works well in both formal emails and spoken conversation, as long as the tone stays courteous.
✦Grammar Breakdown
SollenwireinenanderenTerminausmachen?
Modalverb *sollen*
*Sollen* is used to propose or ask for a suggestion, often translated as “shall” or “should”. In questions it appears at the beginning of the clause.
Subjekt‑Verb‑Reihenfolge
In a yes‑no question with a modal verb, the modal verb comes first, followed by the subject.
Akkusativobjekt mit Indefinitartikel
*einen anderen Termin* is the accusative object; note the masculine article *einen* and the adjective ending *‑en* after the indefinite article.
Trennbares Verb *ausmachen*
*ausmachen* is a separable verb. With a modal verb, the infinitive stays at the end of the sentence, while the prefix *aus* is not separated.
Fragezeichen am Satzende
Even though the word order already signals a question, a question mark is still required in written German.
🗨In Conversation
Sollen wir einen anderen Termin ausmachen?
Shall we arrange another appointment?
Ja, gern. Wie wäre es mit Mittwoch um 15 Uhr?
Yes, gladly. How about Wednesday at 3 p.m.?
✕Common Mistakes
Soll wir einen anderen Termin ausmachen?
The modal verb must agree with the plural subject *wir*; use *sollen* not *soll*.
Sollen wir einen anderen Termin aus und machen?
With a modal verb, the infinitive stays at the end; do not separate the prefix.
Sollen wir einen andere Termin ausmachen?
The object is masculine; the correct article is *einen*, not *ein*.
↔Alternatives
Können wir einen anderen Termin vereinbaren?
Can we arrange another appointment?
Wollen wir einen neuen Termin ausmachen?
Do we want to set up a new appointment?
Wie wäre es, wenn wir den Termin verschieben?
How about we postpone the appointment?
Cultural Tip
In German business culture, punctuality is highly valued. When proposing a new date, it’s courteous to suggest a concrete alternative and to confirm the change in writing. Using *sollen* sounds slightly more formal and collaborative than *können*, which focuses on ability rather than agreement.