German Phrase
Ruf den Kundenservice an, um zu stornieren.
Meaning
The sentence tells someone to call the customer‑service department in order to cancel a reservation, order, subscription, or any other service. It combines a direct command with a purpose clause.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to give an informal instruction to a friend, colleague, or family member about how to cancel something that requires a phone call to the service centre.
✦Grammar Breakdown
RufdenKundenservicean,umzustornieren.
Imperative (du) form
‘Ruf’ is the du‑imperative of the verb ‘rufen’; it is used for informal commands.
Separable verb ‘anrufen’
‘anrufen’ splits in main clause position: the prefix ‘an’ moves to the end of the sentence.
Accusative case
‘den Kundenservice’ is the direct object of ‘anrufen’ and therefore takes the masculine accusative article ‘den’.
Purpose clause ‘um … zu’
‘um zu stornieren’ expresses the purpose of the call; the infinitive ‘stornieren’ follows ‘zu’.
🗨In Conversation
Ich möchte meine Flugbuchung stornieren.
I want to cancel my flight booking.
Ruf den Kundenservice an, um zu stornieren.
Call customer service to cancel.
✕Common Mistakes
Rufe den Kundenservice an, um zu stornieren.
‘Rufe’ is the 1st‑person singular present, not the du‑imperative. Use ‘Ruf’ for an informal command.
Ruf den Kundenservice zu, um zu stornieren.
The separable prefix ‘an’ must be placed at the end of the clause; ‘zu’ is part of the purpose clause, not the verb.
Ruf den Kundenservice an, um zu stornieren.
If you are speaking formally, replace ‘Ruf’ with ‘Rufen Sie’. Mixing informal and formal forms is a common error.
↔Alternatives
Rufen Sie den Kundenservice an, um zu stornieren.
Call customer service to cancel. (formal)
Kontaktiere den Kundenservice, um zu stornieren.
Contact customer service to cancel.
Melde dich beim Kundenservice, um zu stornieren.
Get in touch with customer service to cancel.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries the polite ‘Sie’ form is preferred in business contexts. If you’re speaking to a stranger or a representative, switch to ‘Rufen Sie …’. Also, many companies provide a specific cancellation hotline; mentioning the exact number can make the request smoother.