German Phrase
Ruf den Kundenservice an.
Meaning
This imperative sentence tells someone to call the customer service department. It uses the verb 'anrufen' in its short form 'ruf … an' and the accusative case for the object 'den Kundenservice'.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to advise a friend, colleague, or yourself to get help from a company's support line, for example after a product malfunction or billing question.
✦Grammar Breakdown
RufdenKundenservicean
Imperative (du) of 'anrufen'
The verb 'anrufen' splits into 'ruf … an' in the du‑imperative; the stem 'ruf' comes first, the separable prefix 'an' moves to the end.
Accusative case
The direct object 'den Kundenservice' is masculine singular, so it takes the accusative article 'den'.
Separable prefix
In the infinitive the prefix 'an' is attached to the verb, but in the imperative it is placed after the object.
🗨In Conversation
Mein Handy funktioniert nicht mehr.
My phone stopped working.
Ruf den Kundenservice an, die können dir weiterhelfen.
Call customer service, they can help you.
✕Common Mistakes
Rufen den Kundenservice an.
The verb should be in the du‑imperative 'Ruf', not the infinitive 'rufen'.
Ruf den Kundenservice an.
If you use the formal 'Sie' form, the object stays the same, but the verb changes to 'Rufen Sie den Kundenservice an'.
↔Alternatives
Ruf den Kundenservice an.
Call customer service.
Telefonier den Kundenservice.
Phone customer service.
Setz dich mit dem Kundenservice in Verbindung.
Get in touch with customer service.
Cultural Tip
In German-speaking countries, it's common to use the polite form 'Sie' when speaking to strangers on the phone, so you would say 'Könnten Sie bitte den Kundenservice anrufen?'. The short imperative 'Ruf … an' is informal and best used with friends or colleagues.