TELEFONIEREN AUF DEUTSCH (Tipps, Tricks, Redemittel)

Summary

In this informative video, Maria shares valuable tips for overcoming the anxiety of making phone calls in German, particularly in formal situations. She emphasizes the importance of preparation, including having notes ready and essential documents at hand. Maria guides viewers on how to start and navigate conversations confidently, encouraging polite inquiries and clear communication. She addresses common issues like misunderstandings and technical problems, providing solutions to handle them gracefully. By practicing these strategies, viewers can enhance their phone skills and approach calls with greater confidence and professionalism.

Takeaways

• 😀 Starting a phone call in German should be brief and polite, including your full name.
• 😀 It's important to ask for the correct person or department when making formal calls.
• 😀 Use standardized words for spelling names and addresses to avoid misunderstandings.
• 😀 Prepare specific questions or topics beforehand to make the conversation smoother.
• 😀 If something is unclear during the conversation, it's acceptable to ask for clarification.
• 😀 Always thank the other person at the end of the conversation for their assistance.
• 😀 Leave concise messages on voicemail, stating your name, purpose, and contact information.
• 😀 If you dial the wrong number, politely acknowledge the mistake and apologize.
• 😀 Create a quiet environment to minimize distractions while on the phone.
• 😀 Practice speaking as if you're making the call for someone else to reduce anxiety.

Q & A

What is the main topic of Maria's video?

Maria's video focuses on providing tips and strategies for effectively making phone calls in German, especially in formal situations.

Why did Maria feel stressed about making phone calls in German?

She experienced stress because she often struggled to find the right words, felt nervous, and sometimes even avoided phone calls altogether.

How should one introduce themselves at the beginning of a phone call?

One should introduce themselves clearly and briefly, using phrases like 'Guten Tag, hier spricht [Your Name].'

What is the importance of spelling names and addresses during phone calls?

Spelling names and addresses is crucial to ensure clarity and prevent misunderstandings, especially when dealing with difficult or long names.

What standardized words should be used for spelling names over the phone?

Standardized spelling words include: A wie Anton, B wie Berta, C wie Cäsar, and so on, which help avoid confusion.

How should one state the purpose of their call?

It’s best to get straight to the point, using phrases like 'Ich rufe an, weil ich mich für ein Praktikum interessiere' (I’m calling because I’m interested in an internship).

What should you do if you don’t understand something during the call?

You should ask for clarification by saying things like 'Entschuldigung, das habe ich nicht ganz verstanden' (Sorry, I didn’t quite understand that).

What are some tips for successfully closing a phone call?

Thank the person for their help and use simple farewells like 'Vielen Dank für Ihre Hilfe. Auf Wiederhören!' (Thank you for your help. Goodbye!).

What should you include in a voicemail message?

A voicemail should include your name, the purpose of the call, and your contact information, while being concise.

How can one reduce anxiety when making phone calls?

One effective strategy is to pretend you are calling on behalf of someone else, which can help reduce the pressure you feel.