German Grammar – Call me on the phone 🇩🇪

Ruf mich ____ dem Telefon an

The correct preposition to use in the German phrase “Ruf mich ____ dem Telefon an” is “an,” so the complete sentence is “Ruf mich an dem Telefon an.” However, it is more common to say “Ruf mich am Telefon an,” which utilizes the contraction “am” (an + dem) for the prepositional phrase “an dem.”

In German, the preposition “an” is often used with the verb “anrufen” to indicate that the action is taking place via a communication device like a telephone. It is part of a separable verb construction, where “an” is the prefix of “anrufen.” In this context, it would be incorrect to use other prepositions such as “auf,” “in,” or “bei.”

Here’s why “an” is used:

1. Separable Verbs: The verb “anrufen” is a separable verb in German, meaning that its prefix “an-” can be detached and placed at the end of the sentence when the verb is used in the present or simple past tenses. Hence the correct sentence construction.

2. Prepositional Phrases: “Am” is a contraction of “an dem” and is used for masculine and neuter nouns in the dative case. Since “Telefon” is a neuter noun, “am” fits perfectly here. Without the contraction, you would have to say “an dem,” though, as mentioned, “am” is more commonly used.

So, to express the idea of calling someone on the phone, “Ruf mich am Telefon an” is the commonly used phrase in German.

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