Telefonat

Telefonat is a German noun that denotes a telephone conversation or a phone call. It refers to the exchange of spoken information between two or more parties conducted over a telephone connection, whether on a landline or a mobile network.

Etymology and usage notes: The word is a compound of Telefon (telephone) and the suffix -at, which in German forms nouns that denote actions or events. In everyday language, Telefonat emphasizes the communicative exchange itself, not merely the act of initiating a call. Common synonyms include Anruf (call or ringing) and Telefongespräch (formal or technical term for a telephone discussion).

Practical use: Telefonat is used for both informal and formal contexts. A short, quick conversation might be described as a brief Telefonat, while a longer or more structured discussion can still be called a Telefonat. In written communication or journalism, it is typical to specify the duration or purpose of the Telefonat, and in business or legal settings the content is often summarized in a follow‑up note or protocol.

Modalities and variants: While Telefonat traditionally refers to audio telephone conversations, newer terminology distinguishes video calls (Video-Telefonat or Videoanruf) and other forms of remote communication. The term remains common for historical or general references to telephone conversations, separate from the act of placing a call (Anruf).

See also: Telco terminology related to telephone communication, including Anruf, Telefongespräch, and Telefonie.