zurückrufen

Zurückrufen is a German verb meaning to call back or to return a telephone call. It is a separable-prefix verb formed from zurück (back) and rufen (to call). In finite clauses the prefix is separated and moved to the end of the sentence.

Usage and context

The term is primarily used in telecommunication and everyday speech to indicate returning a missed or desired phone call. It is common in both private and professional settings. The related noun Rückruf denotes a return call or callback, as in “Ich erwarte Ihren Rückruf” (I am awaiting your callback).

Conjugation and examples

In the present tense: “Ich rufe dich später zurück.” In the second person: “Ruf mich doch zurück.” Polite form: “Rufen Sie mich bitte zurück.” In the perfect: “Ich habe dich zurückgerufen.” The prefix behavior is typical of separable verbs: the prefix is placed at the end in main clauses. Example: “Wir rufen Sie heute Nachmittag zurück.”

Related notes

Zurückrufen is often contrasted with anrufen, which means to call (someone) without the back implication. The noun Rückruf is frequently used in business and customer service to refer to a planned or requested callback. Etymologically, the word combines zurück (back) with rufen (to call).