How to Make an Appointment in German – 10 Essential Phrases

To make an appointment in German you usually say einen Termin vereinbaren (to arrange an appointment) and follow a short polite script; the rest of this article gives you the exact phrases, the grammar you need, and a practice routine you can start right now.

What are the key phrases for making an appointment in german?

Below are the most common sentences you will hear or use when you call a doctor, a hairdresser, or a business office. Each German sentence is in bold and followed by an English translation.

• Ich möchte gern einen Termin vereinbaren. – I would like to make an appointment.
• Könnten Sie mir bitte einen Termin geben? – Could you give me an appointment, please?
• Haben Sie am Freitag einen freien Slot? – Do you have a free slot on Friday?
• Ich bin am Dienstag nur vormittags verfügbar. – I am only available in the morning on Tuesday.
• Wäre es möglich, den Termin zu verschieben? – Would it be possible to reschedule the appointment?
• Bitte bestätigen Sie den Termin per E‑Mail. – Please confirm the appointment by e‑mail.

For a quick overview of everyday phrases, check our free phrase list.

How do I ask for a specific date and time?

German uses the 24‑hour clock for most formal appointments. Combine the date with the time using the preposition um (at) and the article Uhr after the hour.

1. Welcher Tag passt Ihnen? – Which day suits you?
2. Der Termin ist am 12. März um 14 Uhr. – The appointment is on March 12 at 2 p.m.
3. Könnten wir den Termin auf 16:30 Uhr verschieben? – Could we move the appointment to 4:30 p.m.?
4. Ich habe am 5. Mai um 09:00 Uhr einen Termin. – I have an appointment on May 5 at 9 a.m.

Need help with German numbers, dates, and times? Our numbers tool lets you hear each numeral spoken correctly.

Which polite forms should I use?

German distinguishes between the informal du and the formal Sie. In most professional contexts you should use the formal form, especially when you do not know the person personally.

• Könnten Sie mir bitte helfen? – Could you please help me?
• Darf ich Sie um einen Termin bitten? – May I ask you for an appointment?
• Entschuldigen Sie die Störung. – Excuse me for the interruption.

If you are speaking with a friend or a colleague you already know well, you can switch to du after they invite you. The sentence structure stays the same; only the pronoun changes.

Step‑by‑step: How to schedule an appointment in german

Follow this three‑step routine whenever you need to set up a meeting. The steps are short enough to memorize and can be practiced with our free prompts.

1. Introduce yourself and state the purpose. Example: Guten Tag, mein Name ist Anna Müller. Ich möchte einen Termin für eine Zahnreinigung vereinbaren. – Good day, my name is Anna Müller. I would like to arrange an appointment for a dental cleaning.
2. Propose a date and ask for availability. Example: Passt Ihnen der 22. April um 10 Uhr? – Does April 22 at 10 a.m. work for you?
3. Confirm the details and thank the interlocutor. Example: Vielen Dank, ich bestätige den Termin am 22. April um 10 Uhr. – Thank you, I confirm the appointment on April 22 at 10 a.m.

Try these sentences with the free speaking prompts to get instant feedback on pronunciation and natural phrasing.

Practice making appointments with German Buddy

German Buddy lets you write or speak the exact sentences above and receive gentle corrections plus a short tip for a more natural expression. In Conversation mode you can role‑play a phone call with a virtual receptionist, and in Vocabulary Swipe you can reinforce key words like Termin, verschieben, and bestätigen. Start with a 7‑day unlimited trial, then enjoy a free daily practice allowance that never expires. start practising free.

FAQ

Can I make an appointment by email in German?

Yes. Use the same formal phrases, but begin with a polite opening such as Sehr geehrte Frau Schmidt, and end with Mit freundlichen Grüßen. Include the proposed date and time clearly.

Do I need to use the 24‑hour clock?

In professional settings the 24‑hour format is preferred because it avoids ambiguity. You can still hear the 12‑hour clock in casual conversation, but always clarify with vormittags (a.m.) or nachmittags (p.m.).

What if the person I call only speaks English?

Many German service staff understand basic English, but starting the conversation in German shows respect and often leads to a smoother interaction. You can switch to English after the greeting if needed.

How can I remember the formal “Sie” versus informal “du”?

Remember that Sie is always capitalized and used with strangers, professionals, and anyone older than you. Switch to du only after the other person explicitly invites you to do so.