German word

abrufen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈapˌʁuːfən/

Meaning

  • verbretrieve

Example

Das Programm ruft die Daten ab.

The program retrieves the data.

Illustration for abrufen (retrieve)

More examples

Unterwegs kann ich meine E-Mails abrufen.

While on the go, I can retrieve my emails.

Core concept

A user reaching into a remote store and bringing selected information into the current workspace.

Common phrases

  • E-Mails abrufen

    retrieve emails

  • Kalendertermine abrufen

    retrieve calendar appointments

Similar words

herunterladen: Transfer files or data from the internet to a device for storage.
abholen: Go to a place to collect and bring back a person or item.
anfordern: Request that data or a process be sent or made available.
einsehen: View the contents of stored records or messages on a screen.

Definition in German

Ein trennbares Verb; es bezeichnet das gezielte Holen oder Empfangen von Daten oder Informationen von einem entfernten Ort oder Dienst.

Word origin

The separable compound "abrufen" joins "ab-" with "rufen" and acquired its technical sense of fetching information from a remote source.

Usage tips

  • In technical contexts, "abrufen" often refers to obtaining available data or messages, while "herunterladen" specifically emphasizes downloading files.

Opposites

Related words

  • der Abrufretrievalnoun
  • abrufbereitready for retrievaladjective

Word lists with this word