German word

telefonisch

Pronunciation

IPA/teləˈfoːnɪʃ/

Meaning

  • adverbby phone

Example

Ich habe ihn telefonisch erreicht.

I reached him by phone.

Illustration for telefonisch (by phone)

More examples

Sie hat die Bestellung telefonisch aufgegeben.

She placed the order over the phone.

Core concept

A voice, message, or contact passing through a telephone connection rather than happening in person.

Common phrases

  • telefonisch bestellen

    order over the phone

  • telefonisch Kontakt aufnehmen

    get in touch by phone

  • telefonisch abklären

    sort out by phone

Similar words

am Telefon: In a situation involving an active phone conversation or contact.
per Telefon: Using the telephone to communicate or pass on information.

Definition in German

mittels Telefon oder durch einen Anruf erfolgen oder übermittelt werden

Word origin

The word combines Telefon with the adjective-forming suffix -isch, while Telefon ultimately comes from Greek tele 'far' and phōnē 'voice'.

Usage tips

  • In German, the adverb telefonisch stays unchanged, while the related adjective takes endings such as in telefonische Auskunft.

Other meanings

  • telephoneadjective

Opposites

Related words

  • telefonierenmake a phone callverb
  • Telefongesprächtelephone conversationnoun
  • Telefonleitungphone linenoun

Word lists with this word