Calling a Customer to Confirm an Appointment
One short call, one confirmed appointment: securing the date, time and place — and ending the call professionally.
Tip: listen to the episode twice before you start the test. · Worksheet (PDF)
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Comprehension test
Listen first, then answer. No penalties — every explanation points to the moment in the conversation.
Our technician is ___ for Thursday at ten o'clock in the morning. Does that still work for you?
Thank you for your time, Mrs Carter. Then we ___ on Thursday!
Transcript
Key phrases
Language notes
In this episode a scheduler confirms a maintenance appointment by phone: checking the time, arranging access, securing a callback number, confirming in writing. You learn the key phrases for confirmation calls in English (level B1) — and why "wir sehen uns" is not "we see us".
The confirmation call in four steps
Daniel's call follows a clear sequence: introduce yourself and state the reason ("I'm calling to confirm …"), check the details ("Does that still work for you?"), settle the practical questions (access, duration, callback number) and secure it in writing ("You'll receive a written confirmation"). The opening question "Is now a good time?" is more than politeness — it gives the customer control of the conversation and belongs in every unscheduled business call.
Repeating details out loud
Twice, Daniel audibly repeats what he has understood: "Noted — the side entrance, and ask for the caretaker", and the mobile number digit by digit. This read-back is standard practice on English business calls, especially for numbers, names and locations. It does not sound pedantic but professional — and it prevents exactly the misunderstandings that arise quickly on the phone without facial expressions and gestures.
Direct-translation trap: "we see us"
Daniel's goodbye "Then we see us on Thursday!" is the word-for-word translation of "Dann sehen wir uns am Donnerstag". The reflexive "uns" does not carry over into English: the correct fixed phrase is "See you on Thursday!", more formally "I look forward to seeing you on Thursday", or — to stress the mutual meeting — "We'll see each other on Thursday". The same pattern applies to "Wir hören uns": not "we hear us", but "Speak soon" or "We'll talk soon".
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Frequently asked questions
What language level is this episode for?
Level B1 (CEFR). The phone call uses clear everyday business English; all eight key phrases are explained bilingually.
How do I confirm an appointment in English on the phone?
In four steps: state the reason ("I'm calling to confirm …"), check the details ("Does that still work for you?"), settle the practical points (access, duration, callback number) and follow up in writing ("You'll receive a written confirmation").
Is "wir sehen uns" "we see us" in English?
No! "We see us" is a typical direct translation by German speakers. Correct is "See you on Thursday!", "I look forward to seeing you" or "We'll see each other". And "wir hören uns" is "Speak soon" — not "we hear us".
Is there a transcript to read along?
Yes, the full transcript with German support notes is on this page — listen first, then take the test, then read along.
Where can I practise English phone calls live?
In the online business English courses from Simmonds Language Services (englisch-lehrer.com/online): live lessons with real teachers on Zoom, including phone-call training, for companies and individuals across Germany — book a free consultation directly on the page.
Want to practise these phrases in a real conversation?
The podcast trains your ear — in our online lessons you practise the conversation yourself, with real teachers. For companies across Germany since 2004.