verb
to call, to shout
A2
Rufen means 'to call' (summon or phone) and 'to shout'. It's a non‑reflexive, strong (irregular) verb taking haben as auxiliary. Past stem changes (preterite rief), participle gerufen. No fixed preposition; use direct object for calling someone or shout with adverbs like laut.
Examples
Hast du mich gerufen?
Did you call me?
Der Lehrer rief laut, weil die Schüler nicht aufpassten.
The teacher shouted loudly because the students were not paying attention.
Ich habe dich angerufen.
I called you.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture someone cupping their hand and calling across a field.
Sounds like English 'roof-in' — imagine shouting from the roof into something.
Notes
Irregular vowel in preterite (rief) and participle (gerufen).