German - Appointments

Passt ___ bei dir?

Does ___ work for you?

Meaning: Does ___ work for you?

When to use: Use this informal question to check whether a suggested time or date is acceptable (du form). For formal situations use „Passt ___ bei Ihnen?“

Tip: Don't mix formal and informal forms (Passt ... bei Ihnen? vs. bei dir?).

Wie lange dauert der Termin?

How long will the appointment take?

Meaning: How long will the appointment take?

When to use: Ask this when you need to know the expected duration — useful for planning travel or other commitments.

Bei wem ist der Termin?

Who is the appointment with?

Meaning: Who is the appointment with?

When to use: Use this to ask which person, doctor, or staff member the appointment is scheduled with.

Was soll ich mitbringen?

What should I bring?

Meaning: What should I bring?

When to use: Ask this when you need to confirm documents, ID, insurance cards, or other items required for the appointment.

Soll ich früher da sein?

Do I need to arrive early?

Meaning: Do I need to arrive early?

When to use: Use this to check whether you should come before the scheduled time (for paperwork, tests, or preparation).

Gibt es eine Stornogebühr?

Is there a cancellation fee?

Meaning: Is there a cancellation fee?

When to use: Ask this when you need to know whether canceling or missing the appointment will cost money.

Tip: Some people confuse 'Stornogebühr' with 'Ausfallgebühr' — both can be used but mean slightly different administrative fees.

Können Sie mich auf die Warteliste setzen?

Can you put me on the waiting list?

Meaning: Can you put me on the waiting list?

When to use: Use this formal request when you want to be contacted if an earlier slot becomes available.

Ich rufe wegen meines Termins an.

I'm calling about my appointment.

Meaning: I’m calling about my appointment.

When to use: A natural phone opening when you contact an office about an existing or upcoming appointment.

Könnten Sie mir eine Erinnerung schicken?

Could you send me a reminder?

Meaning: Could you send me a reminder?

When to use: Use this polite form (Sie) to ask an office or clinic to send an appointment reminder by email, SMS, or phone.

Ist es okay, wenn ich ein bisschen später komme?

Is it okay if I'm a little late?

Meaning: Is it okay if I’m a little late?

When to use: Ask this to check whether a short delay is acceptable; useful if you expect to arrive after the scheduled time.

Tip: Beginners sometimes use 'später' alone; include 'ein bisschen' or a time (fünf Minuten später) to be clearer.