German · Real conversations

Changing plans: useful German phrases

Explain a change and offer a clear next step.

Start with the essentials

Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.

Late
spät
Late
On time
pünktlich
On time
Don't worry
keine Sorge
Don't worry
See you later
bis später
See you later

Make the conversation more specific

Useful German expressions for changing plans
What you want to say	German
Late	spät Late
On time	pünktlich On time
Don't worry	keine Sorge Don't worry
See you later	bis später See you later
I'm running ten minutes late.	Ich komme zehn Minuten später. Show English translation I'm running ten minutes late.
Can we move it to ...?	Können wir das auf … verschieben? Show English translation Can we move it to …?
Something has come up.	Mir ist etwas dazwischengekommen. Show English translation Something has come up.
I'm afraid I can't make it.	Leider kann ich nicht kommen. Show English translation I'm afraid I can't make it.
I'll let you know.	Ich gebe dir Bescheid. Show English translation I'll let you know.

Read the other side of the exchange

Partner
Ich bin schon im Café. Bist du gleich da?
I'm already at the café. Are you nearly here?
You
Ich komme zehn Minuten später.
I'm running ten minutes late.
Partner
Danke für die Nachricht. Wir können auch einen anderen Tag wählen.
Thanks for telling me. We could also choose another day.
You
Können wir es auf Samstag verschieben?
Can we move it to Saturday?

Changing plans in other languages

A note on speaking German

Use Sie for formal address and du with people you address informally. Könnten Sie …? is a useful polite request. Keep noun capitals and the verb position shown in each complete sentence.

The examples preserve German accents and ß. Read a full sentence before replacing a detail: a subordinate clause can move the verb to the end, and case can change an article or pronoun.