Note the cancellation deadline in your calendar
Many contracts auto-renew for twelve months. Mark three months before expiry to cancel in time.
Phrases and vocabulary for signing contracts, changing plans, cancelling, and follow-up questions with mobile and internet providers.
Short cues that help immediately in a stressful real-life moment.
Many contracts auto-renew for twelve months. Mark three months before expiry to cancel in time.
A phone cancellation is often not accepted. Write a short letter and send it by registered mail.
Tell the new provider that you want to keep your number. This is called number portability and is free.
Short scripts for common moments you are likely to face on site.
You are in the shop comparing plans.
I need a contract with at least twenty gigabytes of data and EU roaming.
Which devices are available with it, and what does it cost in total per month?
Your internet has been down since the morning.
My internet has not been working since this morning. I have already restarted the router.
When can a technician come?
You want to switch at the end of the term.
I would like to cancel my contract at the earliest possible date. When does it expire?
Could you send me a cancellation confirmation, please?
Short, useful lines you can actually say out loud.
I would like to sign up for a new mobile contract.
I would like to sign up for a new mobile contract and need a lot of data.
Which plans do you offer?
Which plans do you offer for families, and are there discounts for multiple SIM cards?
How long is the minimum contract period?
How long is the minimum contract period, and from when can I cancel?
I would like to cancel my contract.
I would like to cancel my contract at the earliest possible date. What do I need to do?
My internet is not working.
My internet has not been working since yesterday. Could you please check it?
When will the line be activated?
When will the line be activated, and will I get a technician appointment beforehand?
How high are the monthly costs?
How high are the total monthly costs, including device fees and activation fee?
Could you confirm that in writing?
Could you confirm the offer to me in writing or by email, please?
Core nouns and terms that come up again and again in this situation.
contract
The contract runs for twenty-four months.
plan / tariff
This plan includes unlimited calls within Germany.
cancellation
The cancellation must reach us in writing.
data allowance
The data allowance never lasts me until the end of the month.
minimum contract period
The minimum period for this contract is two years.
provider
The provider has the best network in our city.
connection / line
My line will be activated in two weeks.
bill
There were items on the bill that I could not identify.
Natural wording for the follow-up questions people ask all the time in this situation.
Say: I would like to switch providers. Please cancel my current contract at the earliest possible date.
Ask: Do you have a plan without a minimum term, or one I can cancel monthly?
Say: There are items on the bill I cannot identify. Could you itemise and check this for me, please?
Essential language for appointments, forms, queue numbers, documents, and follow-up questions at government offices.
Phrases and vocabulary for tickets, connections, delays, and questions at machines or counters.
Phrases and vocabulary for ordering, allergies, special requests, and paying at a restaurant or café.