Everyday France / A1 to A2
Your first phone call in French. One appointment, step by step.
No gestures. No helpful smile. Just a voice at the other end. Keep your request, your availability and a way to check the details in front of you.
Je vous appelle pour prendre rendez-vous.
I’m calling to make an appointment.THE SHORT ANSWER
Say why you are calling, offer a time, then repeat the agreed day and hour. Ask for the detail you missed instead of restarting the whole conversation.
Before you dial
Write down your name, two times you are available and the service you want. Leave space for the confirmed date. This fictional example is a call to a hair salon for a haircut.
Calling a hair salon
Salon Camille, bonjour.
Salon Camille, hello.Bonjour, je voudrais prendre rendez-vous pour une coupe, s’il vous plaît.
Hello, I’d like to make an appointment for a haircut, please.Bien sûr. Vous êtes disponible quand ?
Of course. When are you available?Jeudi après-midi, si possible.
Thursday afternoon, if possible.J’ai une place à quinze heures trente. Ça vous convient ?
I have an opening at 3.30 pm. Does that work for you?Oui, très bien. Donc jeudi à quinze heures trente ?
Yes, that’s great. So Thursday at 3.30 pm?When the answer changes the plan
Vous auriez un autre créneau ?
“Would you have another time slot?” Use this when the proposed time does not work.
Pardon, vous avez dit quinze heures ou quinze heures trente ?
“Sorry, did you say three o’clock or half past three?” Give two possibilities to check a detail.
Je veux un rendez-vous.
Je voudrais prendre rendez-vous, s’il vous plaît.
Je voudrais softens the request: “I would like”, rather than “I want”. It is a useful opening with someone you do not know.
They offer Tuesday morning. You are only free on Wednesday afternoon.
Try your own answer before opening the example.
See one way to say it
Mardi matin, ce n’est pas possible pour moi. Vous auriez une place mercredi après-midi ?
“Tuesday morning isn’t possible for me. Would you have an opening on Wednesday afternoon?” Decline the option, then give a concrete alternative.
Close with the details checked
You may hear C’est à quel nom ? (“What name is it under?”). Give your name and spell it if needed. Check the day, date, time and address when relevant. Merci, à jeudi. Bonne journée ! means “Thank you, see you Thursday. Have a good day!”
Change the service and availability to make this example yours. For broader preparation, use the first-month guide.
Your pocket phrase.
Je vous appelle pour prendre rendez-vous.
I’m calling to make an appointment.
A LITTLE HELP, PERSONALLY.
Now make it sound like you.
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