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Phrasebook

French voicemail: hear the caller, the reason and the next step

Edited by Chris Lee · Updated · About the library

Read three French voicemail messages and prepare a reply. Spot a missing document, a changed appointment and a callback window, then check the details.

In short

For a French voicemail, note three things: who is calling, why, and what to do next. Keep the time expression attached to the time: à neuf heures is at nine, à partir de neuf heures is from nine, and avant neuf heures is before nine.

Yellow the idea to rememberBlue French to learn

Read each message as one complete turn, then use the phrase filters to focus on the caller or your reply. The short responses below are what you can say when you call back. Start with J’ai bien reçu votre message, then confirm the action or ask for the missing detail.

1

One document is missing

Caller: Nadia at the cultural centre. Task: send a copy by email.

Voicemail callerBonjour, c’est Nadia du centre culturel. Je vous appelle au sujet de votre inscription.Hello, it’s Nadia from the cultural centre. I’m calling about your registration.
Voicemail callerIl manque une copie de votre pièce d’identité. Pourriez-vous nous l’envoyer par courriel avant vendredi ? Merci, au revoir.A copy of your ID is missing. Could you email it to us before Friday? Thank you, goodbye.
YouBonjour, j’ai bien reçu votre message. Je vous envoie la copie aujourd’hui.Hello, I received your message. I’m sending you the copy today.La copie is feminine; l’ in l’envoyer refers to the copy.
2

An appointment has moved

Listen for both the old time and the replacement.

Voicemail callerBonjour, ici le cabinet du docteur Martin. Votre rendez-vous de mardi à quinze heures est déplacé à seize heures.Hello, this is Dr Martin’s surgery. Your Tuesday appointment at three has been moved to four.
Voicemail callerMerci de nous rappeler pour confirmer que ce nouvel horaire vous convient. Bonne journée.Please call us back to confirm that the new time suits you. Have a good day.
YouBonjour, je vous rappelle pour mon rendez-vous. Mardi à seize heures, cela me convient.Hello, I’m calling back about my appointment. Tuesday at four suits me.
3

A callback window

The caller gives a period of availability, so your note needs both limits.

Voicemail callerBonjour, c’est Hugo. Pourriez-vous me rappeler demain matin ? Je serai disponible à partir de neuf heures et jusqu’à midi.Hello, it’s Hugo. Could you call me back tomorrow morning? I’ll be available from nine until noon.
Voicemail callerC’est pour organiser notre réunion de jeudi. Merci et à bientôt.It’s to organise our Thursday meeting. Thanks and speak soon.
YouBonjour Hugo, je vous rappelle au sujet de la réunion de jeudi.Hello Hugo, I’m calling back about the Thursday meeting.
Make a note you can act on
MessageReasonNext stepTime detail
NadiaRegistration fileEmail the ID copyBefore Friday
SurgeryTuesday appointment movedCall to confirm4 pm replaces 3 pm
HugoThursday meetingCall backTomorrow, 9 am to noon

Check when the message was left before putting demain in your diary. A message left on Monday means Tuesday, even if you replay it on Wednesday. A request to call à partir de neuf heures gives you a starting time; an exact appointment would need an agreed hour.

Objects mentioned in service calls

Question 1No account needed
What must be sent to Nadia?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

A copy of the ID by email. Nadia asks for a copy and specifies email: une copie and par courriel.

Question 2No account needed
Which appointment time should go in the diary after the change?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

Tuesday, 4 pm. The day stays Tuesday; the message moves the appointment from 3 pm to 4 pm.

Question 3No account needed
Does Hugo’s message book a call at exactly nine?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

No, he is available from nine until noon. The two expressions set an availability window, and Hugo asks you to call within it.

Question 4No account needed
The message was left on Monday and says demain matin. Which morning does it mean?

Choose one answer.

Answer and explanation

Tuesday morning. Demain is relative to when the caller spoke: Monday’s tomorrow is Tuesday.

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