der Alarm
alarm
An acoustic or visual signal that warns of immediate danger.
EXAMPLE
Plötzlich ertönte der Feueralarm im ganzen Gebäude.
Suddenly, the fire alarm sounded throughout the whole building.
der Alarm
alarm
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Meanings
Alarm schlagen
to raise the alarm
To draw the attention of the public or the responsible authorities to a serious danger or problem.
EXAMPLE
Umweltschützer schlagen wegen des Bienensterbens Alarm.
Environmentalists are raising the alarm about the decline in bee populations.
der Alarm
alarm
A state of highest readiness and tension among emergency services such as the fire department or police because of a danger report.
EXAMPLE
Nach dem Notruf wurde bei der Rettungsstaffel stiller Alarm ausgelöst.
After the emergency call, a silent alarm was triggered for the rescue unit.
Usage tips
Typical combinations
'Alarm' is often used in fixed compounds to specify the type of danger. Common ones are 'Feueralarm' (fire alarm), 'Einbruchsalarm' (burglar alarm), or 'Fehlalarm' (false alarm).
EXAMPLE
Mitten in der Nacht gab es einen Fehlalarm.
In the middle of the night, there was a false alarm.
Typical verbs
An alarm is 'ausgelöst' (triggered). When it starts, it 'geht los' (goes off) or 'ertönt' (sounds). These verbs are very typical in connection with a warning signal.
EXAMPLE
Durch den Rauch in der Küche wurde der Alarm ausgelöst.
The smoke in the kitchen triggered the alarm.
Fixed expression
The expression 'Alarm schlagen' (to raise the alarm) is a fixed combination. It means that someone actively draws attention to a danger or a major problem.
EXAMPLE
Ärzte schlagen wegen der Zunahme von psychischen Erkrankungen Alarm.
Doctors are raising the alarm about the increase in mental illnesses.
Compare with
Alarm vs Warnung
warning
Warnung and Alarm draw attention to a danger. A Warnung can serve as a precautionary indication of a possible danger or problem. An Alarm, by contrast, usually signals immediate danger and calls for heightened readiness. Use Warnung for the notice and Alarm for the acute situation.
Alarm
Wegen des starken Gewitters löste die Feuerwehr einen Alarm aus.
Because of the severe thunderstorm, the fire department sounded an alarm.
Warnung
Die Warnung vor dem starken Gewitter erreichte die Bewohner schon am Nachmittag.
The warning about the severe thunderstorm reached the residents that afternoon.
In real life
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