das Alarmsignal
alarm signal
An audible or visual signal that warns of danger or calls for immediate action.
EXAMPLE
Als das Alarmsignal ertönte, verließen alle das Gebäude.
When the alarm signal sounded, everyone left the building.
das Alarmsignal
alarm signal / warning sign
das Alarmsignal, die Alarmsignale
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Meanings
das Alarmsignal
warning sign
An indication of a dangerous or concerning development that requires special attention or a response.
EXAMPLE
Die stark steigende Zahl der Firmenpleiten ist ein Alarmsignal für die Wirtschaft.
The sharply rising number of business failures is a warning sign for the economy.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Alarmsignal, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Alarmsignale |
| genitive | des Alarmsignals |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Alarmsignal | die Alarmsignale |
| accusative | das Alarmsignal | die Alarmsignale |
| dative | dem Alarmsignal | den Alarmsignalen |
| genitive | des Alarmsignals | der Alarmsignale |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Alarmsignal' (alarm signal / warning sign) is made up of 'Alarm' (alarm) and 'Signal' (signal). It therefore refers to a signal that draws attention to a danger or an urgent problem.
EXAMPLE
Das rote Licht war ein deutliches Alarmsignal für die Techniker.
The red light was a clear alarm signal for the technicians.
Typical collocations
When referring to a physical warning signal, 'Alarmsignal' (alarm signal) is often used with verbs such as 'ertönen' (to sound), 'auslösen' (to trigger), and 'aussenden' (to emit). 'Ein Alarmsignal hören' (to hear an alarm signal) is also a common collocation.
EXAMPLE
Bei Rauchentwicklung löste der Sensor ein Alarmsignal aus.
The sensor triggered an alarm signal when smoke was detected.
Indicating problems
In its figurative sense, 'Alarmsignal' (warning sign) is often combined with 'für' (for) and a word referring to an area of concern or an aspect of life. In this case, the signal is a development or observation that calls for action, rather than a siren.
EXAMPLE
Als Alarmsignal für den Naturschutz gilt der drastische Rückgang der Insekten.
The drastic decline in insect populations is considered a warning sign for nature conservation.
In real life
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