der Ernstfall
emergency
A real, serious, and often dangerous situation, as opposed to a drill, test, or theoretical assumption.
EXAMPLE
Die Feuerwehr probt regelmäßig für den Ernstfall.
The fire department regularly drills for an emergency.
der Ernstfall
emergency
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Meanings
im Ernstfall
in an emergency
A fixed expression meaning “in a real emergency” or “when things really become serious.”
EXAMPLE
Im Ernstfall müssen Sie diese Notrufnummer wählen.
In an emergency, you must call this emergency number.
Usage tips
Word composition
'Der Ernstfall' (emergency) is made up of the adjective 'ernst' (serious) and the noun 'der Fall' (case). So it literally describes a “serious case” or a serious situation.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen auf einen Ernstfall vorbereitet sein.
We have to be prepared for an emergency.
Typical collocations
This noun is often used with certain verbs that describe preparation or an occurrence. Typical phrases are 'für den Ernstfall üben/proben' (to practice/drill for an emergency), 'sich auf den Ernstfall vorbereiten' (to prepare for an emergency), and 'der Ernstfall tritt ein' (the emergency occurs).
EXAMPLE
Die Rettungskräfte üben regelmäßig für den Ernstfall.
The rescue workers regularly drill for an emergency.
Sentence structure
The fixed expression 'im Ernstfall' (in an emergency) functions as an adverbial. When it appears at the beginning of a sentence, the conjugated verb follows directly in second position.
EXAMPLE
Im Ernstfall müssen alle das Gebäude sofort verlassen.
In an emergency, everyone must leave the building immediately.
Compare with
Ernstfall vs Notfall
emergency
Notfall and Ernstfall both refer to a serious situation, but they are used differently. Notfall is used especially in technical or organizational terms such as Notfallplan, while Ernstfall refers to the real situation as opposed to a drill or theory. Notfall is appropriate for a plan, while Ernstfall is appropriate for what actually happens.
Ernstfall
Bei der Übung lernten die Mitarbeitenden, was sie im Ernstfall tun sollen.
During the drill, the employees learned what they should do in a real emergency.
Notfall
Der Notfallplan erklärt, was die Mitarbeitenden bei einem Brand tun sollen.
The emergency plan explains what the employees should do in the event of a fire.
In real life
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