emergency
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emergency
As an invariable (indeclinable) adjective, often in a technical or administrative context: representing or relating to an emergency; intended for a serious situation.
Der Betrieb des Reaktors wurde in den Modus 'Notfall' geschaltet.
The operation of the reactor was switched to 'emergency' mode.
The word is composed of 'die Not' (distress, danger) and 'der Fall' (situation, event). A 'Notfall' (emergency) is therefore literally a 'case of distress,' a sudden, dangerous situation.
Im Notfall müssen Sie diese Nummer anrufen.
In an emergency, you must call this number.
Much more common than the rare adjective is the noun 'der Notfall' (emergency). In most situations, people speak of 'einem Notfall' (an emergency) or use the prepositional phrase 'im Notfall' (in an emergency).
Was machst du in einem Notfall?
What do you do in an emergency?
As a noun, 'der Notfall' (emergency) is often used in fixed expressions. The most important ones are 'im Notfall' (if the situation occurs / in an emergency) and 'für den Notfall' (as a precaution / in case of emergency).
Für den Notfall habe ich immer eine Taschenlampe im Auto.
I always keep a flashlight in the car in case of emergency.
As an adjective, 'Notfall' (emergency) is invariable (indeclinable) and is not declined. It is often used in technical or administrative contexts to name a state or mode.
Das System schaltet automatisch in den Modus 'Notfall'.
The system automatically switches to 'emergency' mode.
urgent / urgently
'dringend' and 'Notfall' can both have to do with a serious situation in which action must be taken quickly. 'dringend' directly describes that something must be done immediately or very soon. It fits tasks, appointments, problems, or requests. 'Notfall' as a descriptive word is used more in fixed technical or organizational expressions, for example for things intended for a serious situation. The words can be confused because an emergency is often urgent. But not every urgent matter is an emergency.
Im Büro hängt ein Notfall-Plan neben der Tür.
There is an emergency plan hanging next to the door in the office.
Mein Kollege muss heute dringend mit der Ärztin sprechen.
My colleague urgently needs to speak with the doctor today.