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.
need / hardship
Not generally refers to an urgent or dangerous situation in which someone needs help. Notfall, by contrast, marks an emergency situation and is used especially in fixed technical or administrative expressions. Use „in der Not“ when the situation itself is the focus, and „Notfall“ when the emergency or a measure intended for such a situation is meant.
Für den Notfall hängt neben dem Telefon eine Liste mit wichtigen Nummern.
For emergencies, a list of important numbers is posted next to the telephone.
In der Not rief die Familie ihre Nachbarn um Hilfe.
In need, the family called on their neighbors for help.
