das Notsignal
distress signal
A sign or signal used to draw attention to an emergency and request help.
EXAMPLE
Das Schiff setzte ein Notsignal ab, nachdem der Motor ausgefallen war.
The ship sent out a distress signal after its engine failed.
das Notsignal
distress signal
das Notsignal, die Notsignale
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Meanings
Forms
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Notsignale |
| genitive | des Notsignals |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Notsignal | die Notsignale |
| accusative | das Notsignal | die Notsignale |
| dative | dem Notsignal | den Notsignalen |
| genitive | des Notsignals | der Notsignale |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Notsignal' (distress signal) is made up of 'Not' (distress) and 'Signal' (signal). The head noun 'Signal' refers to a sign that conveys specific information; 'Not' describes the situation in which it is needed.
EXAMPLE
Die Bergsteigerin gab mit ihrer Taschenlampe ein Notsignal.
The mountaineer used her flashlight to send a distress signal.
Typical collocations
'Notsignal' (distress signal) is particularly common with the verbs 'absetzen' (to send out), 'aussenden' (to transmit), and 'empfangen' (to receive). The phrase 'ein Notsignal absetzen' (to send out a distress signal) is especially common when referring to the person or organization requesting help.
EXAMPLE
Das Flugzeug sendete ein Notsignal aus, bevor der Funkkontakt abbrach.
The aircraft transmitted a distress signal before radio contact was lost.
Emergency context
'Notsignal' (distress signal) frequently appears in reports about shipping, aviation, mountain rescue, and other rescue operations. The context often specifies whether the signal is transmitted by radio, light, or sound.
EXAMPLE
Die Leitstelle empfing ein Notsignal über Funk und schickte sofort ein Rettungsteam los.
The control center received a distress signal by radio and immediately dispatched a rescue team.
In real life
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