state of emergency / emergency
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state of emergency
A serious dangerous situation for a country or region, for example due to a natural disaster or political unrest, in which the government receives special powers to restore order.
Wegen der schweren Überschwemmungen hat die Regierung den Notstand ausgerufen.
Because of the severe flooding, the government declared a state of emergency.
The word consists of 'die Not' (distress, danger) and 'der Stand' (state, condition). A 'Notstand' (state of emergency / emergency) is therefore literally a state of need or danger.
Wegen der Dürre herrscht in der Region ein landwirtschaftlicher Notstand.
Because of the drought, there is an agricultural emergency in the region.
You can recognize the meaning from the context: If it is about a country, a disaster, and the government, it refers to a political state of emergency. If it is about a person and money, it means personal hardship. If it is about a court or a criminal offense, the legal term is meant.
Die Armee hilft bei der Versorgung der Bevölkerung während des Notstands.
The army is helping supply the population during the state of emergency.
In a political context, 'Notstand' (state of emergency) is often combined with certain verbs. A government can 'ausrufen' (declare), 'verhängen' (impose), or 'aufheben' (lift) a state of emergency.
Nach dem Erdbeben wurde der nationale Notstand ausgerufen.
After the earthquake, a national state of emergency was declared.
When a personal emergency is meant, the preposition 'in' is often used. You can say 'in einen Notstand geraten' (to fall into an emergency / hardship) or 'sich in einem Notstand befinden' (to be in an emergency / hardship).
Nach der Kündigung befand sie sich in einem ernsten Notstand.
After being dismissed, she found herself in a serious emergency.
This meaning is a term from legal language. A typical formulation in this context is that someone 'sich auf den Notstand beruft' (invokes necessity) in order to justify an act.
Vor Gericht berief sich der Fahrer auf einen Notstand, weil er eine verletzte Person ins Krankenhaus fuhr.
In court, the driver invoked necessity because he was driving an injured person to the hospital.
crisis
'Krise' and 'Notstand' both refer to serious situations. 'Krise' is the more general word: it fits difficult developments in politics, the economy, family, or work. 'Notstand' sounds stronger and more official, especially when a state or region needs special measures because of great danger. But it can also mean personal or financial hardship. Learners may confuse the words because both describe a serious situation. 'Krise' is often correct when the situation is difficult and uncertain. 'Notstand' fits when it is about acute need, great danger, or special rules.
Nach dem schweren Sturm rief die Regierung den Notstand aus.
After the severe storm, the government declared a state of emergency.
Nach dem Gespräch habe ich verstanden, wie tief die Krise in der Nachbarschaft ist.
After the conversation, I understood how deep the crisis in the neighborhood is.