das Warnsignal
warning signal
A visible, audible, or other signal that draws attention to a danger or an impending unwanted situation.
EXAMPLE
Das Warnsignal ertönte, als sich die Tür öffnete.
The warning signal sounded when the door opened.
das Warnsignal
warning signal
das Warnsignal, die Warnsignale
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Meanings
das Warnsignal
warning sign
An indication that a problem is developing or that a negative change is imminent.
EXAMPLE
Der deutliche Rückgang der Verkäufe ist ein Warnsignal für das Unternehmen.
The significant drop in sales is a warning sign for the company.
Forms
Forms adapted from the German Wiktionary entry Warnsignal, by Wiktionary contributors, licence CC BY-SA 4.0.
At a glance
| gender | neuter das |
|---|---|
| plural | die Warnsignale |
| genitive | des Warnsignals |
The four cases
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | das Warnsignal | die Warnsignale |
| accusative | das Warnsignal | die Warnsignale |
| dative | dem Warnsignal | den Warnsignalen |
| genitive | des Warnsignals | der Warnsignale |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
Usage tips
Word formation
'Warnsignal' is made up of the stem 'warn-' from 'warnen' (to warn) and 'Signal' (signal). The first part explains the function of the signal: it is intended to warn.
EXAMPLE
Das rote Licht dient als Warnsignal.
The red light serves as a warning signal.
Typical collocations
With audible warning signals, 'ein Warnsignal ertönen' (for a warning signal to sound) and 'ein Warnsignal abgeben' (to emit a warning signal) are typical collocations. The device or system that produces the signal can be the subject of 'abgeben'.
EXAMPLE
Der Rauchmelder gab ein lautes Warnsignal ab.
The smoke detector emitted a loud warning signal.
Context clue
'Etwas als Warnsignal verstehen' (to understand something as a warning sign) or 'etwas als Warnsignal deuten' (to interpret something as a warning sign) describes how someone evaluates an observation. This pattern is typical of the figurative meaning.
EXAMPLE
Die Trainerin deutete die ständige Müdigkeit des Spielers als Warnsignal.
The coach interpreted the player's constant tiredness as a warning sign.
Für and an
With 'ein Warnsignal für' (a warning sign for) plus the accusative, you often name the person or group affected. With 'ein Warnsignal an' (a warning signal to) plus the accusative, you explicitly name the person or group the warning is directed at.
EXAMPLE
Die Hitzewelle ist ein Warnsignal für alle Landwirte in der Region.
The heat wave is a warning sign for all the farmers in the region.
Das schlechte Wahlergebnis ist ein Warnsignal an die Regierung.
The poor election result is a warning signal to the government.
Typical collocations
Common collocations include 'Warnsignale erkennen' (to recognize warning signs), 'Warnsignale ernst nehmen' (to take warning signs seriously), and 'Warnsignale ignorieren' (to ignore warning signs). They describe whether and how someone responds to the first indications of a problem.
EXAMPLE
Die Leitung nahm die Warnsignale ernst und überprüfte die Arbeitsbedingungen.
The management took the warning signs seriously and reviewed the working conditions.
In real life
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