wake-up call
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wake-up call
A call or signal intended to wake someone at a specific time. This can be done by an alarm clock, a telephone, or a person.
Ich habe an der Hotelrezeption einen Weckruf für 6 Uhr morgens bestellt.
I requested a wake-up call at the hotel reception for 6 a.m.
'Weckruf' (wake-up call) is a compound noun made from the verb 'wecken' (to wake) and the noun 'der Ruf' (the call). The literal meaning is therefore a call that wakes someone.
Der laute Schrei war ein unerwarteter Weckruf für das ganze Haus.
The loud scream was an unexpected wake-up call for the whole house.
In its literal meaning, 'Weckruf' (wake-up call) is often used in a hotel context. Typical verbs are 'einen Weckruf bestellen' (to request a wake-up call) or 'einen Weckruf bekommen' (to get a wake-up call).
Könnten Sie mir für morgen früh um 5:30 Uhr einen Weckruf einrichten?
Could you arrange a wake-up call for me tomorrow morning at 5:30?
In the figurative meaning, 'Weckruf' (wake-up call) is often used with the preposition 'für' to show who or what is supposed to be jolted awake. It is then a signal to act.
Der Unfall war ein Weckruf für alle, vorsichtiger zu fahren.
The accident was a wake-up call for everyone to drive more carefully.
You can recognize the figurative meaning by the fact that it is not about sleeping, but about problems, dangers, or the need for change. Words like 'Krise' (crisis), 'Problem' (problem), or 'Gefahr' (danger) point to this meaning.
Diese Naturkatastrophe muss ein Weckruf für die Politik sein.
This natural disaster must be a wake-up call for politicians.
warning
'Warnung' and 'Weckruf' can both draw attention to a problem or danger. A 'Warnung' is usually a direct warning or message before something bad happens. A 'Weckruf', in the figurative sense, is more like an event that suddenly jolts people awake and shows them: now they have to act. The words can be confused because both lead people to think or react. 'Warnung' works well for clear messages, for example from the weather service. 'Weckruf' fits better when a problem becomes especially clear through an experience or a crisis.
Die schwere Niederlage war für das Team ein Weckruf.
The heavy defeat was a wake-up call for the team.
Am Montag gab die Schule eine Warnung vor gefälschten E-Mails heraus.
On Monday, the school issued a warning about fake emails.