German word

Ernstfall

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈɛʁnstˌfal/

Meaning

  • masculine nounemergency

Example

Im Ernstfall sollten Sie Ruhe bewahren.

In an emergency, you should remain calm.

Illustration for Ernstfall (emergency)

More examples

Vorkehrungen für den Ernstfall müssen regelmäßig überprüft werden.

Precautions in case of an emergency must be checked regularly.

Core concept

A safety plan sits ready for the moment it must be used in a genuinely grave situation.

Common phrases

  • Vorkehrungen für den Ernstfall

    precautions in case of an emergency

  • für den Ernstfall vorsorgen

    make preparations for an emergency

Similar words

Notfall: A sudden emergency requiring immediate help or medical care.
Krise: A prolonged, serious disruption affecting a society or organization.
Notstand: A state of emergency requiring special measures by a state or region.
Katastrophe: A disaster causing widespread, severe damage or destruction.

Definition in German

eine Situation, in der eine ernste Gefahr eintritt und sofortiges Handeln nötig wird

Word origin

Ernstfall combines the noun Ernst, 'seriousness', with Fall, 'case or situation', and describes the serious case itself rather than a rehearsal.

Usage tips

  • 'Im Ernstfall' is a common fixed phrase meaning in the actual crisis, while 'für den Ernstfall' refers to preparation for such a situation.

Opposites

Related words

  • Ernsthaftigkeitseriousnessnoun

Word lists with this word