German word

Notruf

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈnoːtʁuːf/

Meaning

  • masculine nounemergency number

Example

Im Ausland ist der Notruf oft 112.

Abroad, the emergency number is often 112.

Illustration for Notruf (emergency number)

More examples

Bei lebensbedrohlichen Situationen sollte man sofort die Nummer des Notrufs wählen.

In life-threatening situations, one should immediately call the emergency number.

Core concept

A direct lifeline to police, firefighters, or medical rescue, covering both the urgent call and the number used to place it.

Common phrases

  • die Nummer des Notrufs

    the emergency number

  • bei Gefahr den Notruf kontaktieren

    contact the emergency number when in danger

  • per Notruf Hilfe anfordern

    request help by emergency call

Similar words

Notrufnummer: A designated phone number dialed in an emergency.
Notfall: A sudden dangerous event or accident requiring help.
Polizei: The public authority responsible for maintaining order and handling crime.
Rettungsdienst: A public service that rescues injured or ill people and transports them for care.

Definition in German

Eine sofortige Meldung per Telefon oder die dafür eingerichtete Rufnummer, die Polizei, Feuerwehr oder Rettungsdienst alarmiert.

Word origin

Notruf is a German compound of Not, meaning distress or emergency, and Ruf, meaning call, from the native verb rufen.

Usage tips

  • Notruf is masculine, with the plural Notrufe, while a specific emergency number is a Notrufnummer.

Other meanings

  • emergency callnoun
  • call for helpnoun

Related words

  • Notrufnummeremergency numbernoun
  • Notrufzentraleemergency call centernoun

Word lists with this word