German word

Wecker

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈvɛkɐ/

Meaning

  • masculine nounalarm clock

Example

Viele Wecker stehen im Schaufenster.

Many alarm clocks are displayed in the shop window.

Illustration for Wecker (alarm clock)

More examples

Ich wache immer mit dem Wecker auf.

I always wake up with the alarm clock.

Core concept

A timekeeper beside the bed changes from silent waiting to a signal that brings the sleeper out of sleep.

Common phrases

  • mit dem Wecker aufwachen

    wake up with the alarm clock

  • den Wecker auf 6 Uhr stellen

    set the alarm clock for 6 o'clock

Similar words

Alarm: A sound or signal announcing danger or requiring attention.
Weckruf: A phone call or call from an attendant intended to wake someone on time.
Weckton: A brief waking sound or melody made by an alarm device.

Definition in German

ein Gerät oder eine Funktion, die zu einer vorgegebenen Uhrzeit durch Lautsignal oder Vibration den Schlaf beendet.

Word origin

The noun Wecker developed from wecken, an inherited Germanic verb for waking, with -er marking something that performs an action.

Usage tips

  • German distinguishes wecken, which takes a person as its object, from aufwachen, which describes the sleeper waking up: Der Wecker weckt mich, aber ich wache auf.

Related words

  • aufweckenwake ___ upverb
  • Weckzeitwake-up timenoun

Word lists with this word