Alarm
/aˈlaʁm/
The English phrase 'alarm' is translated into German as Alarm.
The word refers to a mechanical contrivance used for awaking. Related verbal phrases include in Alarmstimmung versetzen, which means to keep in excitement. To disturb and alarmieren, which means to surprise with apprehension of danger.
Meaning: mechanical contrivance for awaking (noun)
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
Alarm is a masculine noun, used with the definite article der Alarm. The plural form is Alarme.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈlaʁm/
Did you know?
- The German word Alarm is a 'doublet' of the word Lärm, which means 'noise'. This means they both originate from the same root but evolved into different words with different meanings.
- While 'Alarm' can mean a wake-up call, the more common way to refer to a clock-based alarm is to use the word Wecker, which literally translates to 'waker'.
- Unlike in English where 'alarm' can mean 'fear', the German Alarm refers specifically to the signal or the state of alert, not the internal feeling of being afraid.
Examples in context
- Tom hörte den Alarm.Tom heard the alarm.This sentence shows how to use Alarm to describe something being heard.Tatoeba #7360301 by Yorwba, translation #1177592 by CK
- Schalte den Alarm aus.Turn off the alarm.This sentence demonstrates a command to turn off the Alarm.Tatoeba #1315432 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #323809 by CK
- War wohl falscher Alarm.It was probably a false alarm.This sentence illustrates the phrase for a false Alarm.Tatoeba #3777156 by brauchinet, translation #11023237 by sundown
- Der Einbruch wurde durch die Alarmanlage sofort gemeldet.The break-in was immediately reported by the alarm system.
- Stell deinen Wecker, damit du morgen rechtzeitig aufwachst.Set your alarm clock so you wake up on time tomorrow.
- 27 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lukas and Hannah are waking up in the morning.
- LukasHast du den Alarm gehört?Did you hear the alarm?
- HannahJa, aber ich bin noch müde.Yes, but I am still tired.
- LukasIch stelle den Alarm morgen später.I will set the alarm later tomorrow.
- HannahDas wäre eine gute Idee, Lukas.That would be a good idea, Lukas.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry Alarm, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Alarm, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
