noun
emergency call, distress call
B1
Notruf: a masculine noun meaning 'emergency call' or 'distress call', commonly used for urgent phone calls to services (e.g. 112). Plural Notrufe. Note: it's a noun (der Notruf); regular plural -e. No specific preposition required; context determines case and article.
Examples
Die Nachbarn wählten den Notruf, als Rauch aus dem Fenster aufstieg.
The neighbors dialed the emergency number when smoke rose from the window.
Der Notruf ging bei der Polizei um 3 Uhr morgens ein.
The emergency call was received by the police at 3 a.m.
Sie tätigten einen Notruf, nachdem sie den Unfall bemerkt hatten.
They placed a distress call after they noticed the accident.
Details
Mnemonics
Picture someone dialing on a phone with the label 'Notruf' to remember emergency call.
Notruf sounds like 'note roof' — imagine writing a note on a roof to signal for help (distress call).
Der Notruf is masculine — imagine a loud, strong radio 'ruf' (call) that sounds masculine to remember 'der'.
Notes
Notruf refers to an emergency telephone call or signal. It is often used in contexts involving police, fire brigade, or ambulance services.