der  Feueralarm

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈfɔʏ̯ɐʔaˌlaʁm/

🚨 What Exactly is a Feueralarm?

A Feueralarm (der) is an acoustic or visual signal that warns of a fire and calls for evacuation. It's usually triggered by smoke detectors (Rauchmelder), heat detectors (Wärmemelder), or manually by pressing a button (Druckknopfmelder).

There are different types of fire alarms, from simple sirens to complex fire alarm systems (Brandmeldeanlagen) with voice announcements.

🧐 Grammar Spotlight: Der Feueralarm

The word "Feueralarm" is a masculine noun. Its article is 'der'. Here is the declension:

💡 Examples in Action

1. Plötzlich ertönte der Feueralarm.
   (Suddenly, the fire alarm went off.)
2. Wegen des Feueralarms mussten alle das Gebäude verlassen.
   (Because of the fire alarm, everyone had to leave the building.)
3. Folgen Sie im Brandfall dem Feueralarm und den Anweisungen.
   (In case of fire, follow the fire alarm and the instructions.)
4. Hast du den Feueralarm gehört?
   (Did you hear the fire alarm?)
5. In modernen Gebäuden gibt es oft mehrere Feueralarme.
   (In modern buildings, there are often multiple fire alarms.)

🗣️ How and When to Use "Feueralarm"?

The term Feueralarm is primarily used in the context of safety and building technology.

• In emergencies: If there's a fire or suspected fire, the Feueralarm is triggered to warn people.
• During drills: Regular fire alarm drills (also called Probealarm) are mandatory in many buildings (schools, offices) to practice evacuation.
• Technical descriptions: The term is used in technical documentation or during the installation of safety systems.

A single device that detects smoke and sounds an alarm is often more specifically called a Rauchmelder (smoke detector) or Brandmelder (fire detector). Feueralarm can refer to both the signal itself and the entire system (Brandmeldeanlage).

🧠 Mnemonics for Feueralarm

Article Mnemonic: Alarms are often loud and demand attention, like a masculine figure yelling. Think: Der Alarm! Der Feueralarm! Imagine a guy ('der') sounding the alarm.

Meaning Mnemonic: It's a compound word: Feuer (fire) + Alarm (alarm). Simple: An alarm that goes off for a fire.

🔄 Similar & Opposite: Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but Different Words:

• Rauchmelder: The device that detects smoke and often triggers the Feueralarm.
• Probealarm: A test of the fire alarm system.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Computer Angst vor dem Feueralarm?

Weil er nicht weiß, wo die "Escape"-Taste im echten Leben ist! 😄

(Why is the computer afraid of the fire alarm?

Because it doesn't know where the "Escape" key is in real life!) 😄

✒️ Poem about the Feueralarm

Ein Ton, so schrill, durchdringt die Wand,
Der Feueralarm, schnell zur Hand.
Er ruft zur Eile, mahnt zur Flucht,
Verlassen wird nun jede Bucht.
Ein Warnsignal, in Not so klar,
Schützt Leben, Jahr für Jahr.

(A sound so shrill penetrates the wall,
The fire alarm, ready for the call.
It urges haste, warns to flee,
Every corner abandoned will be.
A warning sign, in need so clear,
Protecting life, year after year.)

❓ Little Riddle

Ich habe keine Stimme, doch schreie ich sehr laut.
Ich warne vor Gefahr, wenn Rauch sich aufgebaut.
Man testet mich zur Probe, im Ernstfall rette ich dich.
Drückst du meinen Knopf, dann melde ich mich.

Was bin ich?

Lösung: Der Feueralarm

(I have no voice, yet I scream very loud.
I warn of danger when smoke forms a cloud.
They test me for practice, in emergencies I save you.
If you press my button, I make my debut.

What am I?

Answer: The Feueralarm / Fire alarm)

🧩 Additional Information

Word Composition:

The word "Feueralarm" is a compound noun, made up of:

• das Feuer: fire
• der Alarm: alarm, alert

Trivia:

• Modern fire alarm systems (moderne Feueralarmsysteme) can often notify the fire department (die Feuerwehr) directly.
• False alarms (Fehlalarme) can be annoying but are important to ensure the system is functioning.
• In Germany, smoke detectors (Rauchmelder) are legally required in private homes in most federal states.