der  Hilferuf

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈhɪlfəʁuːf/

🆘 What Exactly is a Hilferuf?

The German noun Hilferuf (masculine, article 'der') means a cry for help or an urgent appeal in an emergency situation. It's an expression of desperation, fear, or danger, aiming to get support or rescue.

The word is composed of:

• Hilfe (die Hilfe - help)
• Ruf (der Ruf - call, cry)

There is only this one meaning and the article 'der'. 🚨 It's important to take a real Hilferuf seriously.

🧐 Grammar: Declining 'der Hilferuf'

The noun 'Hilferuf' is masculine. Here are the declension tables:

📝 Example Sentences

• Plötzlich hörten wir einen lauten Hilferuf aus dem Wald. (Suddenly we heard a loud cry for help from the forest.)
• Der letzte Eintrag im Logbuch war ein verzweifelter Hilferuf. (The last entry in the logbook was a desperate cry for help.)
• Die Seenotrettung reagierte sofort auf den Hilferuf des Schiffes. (The sea rescue service reacted immediately to the ship's distress call.)
• Ihre Augen spiegelten einen stummen Hilferuf wider. (Her eyes reflected a silent cry for help.)

🗣️ How to Use 'Hilferuf'?

A Hilferuf is typically used in situations signaling immediate danger or great distress.

• Concrete Emergencies: When someone is in physical danger (e.g., accident, assault, fire, drowning). Example: Sein Hilferuf hallte durch die Schlucht. (His cry for help echoed through the canyon.)
• Figurative Meaning: Also used metaphorically for an urgent appeal during psychological distress, financial difficulties, or other crises. Example: Ihr Brief war ein einziger Hilferuf. (Her letter was one long cry for help.)
• Difference from 'Bitte': A Hilferuf is more urgent and emotionally charged than a simple request (Bitte) for help. It implies a serious situation.
• Difference from 'Notruf': A Notruf is often the formal reporting of an emergency to an official body (police, fire department - like dialing 911 or 112), whereas a Hilferuf is the direct, often spontaneous shout or appeal itself.

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of der Ruf (the call). When you need Hilfe (help), you make a Ruf (call). And 'Ruf' is masculine, so it's der Hilferuf.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone shouting loudly: "Hilfe!" (Help!). This Ruf (call) for Hilfe (help) is the Hilferuf (cry for help).

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms of Hilferuf

⚠️ Caution: A 'Schrei' (scream) is not always a 'Hilferuf'. Context is crucial.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Computer einen Hilferuf gesendet?
Weil er zu viele Fenster offen hatte und frische Luft brauchte! 😉

(Why did the computer send a cry for help?
Because it had too many windows open and needed some fresh air!)

📜 A Short Poem

Ein Ton durchbricht die Stille,
getragen von des Windes Wille.
Kein Lied, kein Lachen, klar und rein,
es muss ein Hilferuf wohl sein.
Ein Herz in Not, in Angst und Pein,
hört jemand diesen Notschrei? Fein!

(A sound breaks through the silence,
Carried by the wind's will.
No song, no laughter, clear and pure,
It must surely be a cry for help.
A heart in need, in fear and pain,
Does anyone hear this distress call? Good!)

❓ Riddle Time

Ich bin ein Klang, doch keine Musik.
Ich komme aus Not, nicht aus Glück.
Man hört mich laut in Schreck und Pein,
um Rettung fleh' ich, groß und klein.

Was bin ich?

(I am a sound, but not music.
I come from need, not from luck.
You hear me loud in fright and pain,
For rescue I plead, large and small.

What am I?) (Answer: Der Hilferuf / The cry for help)

🧩 Word Components & Trivia

The term 'Hilferuf' is a compound noun (Kompositum) made of two German nouns:

• die Hilfe: help, assistance, aid
• der Ruf: call, cry, shout; also reputation

The determining word 'Hilfe' describes the purpose of the base word 'Ruf'. So, it's a call ('Ruf') whose purpose ('Hilfe') is to get help. Interestingly, the compound word takes the gender/article of the base word ('der Ruf' -> 'der Hilferuf').