der
Wecker
⏰ What exactly is a 'Wecker'?
Der Wecker (noun, masculine) is a device, usually a clock with an additional function, that gives an acoustic (or sometimes optical or haptic) signal at a preset time to wake a person up or remind them of something.
There is only this one article, 'der', for the word Wecker meaning an alarm clock. There are no common mistakes regarding the article.
- Typical forms: Analoge Wecker (analogue alarm clocks), Digitalwecker (digital alarm clocks), Radiowecker (radio alarm clocks), Handy-Wecker (mobile phone alarm function).
Article rules for der, die, and das
Devices → mostly masculine.
Caution: das Gerät
-er → mostly masculine.
1. Caution: many exceptions. 2. almost all -euer nouns are neutral. 3. There are many -er words, we don't list them all.
🧐 Grammar of 'der Wecker' in Detail
The noun "Wecker" is masculine. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Wecker |
| Genitive | des | Weckers |
| Dative | dem | Wecker |
| Accusative | den | Wecker |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Wecker |
| Genitive | der | Wecker |
| Dative | den | Weckern |
| Accusative | die | Wecker |
📝 Example Sentences
- Mein Wecker hat heute Morgen nicht geklingelt. (My alarm clock didn't ring this morning.)
- Kannst du bitte den Wecker auf 6:30 Uhr stellen? (Can you please set the alarm clock for 6:30 AM?)
- Das Geräusch des Weckers ist sehr nervig. (The sound of the alarm clock is very annoying.)
- Ich habe mehrere Wecker im Schlafzimmer verteilt. (I have several alarm clocks distributed in the bedroom.)
🗣️ How to Use 'Wecker'?
Der Wecker is mainly used in the context of waking up or being reminded of a specific time.
- Everyday language: Very common. Everyone knows and uses the word in connection with getting up in the morning. ("Ich habe den Wecker überhört." - I slept through the alarm.)
- Context: Mostly in a domestic setting (Schlafzimmer - bedroom), but also figuratively as a warning signal ("Das war ein Weckruf!" - That was a wake-up call!).
- Distinction: Eine Uhr (clock) shows the time, while a Wecker has the specific function of giving a signal. However, many clocks have an integrated alarm function. A Timer counts down a period of time, whereas a Wecker is set to a specific time of day.
💡 Mnemonics for 'der Wecker'
-
Article Mnemonic: Think of the typical user needing an alarm: Der Mann (the man) needs der Wecker. The '-er' ending often indicates masculine nouns.
-
Meaning Mnemonic: A Wecker is used for 'waking' you up. The German verb 'wecken' means 'to wake (someone) up'. The noun directly relates to the action.
🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
- Weckuhr: Slightly more old-fashioned, but clear.
- Signalgeber: More technical term, broader meaning (signal emitter).
- Alarm(funktion): Often refers to the function within another device (e.g., mobile phone).
⚠️ Similar, but different words:
- Uhr: Clock - shows the time, but doesn't necessarily have an alarm function.
- Timer / Eieruhr: Counts down a period of time (Eieruhr = egg timer).
😂 A Little Joke
DE: Warum hat der Wecker keine Freunde?
Weil er immer alle aufweckt!
EN: Why does the alarm clock have no friends?
Because it always wakes everyone up!
📜 A Poem about the 'Wecker'
DE:
Tick-tack, die Zeit verrinnt,
Der Wecker bald beginnt.
Ein Schrei durch stille Nacht,
Der Schlaf wird umgebracht.
Ob digital, ob alt,
Sein Ruf ist oft eiskalt.
Doch hilft er uns am Morgen,
Vertreibt die Schlummelsorgen.EN:
Tick-tock, time flows away,
The alarm clock soon holds sway.
A cry through silent night,
Sleep is ended by its might.
Digital or old and grey,
Its call is cold, they say.
But it helps us in the morn,
Chasing slumber's weary yawn.
❓ A Little Riddle
DE:
Ich habe ein Zifferblatt, doch bin keine Uhr allein.
Ich rufe dich laut, wenn der Schlaf soll zu Ende sein.
Man stellt mich am Abend, für den frühen Schein.
Was bin ich?
(... Der Wecker)
EN:
I have a face, but am not just a clock.
I call you loudly when sleep should stop.
You set me at night, for the morning's first knock.
What am I?
(... The alarm clock / Der Wecker)
🧩 Other Information
Word Composition:
The word "Wecker" derives from the verb "wecken" (to wake someone up). The suffix "-er" here denotes a person or a device that performs the action of the verb (similar to Bäcker from backen - baker from to bake, Lehrer from lehren - teacher from to teach).
Trivia:
- The first mechanical alarm clock is often attributed to Levi Hutchins of the USA in 1787, but he built it only for himself to wake up at 4 AM.
- The first patented alarm clock was registered by Antoine Redier in France in 1847.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Wecker?
The German word "Wecker" is masculine: der Wecker. It means alarm clock.