die  Entwarnung

C1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ɛntˈvaʁnʊŋ/

🚨 What exactly does "die Entwarnung" mean?

Die Entwarnung is a German noun that refers to the official signal or announcement that a previously reported danger or threat is over. It's the "all-clear" signal.

Imagine a siren wailing because of a severe storm (that's the Warnung - warning). When the danger has passed and the siren plays a different tone, or an announcement confirms everything is safe again – that is die Entwarnung. It cancels the previous warning and signals that you can relax again.

There is only one article for this word: die Entwarnung. It is always feminine.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar in Detail: die Entwarnung

The word "Entwarnung" is a feminine noun. It's primarily used in the singular form, as it often describes a specific event or signal. The plural ("die Entwarnungen") is grammatically possible but rarely used.

Example Sentences

1. Nach dem Sturm gab es endlich die Entwarnung im Radio.
   (After the storm, the all-clear was finally given on the radio.)
2. Wir warteten sehnsüchtig auf die Entwarnung durch die Behörden.
   (We waited anxiously for the all-clear from the authorities.)
3. Nach stundenlanger Unsicherheit erfolgte die Entwarnung: Der verdächtige Gegenstand war harmlos.
   (After hours of uncertainty, the all-clear was given: The suspicious object was harmless.)
4. Manchmal gibt es auch im übertragenen Sinne eine Entwarnung, z.B. nach einer beunruhigenden medizinischen Untersuchung.
   (Sometimes there's also an all-clear in a figurative sense, e.g., after worrying medical results.)

🗣️ How to use "Entwarnung"?

"Entwarnung" is mostly used in official or semi-official contexts when an acute danger has passed. Typical situations include:

• Natural disasters: After storms, floods, earthquakes, etc. (e.g., "Die Behörden gaben für die Küstenregion Entwarnung." - The authorities gave the all-clear for the coastal region.)
• Technical failures: After chemical spills, fires, power outages (e.g., "Nach der Reparatur der Leitung kam die Entwarnung für das Trinkwasser." - After the pipe was repaired, the all-clear was given for the drinking water.)
• Security situations: After bomb threats, active shooter incidents (rare, but possible), or historically, after air raids.
• Figurative meaning: Sometimes used metaphorically when tension or worry subsides (e.g., "Nach den guten Prüfungsergebnissen gab der Lehrer Entwarnung." - After the good exam results, the teacher gave the all-clear. or "Der Arzt konnte nach der Untersuchung Entwarnung geben." - The doctor could give the all-clear after the examination.)

Important Contrast: The opposite is the Warnung (warning) or der Alarm (alarm). First comes the warning (danger!), then hopefully the Entwarnung (danger over!).

The phrase "Entwarnung geben" (to give the all-clear) is very common.

🧠 Mnemonics for Entwarnung

1. For the article 'die': Think of 'die' as in 'the danger will die'. The all-clear (Entwarnung) confirms this, so it's die Entwarnung.

2. For the meaning: The word starts with 'Ent-', which often indicates reversal or removal (like 'de-' or 'un-' in English). It signifies the End of the Warnung (warning). So: Ent-warnung = End of warning = All-clear.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Caution: "Beruhigung" isn't always an exact synonym. Entwarnung is a specific signal, while Beruhigung is a general state or action of calming.

😄 A Little Joke

Fragt die eine Sirene die andere: "Hast du heute schon geheult?"
Sagt die andere: "Nein, ich warte noch auf die Entwarnung von gestern!"

Translation: One siren asks the other: "Have you wailed today yet?"
The other says: "No, I'm still waiting for yesterday's all-clear signal!"

📜 Poem about the All-Clear

Erst schrill der Ton, die Angst, sie kroch,
Versteckt im Keller, zitternd noch.
Dann Stille erst, ein Warten bang,
Bis endlich neuer Klang erklang.
Ein langer Ton, so klar und rein,
Die Entwarnung, es darf nun sein!
Die Tür geht auf, das Licht scheint hell,
Gefahr gebannt, vorbei und schnell.

Translation:
First the shrill tone, fear did creep,
Hidden in the cellar, trembling deep.
Then silence first, an anxious wait,
Until at last, a new sound met its fate.
A long tone, so clear and pure,
The all-clear, now life can endure!
The door opens, the light shines bright,
Danger averted, passed in the night.

❓ Riddle

Ich komme nach der großen Not,
Vertreibe Furcht und auch Bedroh'.
Mein Signal beendet Leid und Pein,
Was mag ich wohl nur sein?

Translation:
I come after the great distress,
I drive away fear and threat, no less.
My signal ends suffering and pain,
What might I possibly be then?

Solution: die Entwarnung (the all-clear)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition:

• Ent-: A prefix often indicating cancellation, removal, or reversal (like 'de-' or 'un-' in English, compare German entfernen - to remove, entkräften - to weaken, entzaubern - to disenchant).
• Warnung: The noun for 'warning'.

Together, "Entwarnung" literally means the "cancellation of the warning".

Cultural Significance: In countries with well-established civil defense systems (like Germany, Austria, Switzerland), the signals for warning and all-clear (often via sirens) are part of collective knowledge, even if rarely heard in everyday life.