die  Notbremse

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈnoːtbʁɛmzə/

🛑 What does 'die Notbremse' mean?

Die Notbremse is a feminine noun and primarily refers to two things:

1. In a technical sense: A device (usually a lever or button) in vehicles like trains, subways, or buses, used to bring the vehicle to a stop as quickly as possible in case of imminent danger. 🚂💨🛑 It's the emergency brake.
2. In a figurative sense: A drastic measure or decision taken to abruptly stop or significantly curb an undesirable development, process, or situation. This is often used in political or economic contexts. 🏛️📉✋ It means pulling the plug or taking a drastic measure.

🚨 Attention: Misusing the technical Notbremse is punishable by law!

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar of 'die Notbremse' in Detail

The word "Notbremse" is a feminine noun. The correct article is die.

Example Sentences

• Wegen Rauchentwicklung im Waggon zog jemand die Notbremse.
  (Due to smoke in the carriage, someone pulled the emergency brake.)
• Die Regierung diskutierte, ob sie zur Eindämmung der Pandemie die Notbremse ziehen sollte.
  (The government discussed whether to pull the emergency brake [apply drastic measures] to contain the pandemic.)
• Der Lokführer erklärte die Funktion der Notbremse.
  (The train driver explained the function of the emergency brake.)
• In vielen Beziehungen muss man manchmal die Notbremse ziehen, bevor es zu spät ist.
  (In many relationships, one sometimes has to pull the emergency brake [end it abruptly] before it's too late.)

🗣️ How to use 'die Notbremse'?

The term "Notbremse" is used in various contexts:

• Traffic/Transport: In relation to trains, buses, escalators, etc., it always refers to the safety mechanism for stopping. Use is only permitted in genuine emergencies.
• Politics/Economy: Here, it's a metaphor for drastic measures to stop negative trends (e.g., rising infection rates, economic crises). Example: The "Corona-Notbremse" (Corona emergency brake laws in Germany).
• Personal Life: One can also figuratively "die Notbremse ziehen" (pull the emergency brake) when ending an unhealthy situation or relationship, or stopping a risky venture.

Compared to synonyms like Alarmbremse (technically very similar), Notbremse emphasizes the aspect of necessity and urgency (acting out of 'Not' - distress, need). In the figurative sense, it's stronger than, for example, "einen Riegel vorschieben" (to put a stop to something), as it implies an abrupt halt.

🧠 Mnemonics for 'die Notbremse'

For the article 'die': Think of die Sirene (the siren), die Gefahr (the danger), die Hilfe (the help) - these feminine words are often associated with emergency situations, just like die Notbremse. Or simply remember: Die Bremse (the brake) is feminine, so die Notbremse is too.

For the meaning: Imagine you are in great Not (need, distress) 🆘 and urgently need a Bremse (brake) ✋ to prevent something worse – that's die Notbremse, both on a train and figuratively.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar words: Be careful with Handbremse (handbrake) – this is usually used to secure a stationary vehicle, not primarily for stopping from high speed in an emergency.

😄 A little joke

Fragt der Lehrer: "Fritzchen, warum kommst du schon wieder zu spät?"
Fritzchen: "Ich musste im Bus die Notbremse ziehen!"
Lehrer: "Wirklich? Was war denn los?"
Fritzchen: "Mir ist mein Pausenbrot aus dem Fenster gefallen!"

Teacher asks: "Fritzchen, why are you late again?"
Fritzchen: "I had to pull the emergency brake on the bus!"
Teacher: "Really? What happened?"
Fritzchen: "My sandwich fell out the window!"

📜 Poem about the Notbremse

Im Zug, ganz rot und gut sichtbar,
hängt sie da, Jahr für Jahr.
Die Notbremse, für den Fall der Fälle,
stoppt die Fahrt an jeder Stelle.

Auch im Leben, schnell und laut,
wenn sich Unheil zusammenbraut,
zieht man sie, mit fester Hand,
bringt den Wahnsinn zum Stillstand.

---
On the train, bright red and clear to see,
It hangs there, for eternity (well, year by year).
The emergency brake, just in case,
Stops the journey in any place.

In life too, fast and loud,
When trouble gathers like a cloud,
You pull it firmly, understand?
Bringing madness to a stand.

❓ Riddle

Ich hänge im Zug, doch fahr nicht mit.
Ich stoppe alles, Schritt für Schritt.
Man zieht mich nur in größter Not,
sonst droht ein Bußgeld-Angebot.

Im übertragenen Sinn werd' ich gebraucht,
wenn eine schlechte Entwicklung faucht.
Ich bringe Stillstand, schaffe Ruh'.
Sag schnell, wer bin ich denn, na du?

---
I hang in the train, but don't travel along.
I stop everything, where things go wrong.
You only pull me in greatest need,
Or else a fine is guaranteed.

In a figurative sense, I am applied,
When a bad development can't be denied.
I bring standstill, create peace anew.
Tell me quickly, who am I, yes you?

(Solution: die Notbremse / the emergency brake)

🧩 Other Information

Word Composition:

The word "Notbremse" is a compound noun, composed of:

• Not (noun): Signifies hardship, danger, need, or emergency.
• Bremse (noun): A device for slowing down or stopping a vehicle or machine (a brake).

Cultural Context:

The term "Notbremse" gained significant prominence in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic. It referred to legally mandated, automatic measures (like curfews, shop closures) that took effect when certain infection incidence rates were exceeded.