German Phrase
Der Alarm ist laut.
Meaning
This phrase is a direct statement used to describe the high volume of an alert signal. It follows the standard German subject-verb-adjective structure, making it a perfect example for beginners learning basic descriptions.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to comment on the volume of a smoke detector, a car alarm, or a wake-up call. It is suitable for both formal and informal situations where a noise is noticeable or disruptive.
✦Grammar Breakdown
DerAlarmistlaut
Der (Article)
This is the masculine definite article in the nominative case, identifying the subject of the sentence.
ist (Verb)
The third-person singular form of the verb 'sein' (to be), used here to link the subject to a quality.
laut (Adjective)
In German, predicate adjectives (adjectives following the verb) are indeclinable and do not change based on gender or number.
🗨In Conversation
Hörst du das? Der Alarm ist laut.
Do you hear that? The alarm is loud.
Ja, ich glaube, es ist eine Übung.
Yes, I think it is a drill.
✕Common Mistakes
Die Alarm ist laut.
Alarm is a masculine noun in German, so it must be used with the article 'der' rather than 'die'.
Der Alarm ist laute.
When an adjective follows the verb 'sein' (to be) as a predicate, it does not take any grammatical endings.
↔Alternatives
Der Alarm ist sehr laut.
The alarm is very loud.
Das Signal ist laut.
The signal is loud.
Der Wecker ist laut.
The alarm clock is loud.
Cultural Tip
In Germany, there are strict laws regarding noise levels during 'Ruhezeit' (quiet hours), typically between 10 PM and 6 AM. While safety alarms are exempt from these rules, describing one as 'laut' is a common way to express that it is functioning effectively or is particularly annoying.