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German Phrase

Wolltest du einen Weckruf?

/ˈvɔl.t͡st du ˈaɪ.nən ˈvɛk.ʁuːf/
Meaning"Did you want a wake‑up call?"
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Meaning

The sentence asks whether the listener wanted a wake‑up call, usually in the context of a hotel or a morning routine. It refers to a phone call or alarm that is arranged in advance to help someone get up at a specific time.

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When to use

Use this question when you are confirming a previous request for a wake‑up call, for example after a guest has just checked in, or when you are checking if a friend still wants you to call them at a certain hour.

✦Grammar Breakdown

WolltestdueinenWeckruf?

1

Wolltest (Präteritum of wollen)

‘Wolltest’ is the simple past (Präteritum) form of the modal verb ‘wollen’, used to ask about a desire in the past.

2

Word order with modal verbs

In a yes‑no question the finite verb (wolltest) moves to the first position, followed by the subject (du).

3

Accusative case ‘einen’

‘Weckruf’ is a masculine noun, so the indefinite article changes to ‘einen’ in the accusative.

4

Weckruf (noun)

‘Weckruf’ literally means ‘wake‑up call’; it is a compound noun (Weck‑ + ‑ruf).

🗨In Conversation

A

Wolltest du einen Weckruf für 7 Uhr?

Did you want a wake‑up call for 7 a.m.?

Ja, bitte. Ich muss früh zum Flughafen.

Yes, please. I have to get up early for the airport.

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Willst du einen Weckruf?

    ‘Willst’ is present tense; the sentence asks about a past desire, so ‘wolltest’ is needed.

  • Wolltest du ein Weckruf?

    ‘Weckruf’ is masculine, so the accusative indefinite article must be ‘einen’, not ‘ein’.

  • Wolltest du Weckruf?

    The noun needs its article; omitting it sounds unnatural.

↔Alternatives

  • Möchtest du einen Weckruf?

    Would you like a wake‑up call?

  • Hättest du gern einen Weckruf?

    Would you like to have a wake‑up call?

  • Willst du einen Weckruf?

    Do you want a wake‑up call?

de

Cultural Tip

In German hotels a ‘Weckruf’ is a standard service – you simply tell the reception the time you want to be called. Outside of hospitality, the phrase can be used humorously, e.g., ‘Ich brauche einen Weckruf, um aufzustehen!’ (I need a wake‑up call to get out of bed). Remember that ‘Weckruf’ is masculine (der Weckruf), so the correct article in the accusative is ‘einen’.