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German Phrase

Stellst du einen Wecker?

/ˈʃtɛlst duː ˈaɪ̯nən ˈvɛkɐ/
Meaning"Are you setting an alarm?"
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Meaning

This phrase literally translates to "Are you setting an alarm clock?". It's a direct question used to inquire if someone is planning to set an alarm, typically for waking up or for a reminder. The verb "stellen" is key here, meaning "to set" or "to place" in this context.

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When to use

You would use this phrase when you want to know if someone has an alarm set, perhaps before an early morning event, a trip, or simply to ensure they wake up on time. It's a common, informal question among friends, family, or close colleagues.

✦Grammar Breakdown

StellstdueinenWecker

1

Stellst (stellen)

'Stellen' is a verb meaning 'to set' or 'to place' in this context. It's conjugated here in the second person singular ('du') present tense. It's crucial to use 'stellen' for alarms, not 'machen'.

2

du

'Du' is the informal second person singular pronoun, meaning 'you'. It's used when addressing friends, family, children, or people you know well.

3

einen

'Einen' is the masculine accusative indefinite article, meaning 'a' or 'an'. 'Wecker' is a masculine noun, and since it's the direct object of 'stellen', it takes the accusative case.

4

Wecker

'Der Wecker' is the German word for 'alarm clock'. It's a masculine noun. In this phrase, it's in the accusative case as the direct object.

5

Question Structure

In German yes/no questions, the conjugated verb ('stellst') comes first, followed by the subject ('du'), and then the rest of the sentence. This is known as V1 word order.

🗨In Conversation

A

Wir müssen morgen früh aufstehen.

We have to get up early tomorrow.

Ja, ich weiß. Stellst du einen Wecker?

Yes, I know. Are you setting an alarm?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • Machst du einen Wecker?

    While 'machen' means 'to make' or 'to do', it's incorrect for setting an alarm. The correct verb is 'stellen'.

  • Du stellst einen Wecker?

    This is a statement, not a question. For a question, the conjugated verb ('stellst') must come first.

↔Alternatives

  • Hast du einen Wecker gestellt?

    Have you set an alarm?

  • Stellst du dir einen Wecker?

    Are you setting an alarm for yourself?

  • Brauchst du einen Wecker?

    Do you need an alarm?

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Cultural Tip

Germans are generally known for their punctuality, and setting an alarm is a common practice to ensure timely arrival. This question is very direct, which is typical in German communication. There's no need for elaborate pleasantries when asking such a straightforward question, especially in informal contexts.