German Phrase
Ruf sofort 911 an, wenn jemand schwer verletzt ist.
Meaning
This sentence tells someone to dial the emergency number 911 right away in case a person has a serious injury. It combines a direct command with a conditional clause that explains the situation that triggers the action.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to give clear, urgent instructions during an accident or medical emergency, especially when speaking to a by‑stander who can call for help.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Rufsofort911an,wennjemandschwerverletztist.
Imperative (Ruf)
Use the verb stem 'ruf' for the du‑imperative of 'rufen' to give a direct command.
Separable verb prefix (anrufen)
‘anrufen’ splits in the main clause: the prefix ‘an’ moves to the end of the clause.
Temporal clause (wenn … ist)
The ‘wenn’ clause is a subordinate clause; the verb ‘ist’ goes to the end.
Adverb placement (sofort)
Adverbs of time like ‘sofort’ are placed directly after the verb in the imperative.
Comma usage
German requires a comma before a subordinate clause introduced by ‘wenn’.
🗨In Conversation
Ruf sofort 911 an, wenn jemand schwer verletzt ist.
Call 911 immediately if someone is seriously injured.
Ja, ich rufe jetzt an.
Yes, I’m calling right now.
✕Common Mistakes
Rufe sofort 911 an, wenn jemand schwer verletzt ist.
‘Rufe’ is the ich‑form; the correct du‑imperative is ‘Ruf’.
Ruf sofort 911 an, wenn jemand schwer verletzt sind.
The verb must agree with the singular subject ‘jemand’; use ‘ist’, not ‘sind’.
Ruf sofort 911 an wenn jemand schwer verletzt ist.
A comma is required before the ‘wenn’ clause in standard German punctuation.
↔Alternatives
Ruf sofort den Notruf 112 an, wenn jemand schwer verletzt ist.
Call the emergency number 112 immediately if someone is seriously injured.
Ruf sofort die Rettung, wenn jemand schwer verletzt ist.
Call the rescue service immediately if someone is seriously injured.
Ruf sofort den Krankenwagen, wenn jemand schwer verletzt ist.
Call an ambulance right away if someone is seriously injured.
Cultural Tip
In German‑speaking countries the official emergency number is 112, not 911. If you’re in the United States, 911 is correct, but when practicing German it’s more natural to use 112. Also, German speakers often say ‘Ruf den Notruf an’ or ‘Ruf den Rettungsdienst’ to be explicit about the service you need.