German Phrase
Ruf sofort den Notruf an.
Meaning
A direct command telling someone to dial the emergency number right away. It conveys urgency and is used when a dangerous or life‑threatening situation occurs.
When to use
Use this phrase in an emergency—fire, accident, medical crisis, or any situation where immediate help from police, fire brigade, or ambulance is needed. It is the informal way to instruct a friend, family member, or colleague to call for help.
✦Grammar Breakdown
RufsofortdenNotrufan
Imperativ Singular
‘Ruf’ is the singular informal imperative of the verb ‘rufen’. It is used when giving a direct command to ‘you’ (du).
Trennbares Verb ‘anrufen’
‘anrufen’ is a separable verb; in the imperative the prefix ‘an’ moves to the end of the clause: ‘Ruf … an’. The core meaning is ‘to call (by phone)’.
Akkusativobjekt
‘den Notruf’ is in the accusative case because it is the direct object of the verb ‘anrufen’.
Adverb Position
‘sofort’ (immediately) is placed directly after the verb in the imperative, before the object.
🗨In Conversation
Ein Feuer brennt im Wohnzimmer!
A fire is burning in the living room!
Ruf sofort den Notruf an.
Call the emergency number right away.
✕Common Mistakes
Rufe sofort den Notruf an.
‘Rufe’ is the polite (Sie) imperative; with a friend you need the informal ‘Ruf’.
Ruf sofort den Notruf anrufen.
‘anrufen’ already contains the prefix ‘an’; adding it again creates a double verb.
Ruf sofort den Notrufnummer an.
If you use ‘Notrufnummer’, the article must match the noun’s gender: ‘die Notrufnummer’ (accusative).
Ruf den Notruf sofort an.
The adverb ‘sofort’ should stay before the object, not after it.
↔Alternatives
Ruf sofort die Notrufnummer an.
Call the emergency number immediately.
Ruf sofort den Rettungsdienst an.
Call the ambulance right away.
Ruf sofort die Polizei an.
Call the police right away.
Cultural Tip
In Germany, Austria and Switzerland the universal emergency number is 112. It works for fire, ambulance and police services. When you say ‘Notruf’, people will automatically think of dialing 112. In informal speech you can also say ‘Ruf die 112 an.’ Remember to stay calm and give the operator clear information about the location and nature of the emergency.