German Phrase
Schau nach, ob jemand verletzt ist. Ruf 911 an. Tausche die Kontaktdaten aus. Mach Fotos.
Meaning
This phrase is a sequence of imperative instructions, typically given in an emergency or accident situation. It outlines the immediate steps one should take: assessing injuries, contacting emergency services, securing information from others involved, and documenting the scene.
When to use
Use this phrase to instruct someone on the necessary actions to take immediately after an accident, such as a car crash or a fall, where there might be injuries or property damage. It's a practical guide for ensuring safety and gathering crucial information.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Schau nach,objemandverletztist.Ruf911an.TauschedieKontaktdatenaus.MachFotos.
Imperative Verbs (Du-Form)
The phrase uses several imperative verbs in the informal singular 'du' form: 'Schau nach' (look after/check), 'Ruf an' (call), 'Tausche aus' (exchange), and 'Mach' (make/take). These are used for direct commands or instructions to a single person you know well.
Separable Verbs
Verbs like 'nachschauen' (to check), 'anrufen' (to call), and 'austauschen' (to exchange) are separable. In main clauses, the prefix ('nach-', 'an-', 'aus-') moves to the end of the sentence. In imperative sentences, the prefix also goes to the end.
Subordinate Clause with 'ob'
'ob jemand verletzt ist' is a subordinate clause introduced by 'ob' (whether/if). In such clauses, the conjugated verb ('ist') always goes to the very end of the clause.
Emergency Numbers
While '911' is used here for illustrative purposes, remember that the general emergency number in Germany and many parts of Europe is '112' for medical and fire emergencies, and '110' for the police.
🗨In Conversation
Oh mein Gott, da ist ein Unfall passiert!
Oh my God, an accident just happened!
Bleib ruhig! Schau nach, ob jemand verletzt ist. Ruf 911 an. Tausche die Kontaktdaten aus. Mach Fotos.
Stay calm! Check if anyone is injured. Call 911. Exchange contact information. Take photos.
✕Common Mistakes
Schau nach, ob jemand verletzt sein. Ruf 911 an. Tausch die Kontaktdaten aus. Mach Fotos.
The verb 'sein' (to be) should be conjugated as 'ist' in the subordinate clause 'ob jemand verletzt ist'.
Schau nach, ob jemand verletzt ist. Ruf 911 an. Tausche die Kontaktdaten aus. Mache Fotos.
While 'mache' is grammatically correct for the informal singular imperative, 'mach' is the more common and natural-sounding shortened form in spoken German.
Schau nach, ob jemand verletzt ist. Ruf 911 an. Tauscht die Kontaktdaten aus. Mach Fotos.
The imperative 'tauscht' is for the plural 'ihr' form. Since the other imperatives ('Schau', 'Ruf', 'Mach') are singular informal, 'tausche' (singular informal) should be used for consistency.
↔Alternatives
Überprüfe, ob jemand verletzt ist.
Verify if anyone is injured.
Wähle den Notruf.
Dial the emergency number.
Notiere die Daten.
Note down the details.
Mache Aufnahmen.
Take recordings/shots.
Cultural Tip
While '911' is used in the US, the general emergency number in Germany and many European countries is '112' for medical emergencies and fire, and '110' for police. When giving instructions in a German-speaking context, it's more appropriate to say 'Ruf 112 an' or 'Ruf die Polizei an'. The phrase itself emphasizes a proactive and responsible approach to accidents, which is valued in German culture.