German Phrase
Merk dir die Notrufnummern.
Meaning
‘Merk dir die Notrufnummern.’ is a friendly, informal command meaning ‘Remember the emergency numbers.’ It stresses that the listener should store the numbers in their own memory, not just write them down.
When to use
Use this phrase when giving a quick safety reminder – for example, before a road trip, during a first‑aid course, or when a newcomer moves to a German‑speaking city and needs to know the local emergency contacts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
MerkdirdieNotrufnummern.
Imperative (du) – Merk
‘Merk’ is the colloquial imperative form of the verb ‘merken’ (to remember) used with the informal ‘du’.
Reflexive dative – dir
‘dir’ is a dative reflexive pronoun that pairs with ‘merken’ when the object being remembered is internalized.
Definite article – die
‘die’ is the plural definite article for feminine nouns; here it introduces the plural noun ‘Notrufnummern’.
Plural noun – Notrufnummern
‘Notrufnummern’ (emergency numbers) is a compound noun (Notruf + Nummer) in the plural form.
🗨In Conversation
Merk dir die Notrufnummern, falls etwas passiert.
Remember the emergency numbers in case something happens.
Klar, 112 für Feuerwehr und Rettungswagen, 110 für die Polizei.
Sure, 112 for fire and ambulance, 110 for the police.
✕Common Mistakes
Merke dir die Notrufnummern.
‘Merke’ is a formal/standard imperative; ‘Merk’ is the more natural colloquial form used in everyday speech.
Merk die Notrufnummern.
The reflexive dative ‘dir’ is required with ‘merken’ when the object is internalized.
Merk dir die Notrufnummer.
‘Notrufnummer’ is usually spoken about in the plural because there are several emergency services.
↔Alternatives
Behalte die Notrufnummern im Gedächtnis.
Keep the emergency numbers in mind.
Lern dir die Notrufnummern auswendig.
Learn the emergency numbers by heart.
Schreib dir die Notrufnummern auf und merk sie dir.
Write the emergency numbers down and remember them.
Cultural Tip
In Germany the universal emergency numbers are 112 (fire brigade and ambulance) and 110 (police). Many German‑speaking countries also use 112 for all services, so it’s handy to know both. When you dial 112, the call is routed to the nearest emergency dispatch centre, regardless of whether you’re on a landline or mobile phone.