Rookalarm

Rookalarm is the Dutch term for an alarm clock, a device that signals a predetermined time and is traditionally used to wake a person or to remind them of an appointment. A rookalarm typically consists of a timekeeping display, an alarm mechanism, and a means of producing an audible alert. It may also include features such as snooze, volume control, a backlight, or a secondary display.

There are several types of rookalarm commonly found. Mechanical or wind-up clocks use a spring-driven mechanism to trigger bells or a buzzer at set times. Electric and digital clocks rely on mains power or batteries and often offer more flexibility, such as multiple alarms, radio or music playback, or voice announcements. Some models are radio-controlled or synchronized with the internet to maintain accurate time.

In daily use, rookalarms compete with smartphones and smart assistants as wake-up devices. Despite the proliferation of mobile alarms, traditional alarm clocks remain popular for their dedicated function, reliability, and independence from a phone. Modern rookalarms may include features intended to ease waking, such as gradual alarm volumes, sunrise-like light, or integration with calendars and weather information.

Historically, alarm functions emerged in mechanical clocks in earlier centuries and became common in household clocks by the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, the term rookalarm covers both classic mechanical devices and contemporary electronic and smart-home variants, all designed to provide a controlled signal at a chosen time.