The lift is out of order. When will they repair it?
a-SHen-so-re — four syllables; stress the second; 'sc' before 'e' is soft ('sh').
Use this with neighbours or the building administrator when the lift breaks down. In Italian apartment buildings, a broken lift is a major issue — especially for elderly residents or those with young children.
Ascensore (lift/elevator) breakdowns are frequent in Italian apartment buildings with older installations. The riparazione (repair) is organised by the amministratore di condominio who contacts the manutentore dell'ascensore (lift maintenance company). Italian law requires lifts to have a maintenance contract and regular safety inspections.
L'ascensore è bloccato tra i piani.
The lift is stuck between floors.
Emergency situation; call the vigili del fuoco (fire brigade) if someone is trapped.
Ha chiamato il tecnico per l'ascensore?
Have you called the technician for the lift?
Asking the amministratore or building caretaker (portiere) about the repair status.
L'ascensore è in manutenzione per due giorni.
The lift is under maintenance for two days.
Notice of planned maintenance; often posted on a sign by the lift.
Italy has one of Europe's oldest lift stocks — many Italian apartment buildings have lifts installed in the 1950s-1970s that are still in service. The European Lift Directive and Italian DPR 162/1999 require regular maintenance contracts and periodic safety inspections. Breakdowns are common in older buildings, and the cost of replacement can trigger lengthy and contentious condominium assembly debates about funding.