German Conversation · Level 29
89 words
German word
Ampel
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈampəl/
Meaning
- feminine nountraffic light
Example
Die Ampel ist rot.
The traffic light is red.
More examples
Vor der Ampel hielten mehrere Autos.
Several cars stopped before the traffic light.
Core concept
A fixed lamp with colored lights that tells traffic when to stop or move.
Common phrases
grüne Ampel
green light
vor der Ampel anhalten
stop before the traffic light
Ampel außer Betrieb
traffic light out of order
Similar words
Verkehrsampel: A traffic signal that controls vehicles and pedestrians with colored lights.
Rotlicht: A red signal that tells road users to stop.
Fußgängerampel: A signal that tells pedestrians when they may cross safely.
Definition in German
Ampel, die, ein optisches Signalsystem an Kreuzungen, das durch farbige Leuchten Halt oder Weiterfahren anzeigt.
Word origin
The noun goes back through Middle High German ampel to Latin ampulla, 'small vessel', whose meaning developed toward a lamp.
Usage tips
- Ampel is feminine, so standard forms include die Ampel, eine Ampel, and mehrere Ampeln.
Other meanings
- signal lightnoun
Related words
- Ampelanlagetraffic-light systemnoun
- Ampelstörungtraffic-light malfunctionnoun