German word

Asphalt

Pronunciation

IPA/asˈfalt/

Meaning

  • masculine nounasphalt

Example

Der Asphalt der Straße ist neu.

The asphalt on the road is new.

Illustration for Asphalt (asphalt)

More examples

An heißen Tagen roch man den Asphalt deutlich.

On hot days, the asphalt had a noticeable smell.

Core concept

A black road layer in which sticky bitumen holds a mass of mineral stones together.

Common phrases

  • Asphaltbelag

    asphalt surfacing

  • frischer Asphalt

    fresh asphalt

  • auf Asphalt laufen

    walk on asphalt

Similar words

Bitumen: A black, highly viscous petroleum material used in paving and waterproofing roofs.
Teer: A black, oily substance from burning stone or wood, once used for roads and waterproofing.
Pflaster: A paved surface made by arranging stones or blocks, often on paths and squares.
Belag: A general covering layer on a floor or road surface.

Definition in German

Gemisch aus Bitumen und Gesteinskörnung, das als Belag für Straßen und Wege dient.

Word origin

The German noun is a borrowing through French asphalte, ultimately related to Latin asphaltum and Greek asphaltos for natural bitumen.

Usage tips

  • German distinguishes Asphalt from Teer, which means tar; the two materials are not interchangeable terms.

Opposites

  • Kopfsteinpflastercobblestone pavingnoun
  • Kiesgravelnoun

Related words

  • asphaltierenpave with asphaltverb
  • Asphaltierungasphaltingnoun
  • asphaltiertasphaltedadjective

Word lists with this word