German Conversation · Level 26
90 words
German word
Autobahn
Pronunciation
IPA/ˈaʊ̯toˌbaːn/
Meaning
- feminine nounfreeway
Example
Auf der Autobahn darf man manchmal sehr schnell fahren.
On the freeway, you can sometimes drive very fast.
More examples
Bei Baustellen auf der Autobahn wird die Geschwindigkeit oft reduziert.
Speed is often reduced at construction sites on the freeway.
Core concept
A separated high-speed road links distant places through long stretches of country, with access limited to motor vehicles.
Common phrases
auf der Autobahn
on the freeway
die Autobahn benutzen
use the freeway
Autobahnausfahrt
freeway exit
Similar words
Bundesstraße: A major public road connecting towns and regions, usually marked with a B number.
Ausfahrt: An exit from a motorway or major road, or the sign directing traffic to it.
Richtung: The direction or destination indicated for continuing a journey.
Landstraße: A general rural road connecting towns and villages, usually with one or two lanes.
Definition in German
Autobahn ist eine speziell gebaute Schnellstraße, die nur für motorisierte Fahrzeuge freigegeben ist und Fußgänger sowie Radverkehr ausschließt.
Word origin
The compound Autobahn joins Auto, short for Automobil, with Bahn, which originally referred to a path, route, or track.
Usage tips
- The usual phrase is auf der Autobahn, using the dative after auf for a location; movement onto the road takes auf die Autobahn.
Other meanings
- autobahnnoun
- motorwaynoun
Opposites
- Landstraßecountry roadnoun
- Bundesstraßefederal highwaynoun
Related words
- Autobahnnetzfreeway networknoun
- Autobahnausfahrtfreeway exitnoun
- Autobahnraststättefreeway service areanoun