German word

Hauptstraße

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈhaʊ̯ptˌʃtʁaːsə/

Meaning

  • feminine nounmain street

Example

Die Hauptstraße ist heute gesperrt.

The main street is closed today.

Illustration for Hauptstraße (main street)

More examples

Fahr nicht auf der Hauptstraße, nimm besser eine Nebenstraße.

Don't drive on the main street; take a side street instead.

Core concept

A broad route forming the main traffic spine through a town.

Common phrases

  • auf der Hauptstraße fahren

    drive on the main street

  • die Hauptstraße entlanggehen

    walk along the main street

Similar words

Straße: A general road in a town or city.
Allee: A scenic avenue lined with trees on both sides.
Ringstraße: A major ring road encircling the city center.
Fußgängerzone: A pedestrian-only area, often a shopping street, closed to cars.

Definition in German

Eine Straßenbezeichnung für die Hauptverkehrsachse einer Stadt oder Gemeinde.

Word origin

Hauptstraße is a compound of German Haupt, meaning main or chief, and Straße, meaning street; Straße ultimately comes from Latin strata, a paved road.

Usage tips

  • Hauptstraße is a feminine noun, so the standard article is die and the plural is Hauptstraßen.

Other meanings

  • major roadnoun
  • arterial roadnoun

Opposites

  • Nebenstraßeside streetnoun
  • Gassealleynoun

Related words

  • Hauptverkehrsstraßearterial roadnoun
  • Hauptbahnhofcentral stationnoun

Word lists with this word