German word

Kollision

Pronunciation

IPA/kɔliˈzi̯oːn/

Meaning

  • feminine nouncollision

Example

Beim Einparken kam es zu einer Kollision.

There was a collision while parking.

Illustration for Kollision (collision)

More examples

Trotz vorsichtigen Fahrens ließ sich eine Kollision nicht immer vermeiden.

Even when driving carefully, a collision could not always be avoided.

Core concept

Two moving forces meet at one point, whether they are vehicles or opposing interests.

Common phrases

  • eine Kollision vermeiden

    avoid a collision

  • in eine Kollision verwickelt sein

    be involved in a collision

Similar words

Zusammenstoß: A forceful impact between two or more objects or people, causing damage.
Unfall: An unexpected event that causes harm to people or property.
Aufprall: The forceful impact of one object against another.
Stoß: A brief, strong impact or thrust caused by applied force.

Definition in German

Plötzliches, heftiges Aufeinandertreffen von Körpern oder Fahrzeugen; auch bildlich für das Aufeinandertreffen widersprechender Meinungen oder Interessen.

Word origin

Kollision comes from Latin collisio, from collidere, meaning "to strike together," and entered German as a learned borrowing.

Usage tips

  • Kollision sounds more formal than everyday Unfall or Zusammenstoß when describing a vehicle accident.

Other meanings

  • crashnoun
  • clashnoun

Related words

  • kollidierencollideverb
  • Kollisionsvermeidungcollision avoidancenoun

Word lists with this word