Translation of German word "Autobahn" to English
dieAutobahn
/ˈaʊtoːbaːn/
Meaning
NounA highway with grade-separated crossings (rather than level crossings) and designed (and only permitted) for high-speed motor-traffic (in Europe motor vehicles with a higher speed limit than 40 km/h) running in two directions on one separate carriageway each.
How to use
The feminine noun Autobahn ('motorway / highway / freeway') is a compound of Auto (car) and Bahn (rail/track). Plural is Autobahnen. Note: the source translation is 'road for cars' (автомобильная дорога), which is too general; Autobahn specifically denotes motorways/highways. In Germany, they are famous for having no general speed limit on many stretches.
🇬🇧 English
motorway
Example
Die Autobahn führt nach Berlin.
The autobahn leads to Berlin.
Die Autobahn führt direkt nach Berlin.
The highway leads directly to Berlin.
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Common phrases
- auf der Autobahn— on the highway / motorway (dative location)
- Autobahnausfahrt— highway exit (related compound)
- Autobahnnetz— highway network (related)
📖 Related grammar
Frequency rank: #392 in German
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the definition of the German word "die Autobahn"?▼
The German word "die Autobahn" is defined as: "A highway with grade-separated crossings (rather than level crossings) and designed (and only permitted) for high-speed motor-traffic (in Europe motor vehicles with a higher speed limit than 40 km/h) running in two directions on one separate carriageway each."
What does the German word "die Autobahn" mean?▼
The German word "die Autobahn" means "motorway" in English.
How do you pronounce the German word "Autobahn"?▼
You can hear the correct audio pronunciation of the word "Autobahn" by clicking the play button next to the word at the top of this page.
Can I see an example sentence with "Autobahn"?▼
Yes, here is a practical example: "Die Autobahn ist eine schnelle Straße." (which translates as "The autobahn leads to Berlin.").
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