01
die Abfahrt
departure
The time or act of leaving a place by a vehicle such as a train, bus, or ship.
example
Die Abfahrt des Zuges nach Berlin ist pünktlich um 14:32 Uhr.
The departure of the train to Berlin is right on time at 2:32 p.m.
die Abfahrt
departure / exit
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Meanings
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Usage tips
Word family
'Die Abfahrt' (departure/exit) is the noun form of the separable verb 'abfahren' (to depart/drive off). It describes the act of leaving or a place where one exits from a main route.
EXAMPLE
Wir müssen jetzt los, damit wir pünktlich abfahren.
We need to leave now so that we depart on time.
Context: travel
In connection with trains, buses, or ships, 'Abfahrt' refers to the exact time when the journey begins. On timetables, it often appears next to 'Ankunft' (arrival).
EXAMPLE
Bitte beachten Sie die geänderte Zeit für die Abfahrt des Busses.
Please note the changed time for the bus departure.
Context: driving
On the motorway, 'die Abfahrt' is the exit, meaning the road that leads away from the motorway. A typical phrase is 'die nächste Abfahrt nehmen' (to take the next exit).
EXAMPLE
Wir haben unsere Abfahrt verpasst und müssen jetzt umdrehen.
We missed our exit and now have to turn around.
Context: winter sports
In sports, especially in winter, 'die Abfahrt' is a discipline in skiing. It refers to skiing quickly down a slope.
EXAMPLE
Der Skifahrer stürzte bei der Abfahrt und verletzte sich am Knie.
The skier crashed during the downhill race and injured his knee.
Compare with
Abfahrt vs Start
start
'der Start' and 'die Abfahrt' can both have to do with the beginning of a trip or journey. 'der Start' is more general and can mean the beginning of a journey, a race, or an activity. 'die Abfahrt' is more specific when a vehicle leaves a place, for example a train, bus, or ship. Learners may confuse the words because both occur in travel contexts. If you are speaking generally about the beginning, 'Start' fits. If it is about the time or process when a vehicle sets off, 'Abfahrt' is more natural.
Abfahrt
Die Abfahrt des Zuges ist um 8 Uhr 20 auf Gleis drei.
The train's departure is at 8:20 on platform three.
Start
Der Start der Radtour ist vor der Schule.
The start of the bike tour is in front of the school.
In real life
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