turnoff / branch
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turnoff / branch
A place where a road, path, or line branches off from a main route. It is a smaller connection leading away from it.
Nach der Brücke müssen Sie den nächsten Abzweig rechts nehmen.
After the bridge, you need to take the next turnoff on the right.
branch
In technology, a branch from a main line, for example with cables, pipes, or in an electrical circuit.
Der Elektriker installierte einen neuen Abzweig für die zusätzliche Steckdose.
The electrician installed a new branch for the additional socket.
The noun 'der Abzweig' (turnoff/branch) derives directly from the separable verb 'abzweigen' (to branch off). A 'Zweig' is the branch of a tree. So the idea is that a road 'branches off' from a tree trunk like a branch.
Hier zweigt ein kleiner Weg vom Hauptweg ab.
Here, a small path branches off from the main path.
You can tell from the context whether a road turnoff or a technical branch is meant. Words like 'Straße' (road), 'Weg' (path), or 'Autobahn' (highway) point to traffic. Terms like 'Kabel' (cable), 'Leitung' (line), or 'Rohr' (pipe) indicate the technical meaning.
Nehmen Sie den nächsten Abzweig links, um zum See zu gelangen.
Take the next turnoff on the left to get to the lake.
In road traffic, 'Abzweig' (turnoff) is often combined with the verb 'nehmen' (to take). You can also 'verpassen' (miss) a turnoff if you are not paying attention.
Wir haben den richtigen Abzweig verpasst und müssen jetzt umdrehen.
We missed the right turnoff and now have to turn around.
exit / drive
Ausfahrt refers particularly to the route out of a highway or a similar area. Abzweig is more general and can also be used for ordinary roads and paths. Ausfahrt is therefore more appropriate for a highway exit, while Abzweig is more suitable for a smaller connection leading off a road.
Am nächsten Abzweig verlassen wir die Hauptstraße und fahren zum Hotel.
At the next turnoff, we’ll leave the main road and drive to the hotel.
An der nächsten Ausfahrt verlassen wir die Autobahn und fahren zum Hotel.
We’ll leave the highway at the next exit and drive to the hotel.
