die Auffahrt
entrance ramp
A short road that leads from a normal road onto a motorway or expressway.
EXAMPLE
Wir haben die richtige Auffahrt zur A7 verpasst und mussten umdrehen.
We missed the right entrance ramp to the A7 and had to turn around.
die Auffahrt
entrance ramp / driveway
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Meanings
die Auffahrt
driveway
A short private path that leads from the public road to a house, garage, or courtyard.
EXAMPLE
Der Paketbote hat das Auto in der Auffahrt geparkt.
The delivery driver parked the car in the driveway.
die Auffahrt
ceremonial arrival
The act of a vehicle driving up ceremonially, for example at an event.
EXAMPLE
Die Auffahrt der Staatskarosse wurde im Fernsehen übertragen.
The ceremonial arrival of the state carriage was broadcast on television.
Usage tips
Compound word
The word is made up of 'auf' (onto/up) and 'Fahrt' (drive/journey). It literally describes driving onto another, larger road or onto a property.
EXAMPLE
Fahren Sie an der nächsten Auffahrt auf die Autobahn.
Drive onto the motorway at the next entrance ramp.
Context clue
You can tell from the context whether it means access to a motorway or to a house. Words like 'Autobahn' (motorway) or 'A8' point to a motorway entrance ramp, while 'Haus' (house) or 'Garage' (garage) point to a private driveway.
EXAMPLE
Wir suchen die Auffahrt zur Autobahn A9.
We are looking for the entrance ramp to the A9 motorway.
Typical verbs
For a motorway entrance ramp, the verb 'nehmen' (to take) is often used. For a private driveway to a house, 'fahren' (to drive) or 'parken' (to park) are typical.
EXAMPLE
Du musst die nächste Auffahrt nehmen, um auf die Schnellstraße zu kommen.
You have to take the next entrance ramp to get onto the expressway.
Register: formal
In this meaning, 'Auffahrt' (ceremonial arrival) is used for ceremonial or official occasions, for example state visits or weddings. In everyday life, this use is rare.
EXAMPLE
Die Auffahrt des Brautpaares vor der Kirche wurde von allen Gästen beklatscht.
The ceremonial arrival of the bride and groom in front of the church was applauded by all the guests.
Compare with
Auffahrt vs Einfahrt
driveway / entry
Both words can refer to the private road from the street to a house or garage. Einfahrt focuses more on the access point or the area one drives into, while Auffahrt specifically refers to the road one drives along to get there. Auffahrt is therefore often the better choice for a clearly uphill road.
Auffahrt
Die Auffahrt zur Garage ist im Winter wegen ihrer starken Steigung schwer zu befahren.
Because of its steep incline, the driveway to the garage is difficult to drive on in winter.
Einfahrt
Vor unserem Haus ist die Einfahrt breit genug für zwei Autos.
The driveway in front of our house is wide enough for two cars.
In real life
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