mountain pass
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mountain pass
A word borrowed from French for a mountain pass, especially in the Alps or Pyrenees. The term is often used in the context of cycling or mountaineering.
Die Königsetappe der Tour de France führte über den berühmten Col du Tourmalet.
The queen stage of the Tour de France led over the famous Col du Tourmalet.
'Col' is a loanword from French and a technical term from cycling and alpinism. Outside these contexts, it is rarely used; instead, the word 'Pass' (pass) or 'Gebirgspass' (mountain pass) is used.
Der Radprofi erreichte als Erster den Col.
The professional cyclist was the first to reach the col.
Most often, 'Col' is used together with the proper name of the pass, which is often French. The word 'Col' comes before the name.
Der Col du Galibier ist einer der höchsten Pässe der Alpen.
The Col du Galibier is one of the highest passes in the Alps.
In a sports context, 'Col' is often combined with verbs of movement and overcoming. Typical phrases are 'einen Col erklimmen' (to climb a col), 'einen Col überqueren' (to cross a col), or 'einen Col befahren' (to ride/drive over a col).
Die Fahrer müssen heute drei schwere Cols überqueren.
The riders have to cross three difficult cols today.
passport / pass
Pass and Col both refer to a mountain pass. Pass is the general German word. Col has a more technical character and is used especially for passes in the Alps or Pyrenees, as well as in cycling and mountaineering.
Auf der Bergetappe überquerten die Radfahrer einen steilen Col in den Pyrenäen.
During the mountain stage, the cyclists crossed a steep mountain pass in the Pyrenees.
Die Reisenden überquerten den Pass auf dem Weg ins nächste Tal.
The travelers crossed the mountain pass on their way to the next valley.
