wrong-way driver
Loading your saved state.
wrong-way driver
A person who drives on a highway or a road with separated lanes in the opposite direction of traffic.
Im Radio wurde vor einem Geisterfahrer auf der A8 gewarnt.
The radio warned of a wrong-way driver on the A8.
The word is made up of 'Geist' (ghost) and 'Fahrer' (driver). It describes a driver who appears so unexpectedly and dangerously in the wrong lane, like a ghost.
Ein Geisterfahrer hat auf der Autobahn einen schweren Unfall verursacht.
A wrong-way driver caused a serious accident on the highway.
In connection with road traffic, the phrase 'vor einem Geisterfahrer warnen' (to warn of a wrong-way driver) is often used. 'einen Geisterfahrer melden' (to report a wrong-way driver) is also a common combination.
Die Polizei warnt aktuell vor einem Geisterfahrer auf der A9.
The police are currently warning of a wrong-way driver on the A9.
You can recognize the figurative meaning from the context. If people are talking about opinions, politics, or discussions, it means a person who takes a completely opposite position. If the topic is roads, cars, and traffic, the literal meaning is intended.
Mit seiner Kritik am neuen Firmenchef war er der einzige Geisterfahrer in der Abteilung.
With his criticism of the new company boss, he was the only contrarian in the department.
rebel
'der Rebell' and 'der Geisterfahrer' can both describe, in a figurative sense, a person who acts against what is usual. 'Rebell' means someone who deliberately opposes rules, expectations, or authorities. This can be a clear stance. 'Geisterfahrer' is actually a word from traffic. Figuratively, it means someone who thinks or acts in the completely opposite direction from almost everyone else. This can be meant critically or figuratively. You can confuse the words because both express deviation. 'Rebell' fits more when there is active resistance, while 'Geisterfahrer' fits more when there is a strong contrast to the general opinion.
Mit seiner Idee war er im Team ein Geisterfahrer, denn alle anderen wollten den alten Plan behalten.
With his idea, he was a contrarian on the team, because everyone else wanted to keep the old plan.
In seiner Familie gilt Max als Rebell, weil er keine der alten Regeln akzeptiert.
In his family, Max is considered a rebel because he accepts none of the old rules.