maximum speed
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maximum speed
The maximum permitted or technically achievable speed, for example for a vehicle on a particular road or for data transmission.
Auf diesem Autobahnabschnitt beträgt die Höchstgeschwindigkeit 120 km/h.
On this section of the highway, the maximum speed is 120 km/h.
The word is made up of 'höchst-' and 'Geschwindigkeit' (speed). 'Höchst-' is the superlative form of 'hoch' (high) in compounds. So the literal meaning is 'die höchste Geschwindigkeit' (the highest speed).
Das neue Sportauto erreicht eine beeindruckende Höchstgeschwindigkeit.
The new sports car reaches an impressive maximum speed.
In connection with traffic rules, 'Höchstgeschwindigkeit' (maximum speed) is often used with the verbs 'einhalten' (to observe/keep to), 'überschreiten' (to exceed, drive too fast), or 'betragen' (to be/amount to).
Wer die Höchstgeschwindigkeit überschreitet, muss mit einer Strafe rechnen.
Anyone who exceeds the maximum speed must expect a fine.
The type of maximum speed is often described more precisely with adjectives. Common combinations are 'die erlaubte Höchstgeschwindigkeit' (the permitted maximum speed) or 'die zulässige Höchstgeschwindigkeit' (the allowed maximum speed).
Die zulässige Höchstgeschwindigkeit in dieser Zone ist 50 km/h.
The allowed maximum speed in this zone is 50 km/h.
full throttle
'das Vollgas' and 'die Höchstgeschwindigkeit' both have to do with driving very fast. 'Vollgas geben' describes the action: you press hard on the accelerator and try to drive as fast as possible. 'Höchstgeschwindigkeit', on the other hand, refers to a value or a limit, meaning the maximum permitted or achievable speed. You can go full throttle without having reached the maximum speed yet. The words can be confused because both sound like maximum speed. In practice: 'Vollgas' is the way of driving; 'Höchstgeschwindigkeit' is the number or limit.
Auf dieser Straße beträgt die Höchstgeschwindigkeit 50 Kilometer pro Stunde.
On this road, the maximum speed is 50 kilometers per hour.
Auf der leeren Rennstrecke gab der Fahrer kurz Vollgas.
On the empty racetrack, the driver briefly went full throttle.