expressway
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expressway
A multi-lane road built for fast traffic that often connects cities or important transport hubs. It resembles a motorway or freeway, but does not always have the same high standards, e.g. regarding junctions without intersections.
Dank der neuen Schnellstrasse verkürzt sich die Fahrzeit nach Zürich um 20 Minuten.
Thanks to the new expressway, the driving time to Zurich is reduced by 20 minutes.
The word is simply made up of 'schnell' (fast) and 'Strasse' (road). So it literally describes a 'fast road', which makes it easier to understand.
Die neue Schnellstrasse umgeht das Stadtzentrum.
The new expressway bypasses the city center.
The spelling 'Schnellstrasse' with 'ss' is common in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. In Germany and Austria, after the spelling reform, it is written 'Schnellstraße' with 'ß'.
In Deutschland würde man „Schnellstraße“ schreiben.
In Germany, you would write 'Schnellstraße'.
When you are driving on an expressway or are located there, you use the preposition 'auf' with the dative. To get onto it, you use 'auf' with the accusative.
Vorsicht, auf der Schnellstrasse ist ein Stau.
Careful, there is a traffic jam on the expressway.
autobahn / motorway
'die Autobahn' and 'die Schnellstrasse' can both be roads for fast traffic. However, an Autobahn has clear typical features: separate carriageways, several lanes, and normally no intersections. A Schnellstrasse is also well developed and fast, but it does not always reach the standard of an Autobahn. For example, it may be connected differently or simply be an important route within a region. You can confuse the words because both suggest fast driving. 'Autobahn' is the precise word when it really is the road with Autobahn rules and entrance ramps. 'Schnellstrasse' fits when the road is built for fast traffic but is not necessarily an Autobahn.
Die neue Schnellstraße verbindet den Flughafen mit der Innenstadt.
The new expressway connects the airport with the city center.
Nach der Arbeit fahre ich auf die Autobahn, damit ich schneller nach Hause komme.
After work, I get onto the autobahn so I can get home faster.