visibility range
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visibility range
The maximum distance over which one can see clearly under the current weather and light conditions.
Die Sichtweite betrug wegen des starken Schneefalls weniger als 50 Meter.
Because of the heavy snowfall, the visibility range was less than 50 meters.
The word is made up of 'Sicht' (sight/visibility) and 'Weite' (distance/extent). So it literally describes the 'Weite' (distance) that one can take in with one's 'Sicht' (sight/visibility).
Vom Leuchtturm aus hatten wir bei klarem Wetter eine fantastische Sichtweite.
From the lighthouse, we had a fantastic visibility range in clear weather.
In this meaning, 'Sichtweite' (visibility range) is often used with specific distance information and the verb 'betragen' (to amount to / to be), especially in weather or traffic reports.
Die Sichtweite auf der Autobahn beträgt aktuell unter 100 Meter.
The visibility range on the highway is currently under 100 meters.
The phrase 'in Sichtweite' (within sight) is a fixed expression. It is used with verbs such as 'sein' (to be), 'kommen' (to come), or 'bleiben' (to remain/stay) and means 'close enough to be seen.'
Das Hotel liegt direkt am Strand und der Supermarkt ist in Sichtweite.
The hotel is right on the beach, and the supermarket is within sight.
view / visibility
'die Sicht' and 'die Sichtweite' are both connected to seeing in an environment. 'Die Sicht' says generally whether you can see well or poorly. 'Die Sichtweite' is more precise: it states or refers to the distance up to which you can still see. That is why 'Sichtweite' fits especially well in weather reports, traffic, or at sea. The words can be confused because in fog you can say both. 'Schlechte Sicht' (poor visibility) is more general; 'geringe Sichtweite' (short visibility range) emphasizes the short distance.
Bei dichtem Nebel betrug die Sichtweite nur wenige Meter.
In thick fog, the visibility range was only a few meters.
Auf dem Berg wurde die Sicht plötzlich schlechter, weil Wolken kamen.
On the mountain, visibility suddenly got worse because clouds came in.