visibility range
die Sichtweite, die Sichtweiten
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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.
within sight
At a distance from which one can just still see something or someone; in the immediate vicinity.
Das Ziel ist schon in Sichtweite, wir haben es fast geschafft.
The destination is already within sight; we've almost made it.
| gender | feminine die |
|---|---|
| plural | die Sichtweiten |
| genitive | der Sichtweite |
| singular | plural | |
|---|---|---|
| nominative | die Sichtweite | die Sichtweiten |
| accusative | die Sichtweite | die Sichtweiten |
| dative | der Sichtweite | den Sichtweiten |
| genitive | der Sichtweite | der Sichtweiten |
The article changes with the case; it is shown in colour.
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
Sicht and Sichtweite both describe how well one can see under the current conditions. Sicht refers to general visibility, whereas Sichtweite refers to the maximum distance up to which one can see clearly. Sichtweite is therefore especially appropriate when a specific distance or weather condition is mentioned.
Wegen des Nebels betrug die Sichtweite auf der Landstraße nur fünfzig Meter.
Because of the fog, visibility on the country road was only fifty meters.
Wegen des Nebels war die Sicht auf der Landstraße schlecht.
Because of the fog, visibility on the country road was poor.
