traffic jam / backlog
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traffic jam
A build-up of vehicles on a road that can move only very slowly or not at all because of heavy traffic, an accident, or roadworks. A traffic congestion.
Wegen eines Unfalls auf der A3 standen wir zwei Stunden im Stau.
Because of an accident on the A3, we were stuck in a traffic jam for two hours.
backlog / blockage
In a figurative sense, a blockage or accumulation that prevents the normal flow of things, for example with data, information, or even bodily fluids.
Durch die vielen neuen Projekte gibt es in der Verwaltung einen regelrechten Bearbeitungsstau.
Because of the many new projects, there is a real processing backlog in the administration.
impoundment
The damming up of water in a river by an obstacle such as a dam or weir. Describes the state of the backed-up water.
Der Stau des Sees wird zur Energiegewinnung durch ein Wasserkraftwerk genutzt.
The impoundment of the lake is used to generate energy through a hydroelectric power plant.
The noun 'der Stau' (traffic jam/backlog) is closely related to the verb 'stauen' (to dam up / to build up). 'Stauen' means that something accumulates and cannot continue to flow. 'Der Stau' is the result of this blockage.
Auf der Autobahn staut sich der Verkehr auf mehreren Kilometern.
Traffic is backed up for several kilometers on the highway.
The most common meaning, 'Verkehrsstau' (traffic jam), has fixed phrases. You 'steht im Stau' (are stuck in traffic), 'gerät in einen Stau' (get caught in a traffic jam), or a traffic jam 'bildet sich' (forms) or 'löst sich auf' (clears up).
Wir sind auf dem Weg in den Urlaub in einen langen Stau geraten.
On the way to our vacation, we got caught in a long traffic jam.
Pay attention to the preposition 'in' and the case. German uses the dative for position ('im Stau stehen' — to be stuck in traffic) and the accusative for movement into the traffic jam ('in einen Stau fahren' — to drive into/get into a traffic jam).
Ich stehe seit einer Stunde im Stau und komme nicht voran.
I've been stuck in traffic for an hour and am not making any progress.
In the figurative meaning, 'Stau' is often the second part of compound nouns to describe a blockage or backlog. Examples are 'Reformstau' (reform backlog), 'Bearbeitungsstau' (processing backlog), or 'Datenstau' (data bottleneck).
In der Abteilung gibt es einen riesigen Bearbeitungsstau.
There is a huge processing backlog in the department.
The meaning 'Anstauung von Wasser' (damming up of water) is less common and becomes clear from the context. Words like 'Fluss' (river), 'Damm' (dam), 'See' (lake), or 'Wasserkraftwerk' (hydroelectric power plant) are clear clues.
Der Stau des Flusses erzeugt Energie für die ganze Region.
The impoundment of the river generates energy for the whole region.
constipation / blockage
Stau and Verstopfung can both refer to traffic that is barely moving. Stau is the neutral and usual term for this. In this context, Verstopfung is figurative and much less common, but it is also understandable when there is a severe blockage.
Wegen des Unfalls steht der Verkehr auf der Autobahn seit einer Stunde im Stau.
Because of the accident, traffic on the highway has been stuck in a jam for an hour.
Wegen des Unfalls ist auf der Autobahn eine starke Verstopfung des Verkehrs entstanden.
Because of the accident, severe traffic congestion has developed on the highway.
