01
das Tempolimit
speed limit
A legally defined maximum speed for vehicles on a particular road or in a particular area.
example
In dieser Zone gilt ein strenges Tempolimit von 30 km/h.
In this zone, a strict speed limit of 30 km/h applies.
das Tempolimit
speed limit
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Meanings
Usage tips
Word composition
'Tempolimit' (speed limit) is a compound noun made up of 'das Tempo' (the speed) and 'das Limit' (the limit). So its meaning is literally a 'Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzung' (speed restriction).
EXAMPLE
Auf vielen Autobahnen in Europa gibt es ein generelles Tempolimit.
On many highways in Europe, there is a general speed limit.
Typical collocations
Common verbs used with 'Tempolimit' (speed limit) are 'ein Tempolimit einführen' (to introduce a speed limit), 'einhalten' (to comply with/observe), 'überschreiten' (to exceed), or 'aufheben' (to lift).
EXAMPLE
Wer das Tempolimit nicht einhält, muss mit einer Strafe rechnen.
Anyone who does not observe the speed limit must expect a penalty.
Sentence structure and usage
When the exact speed is mentioned, German uses the preposition 'von' (of). The typical structure is: 'ein Tempolimit von [number] km/h' (a speed limit of [number] km/h).
EXAMPLE
Auf diesem Autobahnabschnitt gilt ein Tempolimit von 120 km/h.
On this section of the highway, a speed limit of 120 km/h applies.
Compare with
Tempolimit vs Höchstgeschwindigkeit
maximum speed
'die Höchstgeschwindigkeit' and 'das Tempolimit' both have to do with the highest speed that should not be exceeded. However, 'das Tempolimit' always means a legal rule in traffic, for example 50 km/h in the city. 'die Höchstgeschwindigkeit' can also mean this permitted speed, but it can also mean the technically possible speed of a car, train, or data connection. Learners confuse the words because both can appear on traffic signs or in conversations about traffic. In practice: when talking about a traffic rule, people often say 'Tempolimit'. For the maximum performance of a vehicle, 'Höchstgeschwindigkeit' fits better.
Tempolimit
In der Wohnstraße gilt ein Tempolimit von 30 Kilometern pro Stunde.
In the residential street, there is a speed limit of 30 kilometers per hour.
Höchstgeschwindigkeit
Die Höchstgeschwindigkeit dieses Zuges liegt bei 300 Kilometern pro Stunde.
The maximum speed of this train is 300 kilometers per hour.
In real life
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