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
Checking...
Loading your saved state.
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
Höchstgeschwindigkeit and Tempolimit can both refer to the maximum permitted speed on a road. Höchstgeschwindigkeit refers to the specific maximum speed and can also be used in a technical sense; Tempolimit emphasizes the legal restriction. Use Tempolimit when the traffic rule is important, and Höchstgeschwindigkeit for the specific value.
Tempolimit
Wegen der Baustelle gilt auf diesem Straßenabschnitt ein Tempolimit von 80 Kilometern pro Stunde.
Because of the construction work, the speed limit on this section of road is 80 kilometers per hour.
Höchstgeschwindigkeit
Auf diesem Straßenabschnitt beträgt die Höchstgeschwindigkeit 80 Kilometer pro Stunde.
The maximum speed on this section of road is 80 kilometers per hour.
In real life
Loading video examples...