A road that leads around a town or a busy area in order to redirect through traffic. Often also called 'Umgehungsstraße' (bypass road).
example
Seit die neue Umgehung fertig ist, gibt es im Stadtzentrum viel weniger Verkehr.
Since the new bypass was completed, there has been much less traffic in the city center.
Usage tips
From verb to noun
'Die Umgehung' is the noun form of the verb 'umgehen' (inseparable). The verb means to take a route around something or to avoid a rule. This double meaning is also found in the noun.
EXAMPLE
Man kann das Stadtzentrum auf der Autobahn umgehen.
You can bypass the city center on the highway.
Context clue
Whether a road (m01) or the avoidance of a rule (m02) is meant can be recognized from context. If it is about traffic, construction projects, or cities, a road is meant. If it is about laws, regulations, or problems, avoidance is meant.
EXAMPLE
Die neue Umgehung entlastet die Anwohner vom Lärm.
The new bypass relieves local residents of the noise.
Use as a road
In the meaning of a road, 'Umgehung' (bypass) is often a shorter form of 'Umgehungsstraße' (bypass road). Typical verbs in this context are 'bauen' (to build), 'planen' (to plan), 'eröffnen' (to open), and 'fahren auf' (to drive on).
EXAMPLE
Die Stadt plant seit Jahren eine Umgehung im Westen.
The city has been planning a bypass in the west for years.
Use as avoidance
When 'Umgehung' (circumvention) means the avoidance of a rule, what is being circumvented is often indicated with the genitive or with 'von' + dative. The structure is: die Umgehung + genitive/von + dative.
EXAMPLE
Die Umgehung des Gesetzes ist strafbar.
The circumvention of the law is punishable.
Compare with
antonym
Umgehung vs Einhaltung
compliance
'die Einhaltung' and 'die Umgehung' are opposites when it comes to rules, laws, deadlines, or agreements. 'die Einhaltung' means that you follow them and respect the rule. 'die Umgehung' means that you deliberately look for a way not to follow the rule directly. If you act correctly, you speak of 'Einhaltung'; if you trick or avoid a rule, 'Umgehung' fits.
Umgehung
Die Firma wurde wegen der Umgehung neuer Regeln kritisiert.
The company was criticized for circumventing new rules.
Einhaltung
Die Einhaltung der Frist ist für den Vertrag sehr wichtig.
Compliance with the deadline is very important for the contract.