to redirect / divert
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to redirect / divert
To direct the route or flow of something (e.g., traffic, water, calls, data) onto a different, alternative route. This often happens because of an obstacle or disruption.
Wegen der Baustelle wird der Verkehr durch die Innenstadt umgeleitet.
Because of the construction site, traffic is being diverted through the city center.
to redirect / divert
To use financial means or other resources for a purpose other than the one originally planned.
Die Regierung musste Gelder aus anderen Projekten umleiten, um die Flutschäden zu beheben.
The government had to divert funds from other projects in order to repair the flood damage.
'Umleiten' (to redirect/divert) is a separable verb. The prefix 'um-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Die Polizei leitet den Verkehr großräumig um.
The police are redirecting traffic over a wide area.
The verb consists of the prefix 'um' (around) and the verb 'leiten' (to guide/direct). So the literal meaning is to 'guide something around an obstacle.'
Man musste den Fluss umleiten, um die Brücke bauen zu können.
They had to divert the river in order to be able to build the bridge.
Especially in the context of traffic or communication, 'umleiten' is very often used in the passive. The focus is on what is being redirected, not on who is doing it.
Alle Flüge nach Berlin wurden wegen des Sturms umgeleitet.
All flights to Berlin were redirected because of the storm.
In the figurative meaning, the verb is used almost exclusively with financial or abstract resources. Typical objects are 'Gelder' (funds), 'Mittel' (means/resources), or 'Ressourcen' (resources).
Die Firma musste interne Ressourcen umleiten, um das Projekt zu retten.
The company had to redirect internal resources in order to save the project.
to derive / divert / differentiate
Both words can describe water being directed onto a different path. „Ableiten“ typically leads it away from an area, while „umleiten“ changes its existing course to an alternative route. Use „ableiten“ for drainage and „umleiten“ for an existing route with an obstacle or disruption.
Wegen der Baustelle muss die Stadt das Wasser in einen anderen Kanal umleiten.
Because of the construction work, the city has to redirect the water into another canal.
Eine Rinne leitet das Regenwasser vom Dach in den Garten ab.
A gutter diverts the rainwater from the roof into the garden.
