die Umleitung
detour
An alternative route for traffic that is set up when the normal route is closed or blocked.
EXAMPLE
Wegen einer Baustelle mussten wir eine lange Umleitung fahren.
Because of roadworks, we had to take a long detour.
die Umleitung
detour / redirection
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Meanings
die Umleitung
redirection
The forwarding or redirecting of something from its original path or destination to another one. This can refer to data, calls, or even financial resources.
EXAMPLE
Ich habe eine Umleitung für meine E-Mails eingerichtet, während ich im Urlaub bin.
I set up a redirection for my emails while I am on vacation.
Usage tips
Word structure
'Umleitung' is a compound noun made from the prefix 'um-' (around) and 'Leitung' (from the verb 'leiten', meaning to lead or guide). It literally describes 'leading around' an obstacle.
EXAMPLE
Die Umleitung führte uns durch kleine Dörfer.
The detour took us through small villages.
Related verb
The noun 'die Umleitung' (the detour/redirection) describes the process or result of the separable verb 'umleiten' (to redirect/divert). When traffic is redirected, a detour is created.
EXAMPLE
Man muss den Verkehr umleiten, um die Brücke zu reparieren.
They have to redirect the traffic in order to repair the bridge.
Typical collocations
In traffic contexts, typical phrases are 'einer Umleitung folgen' (to follow a detour), 'eine Umleitung fahren' (to take a detour), or 'eine Umleitung ist ausgeschildert' (a detour is signposted).
EXAMPLE
Folgen Sie der ausgeschilderten Umleitung.
Follow the signposted detour.
Typical collocations
In technical contexts, people often talk about 'eine Umleitung einrichten' (setting up a redirection) or 'eine Umleitung löschen' (deleting a redirection). Common examples are 'Anrufumleitung' (call forwarding) or 'E-Mail-Umleitung' (email redirection).
EXAMPLE
Ich habe eine Umleitung für mein Telefon eingerichtet, da ich nicht im Büro bin.
I set up call forwarding for my phone because I am not in the office.
Compare with
Umleitung vs Umweg
detour
Both words refer to traveling along a different route. Die Umleitung is the traffic route that has been set up and is often signposted, while der Umweg refers to the additional or longer route itself. When talking about the official route, use „Umleitung“; when referring to your own longer journey, use „Umweg.“
Umleitung
Wegen der Baustelle folgt der Verkehr einer ausgeschilderten Umleitung.
Because of the roadworks, traffic is following a signposted detour.
Umweg
Wegen der Baustelle müssen wir einen Umweg fahren.
Because of the roadworks, we have to take a detour.
In real life
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