die Unfallstelle
accident scene
The exact place or area where an accident has occurred.
EXAMPLE
Die Rettungskräfte waren innerhalb weniger Minuten an der Unfallstelle.
The rescue workers were at the accident scene within a few minutes.
die Unfallstelle
accident scene
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Meanings
Usage tips
Compound word
This word is structured very logically. It consists of 'der Unfall' (the accident) and 'die Stelle' (the place/spot). So it literally refers to the exact spot where an accident happened.
EXAMPLE
Ein Foto zeigte die völlig zerstörten Autos an der Unfallstelle.
A photo showed the completely destroyed cars at the accident scene.
Typical verbs
Certain verbs are often used with 'Unfallstelle' to describe what happens there. Typical ones are: 'die Unfallstelle sichern' (to secure the accident scene), 'die Unfallstelle absperren' (to cordon off the accident scene), and 'die Unfallstelle räumen' (to clear the accident scene).
EXAMPLE
Die Polizei muss zuerst die Unfallstelle sichern, bevor die Aufräumarbeiten beginnen.
The police first have to secure the accident scene before the cleanup work can begin.
Correct preposition
To describe the location, you use the preposition 'an' with the dative. To describe direction, you use 'zu' with the dative.
EXAMPLE
Viele Schaulustige versammelten sich an der Unfallstelle.
Many onlookers gathered at the accident scene.
Compare with
Unfallstelle vs Unfallort
accident scene
Unfallstelle and Unfallort both refer to the place where an accident occurred. Unfallstelle tends to mean the affected area rather than the specific scene, especially when people are providing assistance or investigating there. Unfallort refers more neutrally to the place itself, for example in a report or location description.
Unfallstelle
Die Rettungskräfte sperrten die Unfallstelle ab und versorgten die Verletzten.
The emergency responders cordoned off the accident scene and treated the injured.
Unfallort
Die Polizei notierte den Unfallort für den späteren Bericht.
The police recorded the accident scene for the later report.
In real life
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