01
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 Tatort
crime scene
'Tatort' and 'Unfallstelle' both refer to a specific place where something important happened. But they are used in different situations. A 'Tatort' belongs to a criminal offense or crime. An 'Unfallstelle' is the scene of an accident, for example in road traffic or at work. The words can be confused because police and rescue workers may be present at both places. The deciding point is: if it is about a criminal offense, you say 'Tatort'. If it is about an accident, you say 'Unfallstelle'.
Unfallstelle
Die Unfallstelle wurde gesichert, damit keine weiteren Autos auffahren.
The accident scene was secured so that no more cars would crash into it.
Tatort
Am Tatort fand die Ermittlerin ein kaputtes Fenster.
At the crime scene, the investigator found a broken window.
In real life
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