das Tempolimit, -s
speed limit
Definition & meaning
A Tempolimit is a legally mandated maximum speed at which a vehicle is allowed to travel on a specific road or within a certain area. In Germany, the term is most famously used in political and social debates regarding the Autobahn. While many sections of the German highway system have no permanent speed limit, the introduction of a general Tempolimit is a frequent topic concerning environmental protection and traffic safety.
Grammar & Word origin
The word is a neuter noun: das Tempolimit. Its plural form is die Tempolimits.
It is a compound noun consisting of two parts:
- Tempo: Derived from the Latin tempus (time), used in German to refer to speed or pace.
- Limit: Derived from the Latin limes (boundary or path), which entered modern German usage primarily through English influence.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzung: The most common technical synonym, literally meaning "speed limitation."
- Höchstgeschwindigkeit: Refers to the "maximum speed" allowed.
- Geschwindigkeitsbeschränkung: A slightly more formal term for speed restriction.
Antonyms: While there is no single word that functions as a direct linguistic opposite, the following terms are used to describe the absence of a speed limit:
- Freie Fahrt[?](vocabuo://word/Freie Fahrt): A common expression meaning "free travel" or "no speed restrictions."
- Aufhebung der Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzung[?](vocabuo://word/Aufhebung der Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzung): The "lifting" or "removal" of the speed limit.
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Examples
Warum ignorieren viele Fahrer das Tempolimit auf Autobahnen?noun
Why do many drivers ignore the speed limit on highways?
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