verb
umfahren
bypass · avoid
Kann bedeuten, mit einem Fahrzeug eine Person oder ein Objekt zu treffen und umzuwerfen, oder einen anderen Weg zu nehmen, um einem Hindernis auszuweichen.
The German word "umfahren" is a homograph with two distinct meanings depending on pronunciation:
-
umfahren (stress on the second syllable: umfahren)
- Meaning: "to drive around" or "to bypass" something (e.g., a traffic obstacle).
- Composition:
- Um = around
- fahren = to drive/go (by vehicle)
-
umfahren (stress on the first syllable: umfahren)
- Meaning: "to run over" or "to knock down" someone or something with a vehicle.
- Composition: same as above.
Similar words:
- For the first meaning: umkurven (to curve around), umgehen (to circumvent).
- For the second meaning: anfahren (to approach or hit), überfahren (to run over).
Differences:
- The key difference between these meanings lies in pronunciation and intention:
- First form (umfahren, bend around) is deliberate, avoiding contact.
- Second form (umfahren, run over) implies an accident or collision.
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Examples
Der Bus wird das Hindernis umfahren.verb
The bus will bypass the obstacle.
Wir müssen das Hindernis umfahren, um weiterzukommen.verb
We need to avoid the obstacle in order to continue.
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