Windschatten
slipstream
The German word "Windschatten" is a compound noun made of two parts:
- Wind: wind
- Schatten: shadow
Meaning:
"Windschatten" literally means "wind shadow" and refers to the area behind an object where the wind is blocked or reduced. It's commonly used in cycling, sailing, or motor racing to describe the reduced air resistance zone "in the slipstream" of another person, vehicle, or object.
Similar words:
- Luftdruckminderung (reduction of air pressure) – more technical
- Slipstream (English loanword) – sometimes used directly
Difference:
While "Windschatten" specifically refers to the sheltered zone behind an object blocking wind, terms like "Luftdruckminderung" are more general and technical, and "Slipstream" usually refers to the aerodynamic effect exploited to reduce drag, typically in sports contexts.
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Examples
Die Radfahrer bleiben im Windschatten des Führenden.noun
The cyclists stay in the slipstream of the leader.
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