autobahnen

autobahnen

A car travels at a steady speed on the autobahnen.

Definition

Noun (plural of autobahn): - A high-speed, controlled-access highway designed for motor vehicle traffic, specifically those found in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Unlike many other highways, sections of the autobahn have no general speed limit, though advisory limits and variable restrictions apply. - The term is often used generically to refer to any German-style expressway system.

Usage Examples
  • (Referring to the German highway system.)
  • (Describing the characteristic of these highways.)
  • (Referring to multiple highways being built.)
Advanced Usage

  • "Autobahn-like": used as an adjective to describe roads with similar high-speed, unrestricted characteristics.

    • This new motorway feels almost autobahn-like in its design and speed allowance. (Comparing a road to the German autobahn system.)

  • "Autobahn network": the interconnected system of autobahnen across a country.

    • The German autobahn network spans over 13,000 kilometers. (The entire system of these highways.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Autobahn (singular noun): a single highway of this type.

    • We drove on the autobahn from Munich to Berlin. (One specific highway.)

  • Autobahnkreuz (noun): a motorway interchange or junction where two autobahnen cross.

    • The Autobahnkreuz near Frankfurt is one of the busiest in Europe. (A specific type of intersection.)
Synonyms
  • Expressway: a broad, multi-lane highway for high-speed traffic.
  • Motorway: a major road designed for fast traffic, common in British English.
  • Freeway: a controlled-access highway, common in American English.
Related Idioms

  • "Life in the fast lane": a metaphorical use of the autobahn's high-speed nature to describe a hectic, ambitious lifestyle.

    • Since he got promoted, he's been living life in the fast lane, much like driving on the autobahnen. (Comparing a busy life to high-speed driving.)

  • "No speed limit": a phrase often used metaphorically to describe situations without restrictions, inspired by the autobahn's lack of a general speed limit.

    • For creative projects, there is no speed limit; you can go as fast as your ideas take you. (Drawing a parallel to the autobahn.)