Guide: How to Say “Speed Bump” in German

Are you driving in Germany or learning the German language and wondering how to say “speed bump”? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various ways to express this term in both formal and informal contexts. While there are no significant regional variations, we’ll also include any alternative terms used in specific German-speaking areas. With helpful tips and examples, you’ll soon be able to navigate your way through German roads smoothly.

Formal Ways to Say “Speed Bump” in German

When it comes to formal German, here are two commonly used terms for “speed bump”:

1. Verkehrsberuhigter Bereich

In formal settings, “speed bump” in German is often referred to as a “verkehrsberuhigter Bereich.” This term translates to “traffic-calmed area” in English. It denotes an entire zone or section of the road where speed bumps are present to slow down traffic. It is widely used and recognized across Germany.

Example: Achtung! Innerhalb des verkehrsberuhigten Bereichs befinden sich zahlreiche Verkehrs­beruhigungs­maßnahmen, wie zum Beispiel Bodenschwellen. (Caution! There are numerous traffic calming measures within the traffic-calmed area, such as speed bumps.)

2. Bodenschwelle

Another formal term for “speed bump” is “Bodenschwelle,” which translates directly as “floor threshold.” This term specifically refers to the physical raised bump on the road.

Example: Bitte fahren Sie vorsichtig über die Bodenschwelle. (Please drive carefully over the speed bump.)

Informal Ways to Say “Speed Bump” in German

In less formal situations, such as casual conversations or among friends, you can use these more colloquial terms for “speed bump”:

1. Schwellen

In informal speech, “Schwellen” is a common term used to refer to “speed bumps.” It is simply the plural form of “Schwelle” and can be used interchangeably.

Example: Pass auf die Schwellen auf, wenn du durch die Wohngegend fährst. (Watch out for the speed bumps when driving through the residential area.)

2. Geschwindigkeitshügel

Another informal term used in everyday German is “Geschwindigkeitshügel,” which translates literally as “speed hill.” This playful term emphasizes the idea of a raised section on the road that causes a bump.

Example: Hüte dich vor den Geschwindigkeitshügeln auf dieser Straße. (Beware of the speed bumps on this road.)

Regional Variations

Throughout the German-speaking regions, the terms mentioned above are widely understood and used. However, one alternative term exists in certain areas:

1. Schlagloch

In some parts of Switzerland and Austria, you might come across the term “Schlagloch,” which directly translates to “pothole.” Although technically different from a speed bump, it can be used interchangeably in informal contexts. Just remember that it refers to a pothole rather than a specifically designed traffic-calming measure.

Example: Pass auf die Schlaglöcher auf dieser Straße auf, sie ähneln manchmal Geschwindigkeitshügeln. (Watch out for the potholes on this road; sometimes they resemble speed bumps.)

Summary

You are now equipped with various ways to express “speed bump” in German, both formally and informally. Let’s recap the terms we covered:

• Formal Ways:
  1. Verkehrsberuhigter Bereich – Traffic-calmed area
  2. Bodenschwelle – Speed bump (literal term for the physical bump)
• Informal Ways:
  1. Schwellen – Speed bumps
  2. Geschwindigkeitshügel – Speed hills

Remember that these terms are most commonly used throughout Germany, while “Schlagloch” can sometimes be heard in parts of Switzerland and Austria. Feel free to use them according to the level of formality required in your conversations or when encountering road signs and instructions.

Drive safely and confidently over those “Schwellen” or “Geschwindigkeitshügel,” knowing that you have mastered the German vocabulary for “speed bump”!