Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzung | /ɡəˈʃvɪndɪçˌkaɪ̯tsbəˌɡrɛntsʊŋ/ | feminine |
| Tempolimit | /ˈtɛmpoˌlɪmɪt/ | neuter |
| Geschwindigkeitsbeschränkung | /ɡəˈʃvɪndɪçkaɪ̯t͡sbəˌʃʁɛŋkʊŋ/ | feminine |
All three terms refer to the maximum permitted speed. You can use Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzung or Geschwindigkeitsbeschränkung to describe a speed limit or restriction, while Tempolimit is a common alternative used to describe the same concept.
What does it mean word for word?
Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzung is a compound of Geschwindigkeit (speed), an s acting as a linking element and Begrenzung (limitation/boundary). Geschwindigkeitsbeschränkung combines Geschwindigkeit (speed) and Beschränkung (restriction).
Which one should you use?
Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzung is the standard technical and formal term. Tempolimit is a more concise alternative frequently found in media or casual conversation.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine noun Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzung and the feminine noun Geschwindigkeitsbeschränkung both require the definite article die in the nominative and accusative cases. The neuter noun Tempolimit requires the definite article das in the nominative and accusative cases.
How do you pronounce it?
/ɡəˈʃvɪndɪçˌkaɪ̯tsbəˌɡrɛntsʊŋ/
Did you know?
- While there is no general Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzung on some Autobahn stretches, drivers who crash while exceeding the Richtgeschwindigkeit of 130 km/h may face higher insurance liability.
- The word Tempo in Tempolimit is a loanword from Italian, which is why it feels more casual and modern than the traditional German Geschwindigkeit.
- The word Blitzer, used for speed cameras that enforce the Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzung, literally means 'lightning' or 'flash' in German.
Examples in context
- Gibt es eine Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzung?Is there a speed limit?This sentence is useful for asking if a speed limit exists using Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzung.Tatoeba #10109066 by Yorwba, translation #10540440 by sundown
- Es gibt keine Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzung.There's no speed limit.This sentence is useful for stating that there is no speed limit using Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzung.Tatoeba #2301788 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #2300595 by Hybrid
- Das Auto überschreitet die Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzung.The car is exceeding the speed limit.This sentence is useful for describing a car exceeding the speed limit using Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzung.Tatoeba #522797 by Espi, translation #46821 by Zifre
- Kannst du mir sagen, wie hoch das Tempolimit auf dieser Straße ist?Can you tell me how high the speed limit is on this road?
- 14 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sarah and Maximilian are driving through a construction zone.
- SarahAchtung, die Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzung ist hier sehr niedrig.Watch out, the speed limit is very low here.
- MaximilianIch habe das Schild gesehen, Sarah.I saw the sign, Sarah.
- SarahFahr bitte langsamer.Please drive slower.
- MaximilianKeine Sorge, ich halte mich daran.Don't worry, I'll stick to it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “speed limit” translations and entries Geschwindigkeitsbegrenzung, Tempolimit, Geschwindigkeitsbeschränkung, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
