Geschwindigkeitsüberschreitung
feminine
In German, the English term 'speeding' is translated as Geschwindigkeitsüberschreitung.
The noun Geschwindigkeitsüberschreitung refers to the act of driving faster than the legal speed limit. While this specific noun is used in formal or administrative contexts, the verbal phrase zu schnell fahren is more common in everyday conversation to describe the same act. For a more idiomatic way to say one is driving at extremely high speeds, you might hear the expression Vollgas geben, which literally means to give full throttle.
Meaning: driving faster than the legal speed limit (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word Geschwindigkeitsüberschreitung is a compound noun consisting of Geschwindigkeit (speed), Überschreitung (exceeding or crossing) and the linking element -s-. Literally, it means 'speed limit violation'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Geschwindigkeitsüberschreitung is a feminine noun and requires the article die in its nominative form.
Did you know?
- The German concept of Richtgeschwindigkeit is a recommended speed of 130 km/h on the Autobahn, meaning that driving faster is not a Geschwindigkeitsüberschreitung but can increase your liability in an accident.
- While Blitzer refers to the speed camera, it is derived from the word for 'lightning' because of the bright flash of light that alerts the driver they have been caught.
- The component -s- in Geschwindigkeitsüberschreitung is a 'Fugen-' element, a phonetic glue used in German to join long compound nouns together.
Examples in context
- Tom ist wegen Geschwindigkeitsüberschreitung angehalten worden.Tom got stopped for speeding.This sentence shows how Geschwindigkeitsüberschreitung is used to explain why someone was stopped by the police.Tatoeba #13618828 by Waldelfe, translation #8369907 by CK
- Wir haben heute einen Bußgeldbescheid über hundert Dollar wegen Geschwindigkeitsüberschreitung bekommen.We got a speeding ticket today for a hundred dollars.This sentence demonstrates the use of Geschwindigkeitsüberschreitung in the context of receiving a fine notice.Tatoeba #13817243 by Waldelfe, translation #12882402 by Ussis
- Geschwindigkeitsüberschreitung beim AutofahrenExceeding the speed limit while driving
- Die Geschwindigkeitsüberschreitung war sehr hoch.The speeding violation was very high.
Example conversation
Laura and Felix are talking about a driving fine in the car.
- LauraHast du die Nachricht wegen der Geschwindigkeitsüberschreitung gelesen?Did you read the notice about the speeding?
- FelixJa, ich habe sie gesehen.Yes, I saw it.
- LauraDas wird teuer für dich, Felix.That is going to be expensive for you, Felix.
- FelixIch weiß, es tut mir leid.I know, I am sorry.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “speeding” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
