Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Stau | /ʃtaʊ̯/ | masculine |
| Verkehrsstau | /fɛrˈkeːrsˌʃtaʊ̯/ | formal, masculine |
| Verkehrsinfarkt | masculine |
The term is used to describe a situation in which all road traffic is stationary or very slow. To say that you are stuck in a traffic jam, Germans typically use the idiomatic phrase im Stau stehen.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Verkehrsstau is a compound noun consisting of Verkehr (traffic) and Stau (jam/congestion).
Which one should you use?
While Stau is the common everyday word, Verkehrsinfarkt is a hyperbolic, metaphorical term used to describe a massive, paralyzing traffic jam, similar to a 'traffic heart attack'. Additionally, Verkehrschaos is a term used to describe a particularly chaotic or severe traffic jam.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Stau is the common, everyday word for a traffic jam, whereas Verkehrsstau is more formal and technical.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun Stau is masculine and takes the article 'der'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ʃtaʊ̯/
Did you know?
- German news reports often use Stau-Kino (jam cinema) to describe the experience of sitting in a long line of cars and watching other drivers.
- The word Stau originally referred to a 'weir' or a dam used to hold back water. It describes a traffic jam by imagining it as a physical barrier that causes a buildup, much like water behind a dam.
- The component word Verkehr in Verkehrsstau does not just mean 'traffic' in a general sense, but also relates to 'exchange' or 'communication' in other contexts.
Examples in context
- Tom steht im Stau.Tom is stuck in a traffic jam.This sentence is useful for describing someone who is currently stuck in a traffic jam using Stau.Tatoeba #3440218 by freddy1, translation #3439626 by CK
- Ich steckte im Stau.I was caught in a traffic jam.This sentence is useful for describing someone who was stuck in a traffic jam using Stau.Tatoeba #448371 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #240353 by CK
- Zum Glück gab es keinen Stau.Luckily there wasn't a traffic jam.This sentence is useful for expressing relief that there was no traffic jam using Stau.Tatoeba #2418935 by al_ex_an_der, translation #10515920 by sundown
- Es gibt einen Stau auf der Autobahn.There is a traffic jam on the highway.
- Wir stecken im Verkehrschaos fest.We're stuck in traffic chaos.
- Die Straßen sind völlig überlastet, es herrscht ein Stauchaos.The streets are completely overloaded, there is a traffic chaos.
- 44 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Maximilian is calling Laura from his car.
- MaximilianHallo Laura, ich verspäte mich leider.Hello Laura, I'm unfortunately running late.
- LauraWarum? Bist du noch nicht losgefahren?Why? Have you not left yet?
- MaximilianDoch, aber ich stehe gerade im Stau.I have, but I'm currently stuck in a traffic jam.
- LauraKein Problem, ich warte auf dich.No problem, I'll wait for you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “traffic jam” translations and entries Stau, Verkehrsstau, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Stau, Verkehrsstau, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
