Ampel
/ˈampəl/feminine
The German word for traffic light is Ampel. Wiktionary also lists Verkehrsampel and Signallicht.
Meaning: signalling device (noun)
Ways to say it
| German | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ampel | /ˈampəl/ | feminine |
| Verkehrsampel | [fɛɐ̯ˈkeːɐ̯sˌʔampl̩] (narrow) | feminine |
| Signallicht | Switzerland, neuter |
The term refers to a signalling device.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Verkehrsampel is a compound of Verkehr (traffic) and Ampel (traffic light).
Which one should you use?
Ampel is the common, everyday term, whereas Verkehrsampel is more formal or technical.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Switzerland, the neuter term Signallicht is used to mean a traffic light.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of Ampel is Ampeln.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈampəl/
Did you know?
- In some German contexts, the word Ampel is used as a political metaphor to describe a coalition government consisting of three parties, each represented by a color of the light.
- The Ampelmännchen became a symbol of East German identity and was preserved in Berlin after reunification despite efforts to replace it with a standard Western figure.
- German has the word Ampelmännchen, which literally means 'little traffic light man'. This refers to the iconic pedestrian signal figures.
Examples in context
- Das ist eine Ampel.That's a traffic light.This sentence shows how to identify an Ampel.Tatoeba #8320661 by MisterTrouser, translation #13292991 by frpzzd
- Die Ampel wurde rot.The traffic light changed to red.This sentence describes an Ampel changing to red.Tatoeba #1267461 by Esperantostern, translation #268846 by CK
- Die Ampel wurde grün.The traffic light turned green.This sentence describes an Ampel turning green.Tatoeba #3171523 by Pfirsichbaeumchen, translation #268842 by CK
- In Deutschland muss man an der Ampel immer warten.In Germany, one must always wait at the traffic light.
- An der Verkehrsampel können Fußgänger sicher die Straße überqueren.At the traffic light, pedestrians can safely cross the road.
- Bitte beachten Sie die Signalanlage und fahren Sie gemäß der Ampelfarben.Please pay attention to the traffic light and drive according to the lights.
- Wir müssen an der Lichtzeichenanlage rechts abbiegen.We have to turn right at the traffic lights.
- 17 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Julia and Julian are crossing a street together.
- JuliaWarte, die Ampel ist noch rot.Wait, the traffic light is still red.
- JulianDu hast recht, wir müssen warten.You are right, we have to wait.
- JuliaJetzt ist die Ampel grün, gehen wir!Now the traffic light is green, let's go!
- JulianAlles klar, Julian kommt mit.All right, Julian is coming along.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “traffic light” translations and entries Ampel, Verkehrsampel, Signallicht, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
