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A2 noun #7,500 mais comum 11 min de leitura

die Vorfahrt

Top 7,500

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas die Vorfahrt em 30 segundos

Explicação die Vorfahrt in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'die Vorfahrt' is a word you might encounter if you are learning about basic city life or transportation. You don't need to know all the complex traffic laws yet, but you should recognize that it means 'right of way.' Think of it as 'who goes first.' You will mostly see it in very simple sentences like 'Das Auto hat Vorfahrt' (The car has right of way). It is a feminine noun, so we use 'die.' At this stage, just focus on the idea of 'driving' (Fahrt) and 'before' (vor). If you see a sign with a red triangle and a black cross, or a yellow diamond, that is about 'Vorfahrt.' You might hear it if you are walking with a German friend and they tell you to wait because a car has the right of way. It is one of those essential 'survival' words for navigating a German-speaking city safely. Even if you don't drive, knowing who is supposed to move first helps you as a pedestrian. Remember: 'die Vorfahrt' is for vehicles. If you want to say you are first in line at a shop, you wouldn't use this word. Keep it simple: 'Vorfahrt' = cars and bikes going first.

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At the A2 level, you should be able to use 'die Vorfahrt' in basic conversations about traffic and daily routines. You should know the common phrase 'Vorfahrt haben' (to have right of way) and 'Vorfahrt gewähren' (to yield/give right of way). You will likely learn about the 'rechts vor links' (right before left) rule, which is a fundamental part of German culture. This means at an intersection without signs, the person coming from the right has 'die Vorfahrt.' You should be able to form sentences like 'An der Kreuzung hatte ich Vorfahrt' (At the intersection, I had the right of way). You are also expected to recognize compound words like 'Vorfahrtsstraße' (priority road) and 'Vorfahrtsschild' (right-of-way sign). You might need this word to describe a small accident or to explain why you had to stop suddenly. It's also important to start distinguishing between 'die Vorfahrt' and 'der Vorrang' (general priority), though at A2, teachers are usually lenient if you mix them up. Focus on the gender (die) and the basic verbs (haben, geben, achten).

By B1, you are expected to handle more complex traffic situations and discussions. You should be able to explain the rules of the road in German, perhaps as part of a presentation or a longer conversation about living in Germany. You will use 'die Vorfahrt' in the context of 'Straßenverkehrsregeln' (traffic rules). You should understand the difference between 'die Vorfahrt missachten' (to ignore the right of way) and 'die Vorfahrt beachten' (to respect/pay attention to the right of way). You might encounter this word in reading texts about road safety or environmental issues related to traffic. At this level, you should also be comfortable with the dative case when using 'gewähren': 'Der Autofahrer muss dem Radfahrer die Vorfahrt gewähren.' You should also be aware of the metaphorical use of 'Vorrang' and how it differs from the literal 'Vorfahrt.' If you are planning to get a German driver's license (Führerschein), this word becomes central to your vocabulary. You'll need to understand the nuances of 'Vorfahrt an der Ampel' (at the traffic light) versus 'Vorfahrt durch Schilder' (by signs).

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At the B2 level, your use of 'die Vorfahrt' should be precise and grammatically correct in various contexts. You should be able to discuss legal implications, such as who is 'schuld' (at fault) in an accident because they 'die Vorfahrt verletzt haben' (violated the right of way). You will encounter the word in more formal settings, like newspaper articles or police reports. You should understand related terms like 'Vorfahrtsberechtigte' (the person entitled to the right of way). At B2, you should also be able to use the word in more nuanced sentence structures, such as 'Hätte der Fahrer die Vorfahrt beachtet, wäre der Unfall nicht passiert' (If the driver had respected the right of way, the accident would not have happened). You are expected to know the specific signs and what they mean in German: 'Stoppschild,' 'Vorfahrt gewähren,' and 'Hauptstraße.' Your vocabulary should also include 'Vorfahrtsfall' (a case involving right of way) in a legal or insurance context. You can also discuss how traffic rules like 'Vorfahrt' contribute to societal order and safety.

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At the C1 level, you should have a near-native understanding of 'die Vorfahrt' and its place in the German legal and social system. You can discuss the 'Rechtsprechung' (jurisdiction) regarding 'Vorfahrtsdelikte' (right-of-way offenses). You understand that 'Vorfahrt' is a specific legal right that can be forfeited under certain conditions (e.g., if driving at excessive speed). You can analyze the 'Vorfahrtsregelung' in complex urban planning discussions. Your use of the word is not just limited to traffic; you can use synonyms like 'Präzedenz' or 'Priorisierung' in academic or professional contexts, while knowing exactly when 'Vorfahrt' is the only appropriate term. You can read and understand the 'Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung' (StVO) in its original language, including the fine print about 'Vorfahrt' in special situations like 'abknickende Vorfahrt' (a priority road that turns). You can also use the term metaphorically in sophisticated ways, perhaps in a political speech about which policies should have 'Vorfahrt' in the current budget, although 'Vorrang' remains more common for abstract ideas.

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At the C2 level, you command the full spectrum of 'die Vorfahrt' and its technical, legal, and colloquial nuances. You can engage in high-level debates about autonomous driving and how AI should handle 'Vorfahrt' decisions in 'ethischen Dilemmata' (ethical dilemmas). You are familiar with the historical development of 'Vorfahrtsregeln' in Germany and how they reflect broader cultural values. You can use the word in literary contexts or high-level journalism to evoke specific imagery of order, conflict, or movement. You understand the subtle differences between 'Vorfahrt,' 'Vorrang,' 'Vortritt' (Swiss German), and 'Vorbeifahrt.' You can write formal legal appeals or insurance claims involving 'Vorfahrtsstreitigkeiten' with perfect terminology. For a C2 learner, 'die Vorfahrt' is not just a traffic rule; it is a symbol of the 'Rechtsstaat' (state governed by the rule of law) applied to the micro-interactions of daily life. You can effortlessly switch between the technical language of a 'Fahrlehrer' and the abstract language of a philosopher discussing the 'Vorfahrt des Geistes' (priority of the mind).

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

die Vorfahrt em 30 segundos

Vorfahrt means 'right of way' in German traffic contexts.
It is a feminine noun: die Vorfahrt.
The default rule in Germany is 'rechts vor links' (right before left).
Commonly used with verbs like haben, gewähren, and missachten.

The German noun die Vorfahrt is a cornerstone of daily life in Germany, a country famous for its structured approach to organization and its legendary relationship with the automobile. At its most literal level, it translates to 'the right of way.' However, to understand its full weight, one must look at the German obsession with order and legal clarity on the roads. In the German traffic system, known as the Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung (StVO), the concept of who moves first is not a matter of polite suggestion but a strict legal mandate. If you are driving, cycling, or even walking in specific contexts, knowing who has the Vorfahrt is the difference between a smooth commute and a very expensive legal headache. The word itself is a compound: vor (before/ahead) and Fahrt (drive/journey), literally meaning the 'priority drive.'

Legal Standing: In Germany, the 'rechts vor links' (right before left) rule is the default for any intersection without signs. This makes the concept of Vorfahrt an omnipresent mental calculation for every driver.

Der Autofahrer missachtete die Vorfahrt und verursachte so einen schweren Unfall an der Kreuzung.

Beyond the asphalt, the term is occasionally used metaphorically to describe priority in other spheres of life, though its primary home remains the world of transport. When a German speaker says, 'Ich hatte Vorfahrt,' they are not just describing a physical position; they are asserting a right. It is a word of authority. In professional settings, one might hear about a project having 'Vorfahrt' over another, meaning it has higher priority. However, be careful not to over-rely on this; 'Priorität' is usually the better choice for abstract importance. The cultural weight of Vorfahrt reflects the German value of Sicherheit (safety) and Regeltreue (adherence to rules). To ignore the right of way is seen as a significant breach of social and legal trust. In many German cities, cyclists are particularly fierce about their Vorfahrt, and rightfully so, as the infrastructure is designed to protect this priority.

Common Verbs: You usually 'haben' (have), 'gewähren' (grant/give), or 'nehmen' (take - often illegally) the Vorfahrt.

An dieser engen Stelle müssen wir dem Gegenverkehr die Vorfahrt gewähren.

In summary, die Vorfahrt is not just a vocabulary word; it is a fundamental rule of the German social contract on the road. Whether you are studying for your Führerschein (driver's license) or just navigating a busy street in Berlin, understanding this word is essential for your safety and integration. It embodies the German preference for clear, unambiguous rules that, when followed, allow a complex system to function efficiently. Without Vorfahrt, the German roads would descend into the very chaos that their administrative systems are designed to prevent. From the 'Stop' sign to the 'Vorfahrt gewähren' triangle, the physical manifestations of this word are everywhere in the German landscape.

Using die Vorfahrt correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical gender (feminine) and the verbs that typically accompany it. Because it is a noun, it almost always appears with an article or a possessive pronoun. The most common construction is 'Vorfahrt haben' (to have the right of way). For example, 'Wer hat hier Vorfahrt?' (Who has the right of way here?). This is a vital question at unmarked intersections. Note that in this specific idiomatic use, the article 'die' is often dropped, much like in English we say 'to have priority' rather than 'to have the priority.'

The Dative Connection: When you grant someone the right of way, the person receiving it is in the dative case: 'Ich gewähre dem Bus die Vorfahrt.'

Achtung! Das rote Auto hat die Vorfahrt, du musst anhalten.

Another crucial verb is 'achten auf' (to pay attention to). You might say, 'Du musst auf die Vorfahrt achten,' which means you need to be mindful of who has priority. If someone ignores the rule, the verb is 'missachten' (to ignore/disregard). This is a formal term often found in police reports: 'Der Fahrer missachtete die Vorfahrt des Radfahrers.' In more casual speech, you might hear 'die Vorfahrt nehmen,' which implies taking it aggressively or incorrectly, as in 'Er hat mir einfach die Vorfahrt genommen!' (He just took my right of way/cut me off!).

In der Prüfung bin ich durchgefallen, weil ich die Vorfahrt eines anderen Autos nicht beachtet habe.

When describing roads, we use the compound noun 'Vorfahrtsstraße.' If you are on a 'Vorfahrtsstraße,' you have priority over all side streets. This is indicated by the yellow diamond sign. Conversely, a 'Vorfahrt gewähren' sign (an upside-down triangle) tells you that you must yield. In a sentence: 'Wir befinden uns auf einer Vorfahrtsstraße, also müssen wir nicht bremsen.' These nuances are essential for anyone hoping to pass a German driving test or simply to communicate clearly about traffic incidents. Even for pedestrians, while 'Vorfahrt' is technically for vehicles, the concept of 'Vorrang' (priority) is often used interchangeably in casual speech, though 'Vorfahrt' specifically implies 'Fahrt' (driving/riding).

The most common place to hear die Vorfahrt is, unsurprisingly, inside a car or during a driving lesson. If you ever take driving lessons in Germany (the Fahrschule), you will hear this word hundreds of times. The instructor will constantly ask, 'Wer hat hier Vorfahrt?' or shout 'Vorfahrt achten!' as you approach a tricky intersection. It is the 'bread and butter' of German driving education. Beyond the car, you will hear it on the news during traffic reports, especially when accidents are described. The phrase 'Missachtung der Vorfahrt' is the standard bureaucratic way to explain that someone didn't yield correctly.

In the News: Radio traffic updates often mention accidents caused by 'Vorfahrtsfehler' (right-of-way errors), reminding drivers to be cautious.

Der Nachrichtensprecher sagte: 'Wegen einer missachteten Vorfahrt kommt es auf der B10 zu Staus.'

You will also encounter this word in legal and insurance contexts. If you are involved in a 'Blechschaden' (fender bender), the first thing the police or the insurance agent will want to know is who had the Vorfahrt. It is a word that determines financial liability. In a more modern context, GPS systems and navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze in German will use related terms, though they usually give directions like 'An der nächsten Kreuzung rechts abbiegen' rather than discussing the legal right of way. However, if you use a cycling app, it might warn you about 'Vorfahrtsstraßen' where you need to be careful of fast-moving cars.

Polizeibericht: 'Beide Fahrzeuge kollidierten, da die Vorfahrt nicht klar ersichtlich war.'

Finally, you might hear it in heated arguments. Germans are generally very law-abiding, but they are also very aware of their rights. If a driver feels their priority was taken, they might roll down the window and yell, 'Ich hatte Vorfahrt!' (I had the right of way!). In this sense, the word becomes a tool for social policing. It is not just about the law; it is about the expectation that everyone follows the same system. Even in non-driving contexts, like a crowded ski slope or a narrow hiking trail, people might jokingly say 'Vorfahrt!' to claim space, though 'Vorsicht!' (Watch out!) is more common there. The word is deeply embedded in the psyche of anyone navigating German public spaces.

One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make with die Vorfahrt is confusing it with 'Vorrang.' While they both mean 'priority,' Vorfahrt is strictly for vehicles (cars, bikes, trucks) on the road. If you are talking about a pedestrian's priority at a crosswalk, the technically correct term is 'Vorrang,' though many people use 'Vorfahrt' colloquially. Another common error is the gender. Since it ends in '-fahrt,' it is always feminine (die), but learners often default to 'der' because they associate driving with more masculine-coded terms in their native language or simply forget the rule that nouns ending in '-fahrt' are feminine.

Confusion with 'Priority': Do not use 'Vorfahrt' for work tasks. Use 'Priorität'. Saying 'Meine E-Mails haben Vorfahrt' sounds like your emails are driving cars.

Falsch: 'Ich habe den Vorfahrt.' Richtig: 'Ich habe die Vorfahrt.'

Using the wrong verb is another pitfall. In English, we 'yield' the right of way. In German, you 'gewähren' (grant) the Vorfahrt. Using 'geben' (give) is understandable and common in casual speech, but 'gewähren' is the proper term in any official or driving-test context. Also, learners often forget the 'rechts vor links' rule's impact on the word's usage. They might wait for a sign, not realizing that the absence of a sign is the sign that the person on the right has the Vorfahrt. Misunderstanding the concept leads to misusing the word.

Falsch: 'An der Ampel haben Fußgänger Vorfahrt.' Richtig: 'An der Ampel haben Fußgänger Vorrang.'

Finally, word order with 'Vorfahrt' can be tricky for beginners. Because 'Vorfahrt' is the object, it usually comes after the verb, but in subordinate clauses, it moves. For example: 'Ich weiß nicht, ob ich Vorfahrt habe.' (I don't know if I have right of way). Many learners try to keep the 'Vorfahrt' right next to the subject. Additionally, the plural 'Vorfahrten' exists but is almost never used in practice. If you find yourself trying to use the plural, you're probably describing a series of intersections, and it's better to say 'an jeder Kreuzung die Vorfahrt beachten' (pay attention to the right of way at every intersection) instead of using a plural noun.

When exploring the semantic field of die Vorfahrt, the most important related word is der Vorrang. While Vorfahrt is specific to the movement of vehicles, Vorrang is a broader term for 'priority' or 'precedence.' It is used for pedestrians (e.g., at a zebra crossing), in legal hierarchies, or in general life. For example, 'Die Sicherheit hat Vorrang' (Safety has priority). Another close relative is die Priorität. This is the direct cognate of 'priority' and is used in business, scheduling, and abstract contexts. You would never say a task has 'Vorfahrt' in a formal meeting; you would say it has 'höchste Priorität.'

Vorfahrt vs. Vorrang: Use 'Vorfahrt' for cars/bikes on roads. Use 'Vorrang' for pedestrians or general priority situations.

Der Krankenwagen hat im Einsatz immer Vorrang (oder Vorfahrt) vor anderen Verkehrsteilnehmern.

In traffic-specific language, you might also encounter das Vorfahrtsrecht. This is the more formal, legalistic version of 'Vorfahrt.' You will see this in textbooks or legal documents. It emphasizes the 'Recht' (right) aspect. If you are looking for an antonym or the opposite action, you would look at Warten (waiting) or Anhalten (stopping). There isn't a single word that means 'the lack of right of way,' but the phrase 'Vorfahrt gewähren' (to yield) describes the action of the person who does not have the priority.

Comparison Table: Vorfahrt = Traffic priority; Vorrang = General/Pedestrian priority; Priorität = Business/Abstract priority.

In diesem Projekt hat die Qualität Vorrang vor der Geschwindigkeit.

Finally, consider the verb vordrängeln. This means 'to push ahead' or 'to cut in line.' While not a direct synonym, it is the social equivalent of 'die Vorfahrt nehmen' (taking the right of way) in a non-traffic queue. Understanding these distinctions helps you sound more like a native speaker. Using 'Vorfahrt' correctly shows you understand the specific rules of the road, while using 'Vorrang' or 'Priorität' shows a broader command of the German language's nuances regarding importance and order.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The specific legal term 'Vorfahrt' only became strictly codified with the rise of the automobile in the early 20th century.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ˈfoːɐ̯.faːɐ̯t/

US /ˈfoʊr.fɑːrt/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: VOR-fahrt.

Rima com

Abfahrt Einfahrt Durchfahrt Heimfahrt Rückfahrt Wallfahrt Irrfahrt Talfahrt

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the 'V' like an English 'v' (it should be 'f').
Making the 'a' in 'Fahrt' too short.
Forgetting the 'h' is silent and just lengthens the vowel.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Easy to recognize in context, especially with signs.

Escrita 3/5

Requires correct gender and compound word knowledge.

Expressão oral 3/5

Important to pronounce the 'V' as 'F'.

Audição 2/5

Clear pronunciation in traffic reports.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

fahren vor die Fahrt die Straße rechts

Aprenda a seguir

der Vorrang die Priorität die Kreuzung abbiegen bremsen

Avançado

die Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung vorfahrtsberechtigt die Gefahrenstelle die Vorfahrtsverletzung

Gramática essencial

Feminine nouns ending in -fahrt

die Vorfahrt, die Abfahrt, die Anfahrt

Dative case for 'gewähren'

Ich gewähre dem (dative) Auto die Vorfahrt.

Separable verbs with 'vor-'

Ich fahre vor (vorfahren).

Compound nouns structure

Vorfahrt + Straße = Vorfahrtsstraße (with connecting 's').

Prepositions with traffic terms

An (dative) der Kreuzung auf (accusative) die Vorfahrt achten.

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Exemplos por nível

Das rote Auto hat Vorfahrt.

The red car has right of way.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

Wer hat hier Vorfahrt?

Who has right of way here?

Interrogative sentence with 'wer'.

Ich muss auf die Vorfahrt achten.

I must pay attention to the right of way.

Modal verb 'müssen' with 'achten auf'.

Hier ist kein Vorfahrtsschild.

There is no right-of-way sign here.

Negation with 'kein' for a feminine noun.

Stopp! Das Fahrrad hat Vorfahrt.

Stop! The bicycle has right of way.

Exclamatory sentence.

Die Vorfahrt ist wichtig.

The right of way is important.

Copula sentence with 'sein'.

Ich gebe dem Auto die Vorfahrt.

I give the car the right of way.

Dative indirect object 'dem Auto'.

Rechts vor links bedeutet Vorfahrt.

Right before left means right of way.

Definition-style sentence.

An dieser Kreuzung gilt rechts vor links, also hast du Vorfahrt.

At this intersection, right before left applies, so you have right of way.

Compound sentence with 'also'.

Der Busfahrer hat die Vorfahrt missachtet.

The bus driver ignored the right of way.

Perfect tense with 'hat missachtet'.

Wir fahren auf einer Vorfahrtsstraße.

We are driving on a priority road.

Dative after 'auf' (position).

Du musst dem Gegenverkehr Vorfahrt gewähren.

You must yield to oncoming traffic.

Modal verb and dative 'Gegenverkehr'.

Warum hast du mir die Vorfahrt genommen?

Why did you take my right of way?

Dative 'mir' indicating whose right was taken.

Das Schild bedeutet 'Vorfahrt gewähren'.

The sign means 'yield'.

Direct object phrase.

In der Fahrschule lernt man alles über die Vorfahrt.

In driving school, one learns everything about the right of way.

Impersonal 'man'.

Ohne Vorfahrt darfst du nicht fahren.

Without right of way, you are not allowed to drive.

Preposition 'ohne' with accusative.

Wegen der missachteten Vorfahrt kam es zu einem Unfall.

Because of the ignored right of way, an accident occurred.

Genitive after 'wegen'.

Es ist oft unklar, wer an dieser engen Stelle Vorfahrt hat.

It is often unclear who has right of way at this narrow spot.

Subordinate clause with 'wer'.

Man sollte immer vorsichtig sein, auch wenn man Vorfahrt hat.

One should always be careful, even when one has right of way.

Conjunction 'auch wenn'.

Die Polizei prüft, ob die Vorfahrt beachtet wurde.

The police are checking if the right of way was respected.

Passive voice in a subordinate clause.

Ein Stoppschild zwingt dich dazu, die Vorfahrt abzuwarten.

A stop sign forces you to wait for the right of way.

Infinitive with 'zu'.

Radfahrer beschweren sich oft, dass Autofahrer ihre Vorfahrt ignorieren.

Cyclists often complain that car drivers ignore their right of way.

Subordinate clause with 'dass'.

In Kreisel hat normalerweise derjenige Vorfahrt, der sich bereits im Kreisel befindet.

In a roundabout, usually the one already in the roundabout has priority.

Relative clause 'der sich... befindet'.

Das Schild 'abknickende Vorfahrt' kann für Anfänger verwirrend sein.

The 'turning priority road' sign can be confusing for beginners.

Compound noun as subject.

Die Versicherung weigert sich zu zahlen, da die Vorfahrt verletzt wurde.

The insurance refuses to pay because the right of way was violated.

Conjunction 'da' for causality.

In der Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung ist die Vorfahrt eindeutig geregelt.

In the traffic regulations, the right of way is clearly regulated.

Participle used as an adjective 'geregelt'.

Der Kläger behauptet, er habe die Vorfahrt des anderen Wagens nicht gesehen.

The plaintiff claims he did not see the other car's right of way.

Konjunktiv I for indirect speech.

Vorfahrtsfehler gehören zu den häufigsten Unfallursachen in Deutschland.

Right-of-way errors are among the most common causes of accidents in Germany.

Plural compound noun.

Trotz Vorfahrt musste ich stark bremsen, um eine Kollision zu vermeiden.

Despite having right of way, I had to brake hard to avoid a collision.

Preposition 'trotz' with genitive/dative.

Die Vorfahrtsregelung an dieser Baustelle ist extrem kompliziert.

The right-of-way regulation at this construction site is extremely complicated.

Noun 'Regelung' indicating a system.

Einsatzfahrzeuge mit Blaulicht haben immer Vorfahrt, sofern sie im Einsatz sind.

Emergency vehicles with blue lights always have priority, provided they are on a mission.

Condition with 'sofern'.

Wer die Vorfahrt erzwingt, handelt grob fahrlässig.

Whoever forces the right of way acts with gross negligence.

Legal terminology 'grob fahrlässig'.

Die Neugestaltung der Kreuzung soll die Vorfahrtssituation für Radfahrer verbessern.

The redesign of the intersection is intended to improve the right-of-way situation for cyclists.

Complex compound 'Vorfahrtssituation'.

Es bedarf einer klaren Vorfahrtsregelung, um den Verkehrsfluss zu optimieren.

It requires a clear right-of-way regulation to optimize traffic flow.

Verb 'bedürfen' with genitive.

Das Gericht urteilte, dass die Vorfahrt auch bei schlechter Sicht gewährt werden muss.

The court ruled that the right of way must be granted even in poor visibility.

Passive voice with modal 'muss'.

Die Missachtung der Vorfahrt wird oft mit einem hohen Bußgeld geahndet.

Disregarding the right of way is often punished with a high fine.

Passive voice 'wird geahndet'.

In diesem speziellen Fall war die Vorfahrt durch eine Ampel außer Kraft gesetzt.

In this specific case, the right of way was overridden by a traffic light.

Idiom 'außer Kraft gesetzt'.

Autonome Fahrzeuge müssen lernen, Vorfahrtssituationen in Millisekunden zu bewerten.

Autonomous vehicles must learn to evaluate right-of-way situations in milliseconds.

Infinitive clause.

Die Vorfahrt des Schienenverkehrs ist an unbeschrankten Bahnübergängen absolut.

The priority of rail traffic is absolute at unguarded level crossings.

Genitive 'des Schienenverkehrs'.

Man darf seine Vorfahrt nicht auf Kosten der Sicherheit anderer erzwingen.

One must not force one's right of way at the expense of others' safety.

Prepositional phrase 'auf Kosten von'.

Die philosophische Debatte über die Vorfahrt des Individuums gegenüber dem Kollektiv ist alt.

The philosophical debate about the priority of the individual over the collective is old.

Metaphorical usage.

Juristisch gesehen ist die Vorfahrt ein subjektives öffentliches Recht.

From a legal perspective, the right of way is a subjective public right.

Legal terminology.

Die Komplexität der Vorfahrtsregeln spiegelt die deutsche Sehnsucht nach Ordnung wider.

The complexity of right-of-way rules reflects the German longing for order.

Separable verb 'widerspiegeln'.

Ein Verzicht auf die Vorfahrt kann in manchen Situationen deeskalierend wirken.

Waiving the right of way can have a de-escalating effect in some situations.

Noun 'Verzicht' with 'auf'.

Die Vorfahrtsschilder fungieren als semiotische Marker im städtischen Raum.

Right-of-way signs function as semiotic markers in the urban space.

Academic register.

Bei der Programmierung von KI-Systemen muss die Vorfahrt ethisch gewichtet werden.

When programming AI systems, right of way must be ethically weighted.

Passive with 'muss'.

Das Dogma der Vorfahrt wird in modernen 'Shared Space'-Konzepten infrage gestellt.

The dogma of right of way is questioned in modern 'shared space' concepts.

Idiom 'infrage gestellt'.

Die Vorfahrt ist das unsichtbare Band, das den Verkehrsfluss zusammenhält.

Right of way is the invisible bond that holds the flow of traffic together.

Metaphorical relative clause.

Colocações comuns

Vorfahrt haben

Vorfahrt gewähren

Vorfahrt achten

Vorfahrt missachten

Vorfahrt nehmen

die Vorfahrtsstraße

die Vorfahrtsregelung

ein Vorfahrtsfehler

Vorfahrt erzwingen

abknickende Vorfahrt

Frases Comuns

Rechts vor links

— The standard rule where the vehicle on the right has priority.

Hier gibt es keine Schilder, also gilt rechts vor links.

Vorfahrt gewähren!

— The command to yield, often seen on signs.

An der Einmündung steht 'Vorfahrt gewähren'.

Die Vorfahrt erzwingen

— To push through even if it might be dangerous or unclear.

Erzwinge niemals deine Vorfahrt, das ist gefährlich.

Vorfahrt beachten

— To pay attention to who has the right of way.

Beim Abbiegen musst du die Vorfahrt beachten.

Hatte ich Vorfahrt?

— A common question after a near-miss or accident.

Polizist, hatte ich in dieser Situation Vorfahrt?

Vorfahrtstraße

— A road where drivers have priority over intersecting traffic.

Auf der Vorfahrtstraße darfst du 50 km/h fahren.

Vorfahrtsverzicht

— Voluntarily giving up one's right of way to help traffic flow.

Ein Vorfahrtsverzicht ist manchmal höflich.

Vorfahrtszeichen

— Traffic signs that regulate the right of way.

Kennst du alle Vorfahrtszeichen?

Vorfahrtsfall

— A specific instance where right-of-way rules apply.

In diesem Vorfahrtsfall war die Sache klar.

Vorfahrt gewährt

— The state of having yielded to someone.

Ich habe ihm die Vorfahrt gewährt.

Frequentemente confundido com

die Vorfahrt vs Vorrang

Vorrang is for pedestrians or general priority; Vorfahrt is for vehicles.

die Vorfahrt vs Abfahrt

Abfahrt means departure; Vorfahrt means right of way.

die Vorfahrt vs Vorfahr

Vorfahr means ancestor; Vorfahrt means right of way.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Vorfahrt für..."

— Giving priority to a specific topic or group in a metaphorical sense.

Vorfahrt für Familien in der Steuerpolitik.

journalistic

"Jemandem die Vorfahrt nehmen"

— To cut someone off in traffic (literal) or to overshadow someone (metaphorical).

Er hat mir im Gespräch einfach die Vorfahrt genommen.

informal

"Vorfahrt haben (metaphorical)"

— To be more important than something else.

Sicherheit hat bei uns immer Vorfahrt.

neutral

"Auf Vorfahrt pochen"

— To insist on one's right of way, even if it causes conflict.

Er pocht immer auf seine Vorfahrt, egal was passiert.

neutral

"Vorfahrt gewähren (social)"

— To let someone else go first in a non-traffic situation.

Ich gewähre dir heute mal die Vorfahrt bei der Projektauswahl.

informal

"Die Vorfahrt missachten (metaphorical)"

— To ignore established priorities or rules.

Die Firma hat die Vorfahrt der Umweltinteressen missachtet.

formal

"Vorfahrtsschilder im Kopf haben"

— To be very rule-oriented or rigid.

Er hat nur Vorfahrtsschilder im Kopf.

informal

"Ohne Vorfahrt durchs Leben gehen"

— To be passive or let others decide.

Er geht ohne Vorfahrt durchs Leben.

poetic

"Die Vorfahrt regeln"

— To decide who is more important in a situation.

Wir müssen die Vorfahrt bei den Aufgaben regeln.

neutral

"Vorfahrt achten (as a general warning)"

— Be careful and respect others' rights.

Vorfahrt achten gilt auch im Büro!

neutral

Fácil de confundir

die Vorfahrt vs Vorrang

Both mean priority.

Vorfahrt is strictly for vehicles on the road. Vorrang is for pedestrians or abstract priority.

Fußgänger haben Vorrang, Autos haben Vorfahrt.

die Vorfahrt vs Priorität

Cognate of priority.

Priorität is for tasks or importance. Vorfahrt is for traffic.

Die Arbeit hat Priorität, aber im Auto achte ich auf die Vorfahrt.

die Vorfahrt vs Vortritt

Swiss German equivalent.

Used primarily in Switzerland. In Germany, 'Vorfahrt' is standard.

In Zürich sagt man Vortritt.

die Vorfahrt vs Vorfahren

Similar sound.

Vorfahren are ancestors. Vorfahrt is right of way.

Meine Vorfahren hatten keine Autos und brauchten keine Vorfahrt.

die Vorfahrt vs Einfahrt

Shared root -fahrt.

Einfahrt is an entrance or driveway. Vorfahrt is a rule.

Blockiere nicht die Einfahrt, wenn du keine Vorfahrt hast.

Padrões de frases

[Subject] hat Vorfahrt.

Der Bus hat Vorfahrt.

An der [Noun], hat [Subject] Vorfahrt.

An der Kreuzung hat das Fahrrad Vorfahrt.

Man muss [Dative] die Vorfahrt gewähren.

Man muss dem LKW die Vorfahrt gewähren.

Wegen [Genitive] wurde die Vorfahrt missachtet.

Wegen der Eile wurde die Vorfahrt missachtet.

Die Vorfahrtssituation ist [Adjective].

Die Vorfahrtssituation ist unübersichtlich.

Das Konzept der Vorfahrt [Verb]...

Das Konzept der Vorfahrt untermauert die Verkehrssicherheit.

Wer hat hier Vorfahrt?

Ich achte auf die Vorfahrt.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

die Abfahrt

die Einfahrt

die Durchfahrt

die Weiterfahrt

der Vorfahrtsfehler

Verbos

vorfahren

fahren

abfahren

einfahren

mitfahren

Adjetivos

vorfahrtsberechtigt

Relacionado

der Verkehr

die Kreuzung

die Ampel

das Schild

die Regel

Cadastre-se grátis para ver todos os exemplos

Como usar

frequency

Very common in daily life, especially for drivers and cyclists.

Erros comuns

Using 'der Vorfahrt' → die Vorfahrt
Nouns ending in -fahrt are always feminine in German.
Using 'Vorfahrt' for work tasks → Priorität
Vorfahrt is specific to traffic. Use Priorität for abstract importance.
Saying 'Ich habe Vorfahrt' to a pedestrian → Ich habe Vorrang
While colloquially used, 'Vorrang' is the correct term for non-vehicle priority.
Forgetting the 's' in Vorfahrtsstraße → Vorfahrtsstraße
Compound nouns with 'Vorfahrt' usually require a connecting 's'.
Pronouncing 'V' as in 'Victory' → Pronounce as 'F'
The letter 'V' in German is usually pronounced like an 'F'.

Dicas

Respect the Rule

In Germany, people expect you to take your Vorfahrt if you have it. Hesitating too long can cause as much confusion as going when you shouldn't.

Feminine Gender

Always use 'die' with Vorfahrt. Remember: all nouns ending in -fahrt are feminine because 'die Fahrt' is feminine.

Rechts vor Links

When in doubt and there are no signs, always look to your right. The person on the right has the Vorfahrt.

Vorfahrt vs. Vorrang

Use Vorfahrt for wheels, Vorrang for heels. This is a simple way to remember the distinction between vehicle and pedestrian priority.

Before-Drive

Translate 'Vor-Fahrt' literally as 'Before-Drive' to remember it means the right to drive before others.

Signs Over Rules

Traffic lights and signs always override the 'rechts vor links' rule. Check for them first before assuming the default Vorfahrt.

Liability

Insurance companies in Germany are very strict about Vorfahrt. If you didn't have it, you will almost certainly be found at fault.

Hand Signals

If you want to waive your Vorfahrt, make a clear hand gesture. Don't just flash your lights, as that can mean different things in different regions.

Fahrschule Apps

If you want to master this word, look at German driving school apps. They have hundreds of 'Vorfahrt' scenarios.

The Root -fahrt

Learning words like Abfahrt (departure) and Anfahrt (arrival) will help you remember the root of Vorfahrt.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of 'FOR' (Vor) and 'FART' (drive/journey). You are the one who goes 'FOR' (before) the others in the 'FART' (journey).

Associação visual

Visualize a yellow diamond (the German priority sign) on your steering wheel. That diamond represents your Vorfahrt.

Word Web

Auto Straße Kreuzung Regel Schild Rechts Links Unfall

Desafio

Go to a busy intersection and mentally label who has 'die Vorfahrt' for 5 minutes.

Origem da palavra

Derived from the Middle High German 'vorn' (before) and 'vart' (journey/way). It combined to describe the act of going before others.

Significado original: The act of driving or moving ahead of others.

Germanic

Contexto cultural

No specific sensitivities, but be aware that 'Vorfahrt' can be a trigger for stress during driving tests.

In the US or UK, 'right of way' is often less strictly followed in residential areas compared to Germany's 'rechts vor links'.

Der 7. Sinn (German TV show about traffic safety) StVO (The legal bible of German roads) Fahrschule (The shared trauma/rite of passage for Germans)

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Driving School

Wer hat Vorfahrt?
Vorfahrt achten!
Rechts vor links beachten.
Vorfahrtsstraße erkennen.

Traffic Accident

Ich hatte Vorfahrt.
Er hat die Vorfahrt missachtet.
Die Vorfahrt war unklar.
Polizei rufen.

Insurance Claim

Vorfahrtsverletzung dokumentieren.
Schadenmeldung ausfüllen.
Vorfahrtsberechtigt sein.
Haftung klären.

Cycling

Vorfahrt für Radfahrer.
Vorsicht an Einmündungen.
Handzeichen geben.
Blickkontakt suchen.

City Planning

Vorfahrtsregelung ändern.
Kreisverkehr bauen.
Verkehrsfluss verbessern.
Sicherheit erhöhen.

Iniciadores de conversa

"Hattest du schon mal einen Unfall, weil jemand die Vorfahrt missachtet hat?"

"Findest du die 'Rechts vor links'-Regel in Deutschland gut?"

"Wie ist die Vorfahrt in deinem Heimatland geregelt?"

"Was machst du, wenn jemand dir die Vorfahrt nimmt?"

"Sind die Vorfahrtsschilder in Deutschland leicht zu verstehen?"

Temas para diário

Beschreibe eine Situation, in der du jemandem die Vorfahrt gewährt hast, obwohl du sie hattest.

Warum ist die Vorfahrt für die Sicherheit im Straßenverkehr so wichtig?

Erkläre die 'Rechts vor links'-Regel einem Freund, der noch nie in Deutschland war.

Wie würde eine Stadt ohne Vorfahrtsregeln aussehen?

Schreibe über deine Erfahrungen in der deutschen Fahrschule.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

It is the default right-of-way rule in Germany. At intersections without signs or lights, the vehicle coming from the right always has the 'Vorfahrt'. This is a fundamental rule every driver must know.

Yes, bicycles are vehicles in Germany and have the same 'Vorfahrt' rights and duties as cars. At an unmarked intersection, a bike coming from the right has priority over a car from the left.

Technically, the word for pedestrians is 'Vorrang'. However, in casual conversation, people might use 'Vorfahrt' loosely. In a driving test, you must use 'Vorrang' for people.

It marks a 'Vorfahrtsstraße' (priority road). On this road, you have the 'Vorfahrt' at all upcoming intersections until the sign is cancelled by a similar sign with a black line.

Disregarding the right of way is a serious offense. It usually results in a fine, points on your license, and if an accident occurs, you will be held liable for the damages.

Yes, you can 'auf die Vorfahrt verzichten'. This is often done to be polite or to clear a traffic jam, but you should do it clearly (e.g., with a hand signal) to avoid confusion.

This is when a priority road turns at an intersection. It is marked by a specific sign showing a thick turning line. You must still use your turn signal if you follow the priority road.

Rarely. Usually, 'Priorität' is used. However, you might hear 'Vorfahrt für...' in political slogans to mean a certain group should be prioritized in policy.

It is a technical term for any mistake involving the right of way, such as not yielding when required. It is a common cause listed in accident reports.

Pronounce it 'FOR-fart'. The 'V' is an 'F' sound, and the 'h' is silent, making the 'a' long. Stress the first syllable.

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