Ampel

traffic light

noun AHM-pel Rare

Origin: from Latin ampulla (little flask, hanging lamp)

Usage Note

Ampel is feminine, plural Ampeln. The little walk-signal man is the famous Ampelmännchen. The word originally meant a hanging lamp, reflecting the suspended early signals.

Examples

"Bitte halte an, die Ampel ist rot."

Natural Translation

Please stop, the traffic light is red.

Literal Translation

Please stop on, the traffic-light is red.

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