Gegenfahrbahn

oncoming lane, opposite carriageway

noun GEH-gen-fahr-bahn Rare

Usage Note

Gegenfahrbahn denotes the lane or carriageway used by traffic travelling in the opposite direction. Overtaking onto the Gegenfahrbahn is a common cause of accidents described in traffic reports.

Examples

"Er geriet beim Überholen auf die Gegenfahrbahn und stieß mit einem Lkw zusammen."

Natural Translation

While overtaking he drifted into the oncoming lane and collided with a lorry.

Literal Translation

He got onto the opposite carriageway while overtaking and collided with a lorry.

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