Nebenfluss

tributary

noun NAY-ben-floos Rare

Also means

side river

Usage Note

Nebenfluss is the everyday geographic term for a river that flows into a larger one. It appears on maps and in travel descriptions: the Mosel is a Nebenfluss of the Rhein, the Isar is a Nebenfluss of the Donau.

Examples

"Die Saale ist ein wichtiger Nebenfluss der Elbe."

Natural Translation

The Saale is an important tributary of the Elbe.

Literal Translation

The Saale is an important side-river of-the Elbe.

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