das  Fahrverbot

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈfaːɐ̯fɛʁˌboːt/

🚦 What does "das Fahrverbot" mean?

The German word das Fahrverbot refers to a temporary ban on driving any motor vehicle in Germany. It's typically imposed as an additional penalty (Nebenstrafe) for traffic offenses (e.g., speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol) or as a measure to improve air quality (Diesel-Fahrverbot, meaning diesel driving ban in specific zones).

It differs from the Entzug der Fahrerlaubnis (revocation of the driving license), which is usually indefinite and requires reapplying for the license.

⚠️ Important: Das Fahrverbot applies to all motor vehicles, not just the one involved in the offense.

🧐 Grammar Corner: Das Fahrverbot

The word "Fahrverbot" is a neuter noun. The definite article is das. Here is its declension (Deklination):

📝 Example Sentences:

• Wegen überhöhter Geschwindigkeit erhielt er ein einmonatiges Fahrverbot.
  (Due to excessive speed, he received a one-month driving ban.)
• Das Fahrverbot tritt mit Rechtskraft des Bußgeldbescheids in Kraft.
  (The driving ban takes effect when the fine notice becomes legally binding.)
• In einigen Innenstädten gelten Diesel-Fahrverbote.
  (Diesel driving bans apply in some city centers.)
• Die Dauer des Fahrverbots beträgt in der Regel ein bis drei Monate.
  (The duration of the driving ban is usually one to three months.)

💡 How is "das Fahrverbot" used?

"Das Fahrverbot" is a standard term in German traffic law (Verkehrsrecht) and administrative language (Verwaltungssprache).

• Context: Mainly used in relation to traffic violations (Verkehrsordnungswidrigkeiten), penalty notices (Bußgeldbescheide), and traffic stops (Verkehrskontrollen). Also used regarding environmental zones and air pollution control (e.g., Diesel-Fahrverbot).
• Typical Phrases: "ein Fahrverbot erhalten/bekommen" (to receive a driving ban), "ein Fahrverbot antreten" (to start a driving ban), "die Dauer des Fahrverbots" (the duration of the driving ban), "gegen das Fahrverbot verstoßen" (to violate the driving ban).
• Distinction: It's crucial to distinguish das Fahrverbot (temporary, supplementary penalty) from Entzug der Fahrerlaubnis (often permanent, revocation of the fundamental permission to drive).

🧠 Mnemonics to Remember

Article Mnemonic: Think of das Auto (the car, neuter) being forced to stop by das Verbot (the ban, neuter). Neuter ban stops neuter car -> das Fahrverbot.

Meaning Mnemonic: It's a VERBOT (ban) related to FAHREN (driving) -> Fahr-verbot. Logically, a driving ban.

🔄 Synonyms & Antonyms

🚨 Risk of Confusion:

• Entzug der Fahrerlaubnis / Führerscheinentzug: (Revocation of the driving license) This is a more severe and often longer-term measure than das Fahrverbot.

😄 A Little Joke

Richter zum Angeklagten: "Wissen Sie, was Sie erwartet, wenn Sie trotz Fahrverbot fahren?"
Angeklagter: "Ich schätze, der Bus?"

Translation:
Judge to the defendant: "Do you know what awaits you if you drive despite the driving ban?"
Defendant: "I guess, the bus?"

📜 Poem about the Fahrverbot

Zu schnell geflitzt, oh weh, oh Graus,
der Blitzer blitzte, aus der Traum, die Maus.
Ein Brief kommt an, ganz offiziell,
das Fahrverbot, es trifft dich schnell.
Der Wagen steht, der Bus muss her,
ein Monat Fußweg, fällt dir schwer.
Doch Regeln sind nun mal Gesetz,
drum fahr bedacht, vermeid den Stres!

Translation:
Sped too fast, oh dear, oh dread,
The speed cam flashed, the dream is dead.
A letter arrives, official mail,
The driving ban, it hits without fail.
The car stands still, the bus is near,
A month on foot, brings forth a tear.
But rules are law, it must be stressed,
So drive with care, avoid the stress!

🧩 Riddle

Ich bin kein Dieb, doch nehm' dir was,
was dir Mobilität und Spaß versprach.
Ich gelte meist für einen Mond,
wer mich missachtet, wird nicht geschont.
Man kriegt mich oft für Raserei,
was bin ich wohl? Na eins, zwei, drei?

Lösung: Das Fahrverbot

Translation:
I am no thief, yet take something from you,
That promised mobility and fun, it's true.
I usually last for about a moon (month),
Ignore me, and punishment comes soon.
You often get me for speeding in a race,
What am I? Come on, guess the case!

Solution: Das Fahrverbot (The driving ban)

📌 Other Information

Word Composition: The word "Fahrverbot" is a compound noun (Kompositum), formed from the verb "fahren" (to drive) or the noun "Fahrt" (drive, journey) and the noun "Verbot" (ban, prohibition).

Legal Background: In Germany, das Fahrverbot is regulated in § 25 of the Road Traffic Act (Straßenverkehrsgesetz - StVG) and § 44 of the Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch - StGB).