der  Highway

B1

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈhaɪˌweɪ/

🛣️ What Exactly is 'der Highway'?

The term Highway is an Anglicism, a loanword from English. In German, it is used with the masculine article der: der Highway.

It generally refers to a large, interregional road designed for high traffic volume, similar to an Autobahn (motorway/freeway) or Schnellstraße (expressway). It often evokes the image of an American highway.

Although Autobahn is the more common and specific German term for Germany's high-speed roads, Highway is sometimes used synonymously or to describe foreign (especially American) counterparts. There are no different meanings based on different articles, as only 'der' is correct.

🚨 Attention: Not every large road is a Highway. German distinguishes more clearly between Autobahn (highest category), Bundesstraße (important federal road), and Landstraße (country road).

🧐 Grammar of 'der Highway' at a Glance

The word 'Highway' is a masculine noun. Here are the declension tables:

Example Sentences

• Der neue Highway verkürzt die Fahrzeit erheblich.
  (The new highway significantly shortens the travel time.)
• Auf diesem Highway gibt es oft Stau.
  (There is often traffic congestion on this highway.)
• Die Planung des Highways dauerte Jahre.
  (The planning of the highway took years.)
• Wir fuhren stundenlang auf endlosen Highways durch die USA.
  (We drove for hours on endless highways through the USA.)

When to Use 'Highway'? Usage Tips

The use of der Highway in German is less common than die Autobahn.

• Context: Often used in contexts referring to foreign countries (especially the USA) or to convey a modern, international feel. Example: "Wir machten einen Roadtrip auf dem berühmten Highway 66." (We went on a road trip on the famous Highway 66.)
• Alternative to Autobahn: Sometimes used as a synonym for Autobahn, perhaps for linguistic variety or a 'cooler' sound. Example: "Dieser neue Highway um die Stadt ist super." (This new highway around the city is great.) (Often referring to an Autobahn or expressway).
• Distinction: In official German language and traffic regulations, Autobahn (blue sign with white bridge/road symbol) is the correct term for the corresponding roads in Germany. Highway has no official traffic law definition in Germany.
• Feeling: Can convey a sense of vastness, freedom, and perhaps American culture.

Memory Aids for 'der Highway'

1. Mnemonic for the article: Think of the strong (masculine) flow of traffic, the powerful cars dominating the road. Masculine power = der Highway. Or associate it with 'der Weg' (the way/path), which is also masculine.
2. Mnemonic for the meaning: Imagine the road going high above the normal landscape or taking you high up to your destination – a High-way.

"Think of Der Stau (traffic jam) on der Highway - both are masculine!"

Similar and Opposite Terms

⚠️ Caution: Although often used synonymously, Highway is not always exactly the same as Autobahn. Autobahn is the specific German term with clear structural and legal definitions.

😂 A Little Joke

Warum hat der Highway schlechte Laune?
(Why is the highway in a bad mood?)

Weil er so viele Ausfahrten hat, aber nie selbst wohin fahren darf!
(Because it has so many exits ('Ausfahrten' can also mean 'outings' or 'drives'), but never gets to go anywhere itself!)

🛣️ Highway Poem

Asphaltband, grau und breit,
Führt uns durch die weite Zeit.
Der Highway ruft, das Ziel ist fern,
Wir fahren schnell, wir fahren gern.
Motor summt im steten Lauf,
Kilometer fressen wir auf.
Lichter ziehen nachts vorbei,
Auf dem Highway, frei und neu.

(Ribbon of asphalt, grey and wide,
Leads us through the passage of time.
The highway calls, the goal is far,
We drive fast, we like to go by car.
The engine hums a steady sound,
Kilometres we devour, unbound.
Lights streak by into the night,
On the highway, free and bright.)

🧠 Who or What Am I?

Ich habe Spuren, doch keine Füße,
Ich trage Lasten, mal schwer, mal süße.
Ich verbinde Städte, Land und Leute,
Bring dich schnell ans Ziel, schon heute.
Man nennt mich oft wie in USA,
Mein Artikel ist männlich, das ist klar.

Was bin ich?

(I have lanes/tracks, but no feet,
I carry loads, sometimes heavy, sometimes sweet.
I connect cities, country, and people,
Get you quickly to your goal, it's simple.
I'm often called like in the USA,
My article is masculine, clear as day.

What am I?)

(Solution: der Highway)

🌐 Trivia & Origin

• Origin: The word 'Highway' comes directly from English (high + way). Originally, it referred to main roads, which were often built elevated on embankments.
• Cultural Association: In German, often associated with the American road network (Interstate Highways) and the feeling of road trips and freedom.
• Word Composition: In German, 'Highway' can be part of compound words, e.g., Highway-Gebühr (highway toll), Highway-Polizei (highway police - although Autobahnpolizei is more common in Germany).