der
Kreisverkehr
🚦 What exactly is a 'Kreisverkehr'?
Der Kreisverkehr (plural: die Kreisverkehre) refers to a specific type of road junction or intersection where traffic flows in one direction around a central island. Vehicles wanting to enter the roundabout must yield to traffic already circulating within it.
In English, this is commonly known as a roundabout or sometimes a traffic circle.
There is only this one meaning for the word with the article 'der'. Confusion is unlikely.
📊 Grammar Corner: Declension of 'der Kreisverkehr'
The noun 'Kreisverkehr' is masculine. Here are the declension tables:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | der | Kreisverkehr |
| Genitive | des | Kreisverkehrs / Kreisverkehres |
| Dative | dem | Kreisverkehr |
| Accusative | den | Kreisverkehr |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Kreisverkehre |
| Genitive | der | Kreisverkehre |
| Dative | den | Kreisverkehren |
| Accusative | die | Kreisverkehre |
Example Sentences
- An dieser Kreuzung wird bald ein neuer Kreisverkehr gebaut.
(A new roundabout will soon be built at this intersection.) - Die Ausfahrt aus dem Kreisverkehr ist manchmal schwierig zu finden.
(The exit from the roundabout is sometimes difficult to find.) - Im Urlaub in Frankreich sind wir durch viele Kreisverkehre gefahren.
(On holiday in France, we drove through many roundabouts.) - Die Regeln des Kreisverkehrs sind einfach: Wer drin ist, hat Vorfahrt.
(The rules of the roundabout are simple: Whoever is inside has the right of way.)
💡 How is 'der Kreisverkehr' used?
The term 'Kreisverkehr' is primarily used in the context of road traffic (Straßenverkehr) and urban planning (Stadtplanung). It specifically describes the structural measure for traffic regulation.
- Typical Verbs: in den Kreisverkehr einfahren (to enter the roundabout), den Kreisverkehr verlassen (to exit the roundabout), einen Kreisverkehr bauen (to build a roundabout), durch einen Kreisverkehr fahren (to drive through a roundabout).
- Distinction: A 'Kreisverkehr' is not a normal 'Kreuzung' (intersection, where roads cross directly, often regulated by traffic lights). It aims to improve traffic flow and reduce speed.
- Colloquial Use: Sometimes people say 'Kreisel' for short, but this is more informal.
🧠 Mnemonics & Memory Aids
Article Mnemonic: Think of traffic as a strong, masculine concept needing direction: der Verkehr. Since a Kreisverkehr manages traffic, it keeps the masculine article: der Kreisverkehr.
Meaning Mnemonic: The word is a compound of 'Kreis' (circle) and 'Verkehr' (traffic). It literally describes traffic flowing in a circle.
🔄 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms (Similar meaning):
- Der Kreisel: (Colloquial) A shorter, more informal term for 'Kreisverkehr'.
- Das Rondell: (Somewhat dated or for decorative circles) Sometimes used for small roundabouts, but often refers to circular garden features or plazas.
- Der Verteilerkreis: Often used for larger, multi-lane roundabouts, literally a 'distribution circle'.
Antonyms (Opposite meaning):
- Die Kreuzung: (Intersection/Crossroads) The standard case where roads intersect, often controlled by traffic lights.
- Die Einmündung: (T-junction) Where one road joins another without forming a full intersection.
⚠️ Be careful: 'Kreislauf' sounds similar (Kreis + Lauf/run) but means something completely different, like circulation (blood circulation - Blutkreislauf, economic cycle - Wirtschaftskreislauf). Don't confuse it with 'Kreisverkehr'.
😄 A Little Joke
German: Warum nehmen Schnecken nie den Kreisverkehr?
Weil sie Angst haben, im Kreis zu schleimen!
English Translation: Why do snails never take the roundabout?
Because they're afraid of leaving a slime trail in circles! (Pun: 'im Kreis schleimen' sounds like 'going around in circles' + 'sliming')
📜 Poem about the Roundabout
German:
Rundherum, im steten Fluss,
der Kreisverkehr, kein Überdruss.
Rein und raus, mit Bedacht,
hier wird die Vorfahrt gut bewacht.
Kein Stillstand, nur ein sanftes Gleiten,
so soll der Verkehr sich leiten.
English Translation:
Round and round, in steady flow,
The roundabout, no sign of woe.
In and out, with careful thought,
Right of way is closely watched.
No stopping, just a gentle glide,
That's how the traffic should be guided.
🧩 Riddle Time
German:
Ich habe keine Ecken, bin aber ein Knotenpunkt.
Der Verkehr fließt um mich herum, immerzu bunt.
Wer drin ist, darf zuerst fahren, das ist mein Gesetz.
Wer bin ich, gebaut für flüssigen Verkehr, na sag's jetzt!
Lösung: Der Kreisverkehr
English Translation:
I have no corners, but I am a junction.
Traffic flows around me, always in colorful function.
Those inside may go first, that is my law.
Who am I, built for flowing traffic, tell me now without flaw!
Solution: The roundabout (Der Kreisverkehr)
🌐 Other Information
Word Composition: The word 'Kreisverkehr' is a compound noun formed from:
Trivia: Roundabouts ('Kreisverkehre') are very common in Europe, especially in France and the UK. In Germany, their numbers have increased significantly since the 1990s, as they are often considered safer and more efficient than traditional intersections.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Kreisverkehr?
The German word 'Kreisverkehr' (roundabout) is always masculine. Therefore, the correct article is always der. There are no other genders or meanings associated with this noun.