die
Ampelanlage
🚦 What exactly is an Ampelanlage?
The German noun Ampelanlage (feminine, article 'die') refers to a technical system for regulating traffic flow, especially at intersections or junctions. It typically consists of several individual Ampeln (traffic lights) with the colors red (Rot), yellow (Gelb), and green (Grün), which are coordinated to guide traffic safely and orderly.
It is a compound noun formed from die Ampel (the traffic light) and die Anlage (the system, installation, facility).
Since the base word 'Anlage' is feminine ('die Anlage'), the compound word 'Ampelanlage' is also feminine ('die Ampelanlage'). There are no exceptions or common mistakes to note here. 🚨 Remember: It's always die Ampelanlage.
Article rules for der, die, and das
-e/-ee → almost always feminine.
There are many -e nouns, many of which are feminine, but there are also some important exceptions.
📜 Grammar Spotlight: Die Ampelanlage
The noun 'Ampelanlage' is feminine. Here is its declension:
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Ampelanlage |
| Genitive | der | Ampelanlage |
| Dative | der | Ampelanlage |
| Accusative | die | Ampelanlage |
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative | die | Ampelanlagen |
| Genitive | der | Ampelanlagen |
| Dative | den | Ampelanlagen |
| Accusative | die | Ampelanlagen |
💡 Example Sentences
- An der nächsten Kreuzung wurde eine neue Ampelanlage installiert. (A new traffic light system was installed at the next intersection.)
- Die Steuerung der Ampelanlage ist sehr komplex. (The control of the traffic light system is very complex.)
- Der Radfahrer wartete vor der Ampelanlage auf Grün. (The cyclist waited for green in front of the traffic light system.)
- Die Stadtverwaltung plant, die Ampelanlage zu modernisieren. (The city administration plans to modernize the traffic light system.)
- Bei starkem Verkehr kommt es oft zu Wartezeiten an den Ampelanlagen. (In heavy traffic, there are often waiting times at the traffic light systems.)
🚦 When and How to Use 'Ampelanlage'?
The term 'Ampelanlage' is used to describe the entire system of traffic lights at a specific location (usually an intersection). It includes all the poles, signal heads, and control technology.
In contrast, 'die Ampel' often refers to just a single signal head or pole. You might say:
- "Die Ampel ist rot." ("The traffic light is red." - referring to the single signal you see.)
- "Die Ampelanlage an dieser Kreuzung ist ausgefallen." ("The traffic light system at this intersection is out of order." - referring to the whole system.)
Use 'Ampelanlage' frequently in contexts like urban planning, traffic engineering, traffic reports, or when emphasizing the complete technical setup.
🧠 Mnemonics for Ampelanlage
For the article 'die': Think of 'Anlage' as an installation or facility. Facilities and complex systems often feel like they need a feminine touch (just kidding, but 'die Anlage' is feminine!). So, remember the 'e' at the end of 'die' and 'Anlage' -> die Ampelanlage.
For the meaning: An 'Ampel' (traffic light) alone isn't much. It's the whole Anlage (system/layout) that makes the traffic flow. It's an 'Ampel-layout' -> Ampelanlage.
↔️ Similar & Opposite: Concepts around Ampelanlage
Synonyms
- Lichtsignalanlage (LSA): Technical term, often used in engineering or official contexts (literally 'light signal system').
- Verkehrsampel(anlage): Slightly more colloquial, emphasizes the purpose ('traffic light (system)').
- Lichtzeichenanlage (LZA): Similar to LSA, also rather technical ('light sign system').
Related Concepts / Antonyms
- Kreisverkehr: Roundabout - an alternative form of traffic regulation without traffic lights.
- Kreuzung (ohne Ampeln): Intersection (without traffic lights) - where right-of-way rules apply instead of signals.
- Freie Fahrt: Free passage / green wave - state without regulation by traffic lights.
- Stau: Traffic jam - often a consequence of poorly timed traffic light systems or high traffic volume.
⚠️ Note: 'Die Ampel' is not a direct synonym; it usually refers to a part of the 'Anlage'.
😄 A Little Traffic Light Joke
DE: Warum gehen Ameisen nie bei Rot über die Ampelanlage?
Weil sie nicht zertreten werden wollen!
EN: Why do ants never cross the traffic light system on red?
Because they don't want to get stepped on!
🎶 Traffic Light Poem
DE:
Rot, Gelb und Grün, im steten Takt,
die Ampelanlage hat's gepackt.
Sie regelt Ströme, groß und klein,
lässt Autos, Radler, Fußgänger rein.
Mal Warten, mal geht's flott voran,
dank dieser Lichter nebenan.
EN:
Red, yellow, green, in steady beat,
The traffic light system keeps things neat.
It guides the flows, both big and small,
Lets cars, bikes, walkers heed the call.
Sometimes a wait, sometimes proceed,
Thanks to these lights that plant the seed.
❓ Who or What Am I?
DE:
Ich steh' an Straßen, groß und breit,
und regel alles zu seiner Zeit.
Mit Lichtern geb' ich das Signal,
mal Halt, mal Fahrt, ganz ohne Qual.
Mein ganzes System ist gemeint,
damit der Verkehr sicher scheint.
Wer bin ich?
(Auflösung: die Ampelanlage)
EN:
I stand on streets, both wide and grand,
And regulate time across the land.
With lights, I give the signal clear,
Sometimes stop, sometimes drive, banish fear.
My entire system is what's meant,
To make the traffic safely sent.
What am I?
(Answer: die Ampelanlage / the traffic light system)
✨ Trivia & Details about die Ampelanlage
Word Composition:
- Die Ampel: Originally from Latin 'ampulla' (small bottle, oil lamp). Today refers to the traffic signal device.
- Die Anlage: Here means system, installation, facility.
Together, 'Ampelanlage' literally means 'traffic light system/installation'.
Trivia: The world's first electric traffic light system was installed in Cleveland, Ohio (USA) in 1914. Germany's first was installed at Potsdamer Platz in Berlin in 1924.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Ampelanlage?
The word 'Ampelanlage' is always feminine. The correct article is die Ampelanlage.