die  Fahrtrichtung

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/ˈfaːɐ̯ˌʁɪçtʊŋ/

🧭 What exactly does "die Fahrtrichtung" mean?

Die Fahrtrichtung means the direction of travel or direction of movement. It refers to the direction in which a vehicle, person, or something else is moving or is supposed to move. It's a compound noun formed from 'die Fahrt' (the journey, ride, drive) and 'die Richtung' (the direction). Since the base word 'Richtung' is feminine (die Richtung), 'Fahrtrichtung' is also feminine.

There is only this one meaning and the article is always die. There are no exceptions or common pitfalls regarding the article, as German nouns ending in -ung are almost always feminine (female).

• Context: It's mainly used in the context of road traffic, navigation (e.g., GPS), public transport, and giving directions.

Article rules for der, die, and das

🧐 Grammar: Declining die Fahrtrichtung

"Fahrtrichtung" is a feminine noun. The plural is "die Fahrtrichtungen". Here are the declension tables:

Example Sentences

1. Bitte beachten Sie die angegebene Fahrtrichtung.
   Please observe the indicated direction of travel.
2. Der Fahrer änderte plötzlich die Fahrtrichtung.
   The driver suddenly changed direction.
3. In welcher Fahrtrichtung liegt Berlin von hier aus?
   In which direction is Berlin from here?
4. Auf der Autobahn gibt es oft separate Spuren für beide Fahrtrichtungen.
   On the motorway, there are often separate lanes for both directions of travel.

🚦 When and how to use "Fahrtrichtung"?

Die Fahrtrichtung is a very common word, especially when talking about movement and navigation.

• In road traffic: Essential for signs ("Einbahnstraße - Fahrtrichtung beachten" - One-way street - observe direction of travel), instructions ("Bitte wenden Sie, wenn möglich, und folgen Sie der ursprünglichen Fahrtrichtung." - Please turn around, if possible, and follow the original direction of travel.), and accident descriptions ("Beide Fahrzeuge kamen aus entgegengesetzten Fahrtrichtungen." - Both vehicles came from opposite directions.).
• Navigation: GPS systems state the Fahrtrichtung ("In 200 Metern rechts abbiegen und der Fahrtrichtung folgen." - Turn right in 200 meters and follow the direction of travel.).
• Public transport: Displays in buses or trains often show the final stop for the respective Fahrtrichtung (e.g., "U2 Fahrtrichtung Pankow" - U2 towards Pankow).
• General directions: You can also ask for or describe the Fahrtrichtung when hiking or cycling.

Comparison: While 'Richtung' is more general (e.g., "in diese Richtung gehen" - to go in this direction), 'Fahrtrichtung' refers more specifically to movement with a vehicle or at least along a defined path.

💡 Mnemonics for "die Fahrtrichtung"

Article Mnemonic: Remember that German nouns ending in -ung (like Richtung) are almost always feminine (die). Therefore, it's die Fahrtrichtung.

Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine a street (Fahrt) with an arrow painted on it (Richtung). This arrow shows you die Fahrtrichtung (the direction of travel).

↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms

⚠️ Similar but different words:

• Die Fahrbahn: The lane or part of the road used for driving.
• Die Geschwindigkeit: Speed (how fast), not direction (where to).

😂 A little joke

Warum hat das Navi schlechte Laune?

Weil es ständig seine Fahrtrichtung ändern muss und nie ankommt! 😄

Why is the GPS in a bad mood?

Because it constantly has to change its direction of travel and never arrives! 😄

📜 A Poem about Direction

Ob links, ob rechts, ob grad hinaus,
Die Fahrtrichtung weist aus dem Haus.
Auf Schildern klar, in GPS,
Sie leitet uns, ganz ohne Stress.
Folge dem Pfeil, dem Ruf, dem Plan,
So kommst du sicher an irgendwann.

Whether left, whether right, whether straight ahead,
The direction of travel points out of the house.
Clear on signs, in GPS,
It guides us, without any stress.
Follow the arrow, the call, the plan,
Thus you'll safely arrive eventually.

❓ Riddle Time

Ich zeige, wohin die Reise geht,
Ob Nord, ob Süd, ob früh, ob spät.
Auf Straßen, Schienen, Wasserwegen,
Bin ich entscheidend, allerwegen.
Was bin ich?

Lösung: die Fahrtrichtung

--

I show where the journey goes,
Whether north, or south, whether early, whether late.
On roads, rails, waterways,
I am crucial, in every way.
What am I?

Solution: die Fahrtrichtung (the direction of travel)

ℹ️ Additional Info

Word Composition:

"Die Fahrtrichtung" is a compound word (Kompositum) made of:

• Die Fahrt: Refers to the movement, travel, or drive.
• Die Richtung: Indicates the vector or destination of the movement.

Common Collocations:

• Fahrtrichtung ändern (to change direction)
• Fahrtrichtung beibehalten (to maintain direction)
• Entgegengesetzte Fahrtrichtung (opposite direction of travel)
• Fahrtrichtung (City Name), e.g., Fahrtrichtung Hamburg (direction Hamburg / towards Hamburg)