die
Vorfahrt
🚦 What does "die Vorfahrt" mean?
Die Vorfahrt (noun, feminine) refers to the right of way or priority in road traffic. It's a key concept in German traffic regulations (Straßenverkehrsordnung - StVO) that determines who is allowed to proceed first at intersections, junctions, or narrow passages to avoid collisions.
- Main Meaning: The right to proceed before other road users.
⚠️ Attention: Disregarding the right of way (die Vorfahrt missachten) is a common cause of accidents!
📜 Grammar Corner: "die Vorfahrt"
The word "Vorfahrt" is a feminine noun. Its definite article is die. It is primarily used in the singular. The plural form ("die Vorfahrten") is rare and usually refers to multiple specific situations where right of way was granted or taken.
Declension (Singular):
| Case | Article | Noun |
|---|---|---|
| Nominative (Subject) | die | Vorfahrt |
| Genitive (Possessive) | der | Vorfahrt |
| Dative (Indirect Object) | der | Vorfahrt |
| Accusative (Direct Object) | die | Vorfahrt |
(Plural is rarely used)
Example Sentences:
- An dieser Kreuzung regelt eine Ampel die Vorfahrt.
(At this intersection, a traffic light regulates the right of way.) - Der Fahrer missachtete die Vorfahrt und verursachte einen Unfall.
(The driver disregarded the right of way and caused an accident.) - Du musst dem von rechts kommenden Fahrzeug Vorfahrt gewähren.
(You must yield the right of way to the vehicle coming from the right.) - Wer hat hier eigentlich Vorfahrt?
(Who actually has the right of way here?)
💡 Everyday Use: When to talk about die Vorfahrt
The term "Vorfahrt" is essential in the context of road traffic and related rules (StVO - Straßenverkehrsordnung).
- Vorfahrt haben: To have the right of way. Example: On a priority road (Vorfahrtsstraße), you have the right of way over vehicles from side streets.
- Vorfahrt gewähren / achten: To yield / grant the right of way. Example: At a stop sign, you must stop and yield the right of way.
- Rechts vor links: "Right before left" - a fundamental priority rule when no signs or traffic lights regulate the right of way.
- Vorfahrt nehmen: To take the right of way although one doesn't have it (risky and against the rules!).
Figuratively, "Vorfahrt" can sometimes imply that something has priority, but usually, the words "Vorrang" or "Priorität" are preferred in such non-traffic contexts.
🧠 Mnemonics and Memory Aids
Article Mnemonic: Think of die Regel (the rule) or die Straße (the street). Vorfahrt is a rule (feminine) applied on the street (feminine) → die Vorfahrt.
Meaning Mnemonic: Imagine someone going Vor (before) others start their Fahrt (drive/trip). That person has die Vorfahrt (the right of way).
↔️ Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms (similar meaning):
Antonyms (opposites):
- Wartepflicht: Duty to wait.
- Nachrang: Subordination / lower priority.
Related Terms (not synonyms):
- Vorfahrtsstraße: Priority road (a road where you have the right of way).
- Vorfahrtszeichen: Right-of-way signs (e.g., Sign 306
for priority road, Sign 205 
for yield/give way). - Rechts vor links: "Right before left" rule.
😂 A Little Traffic Joke
Driving instructor asks the student: "Wer hat hier Vorfahrt?"
Student answers: "Der mit dem größeren Auto und der lauteren Hupe?"
Instructor: "Fast. Richtig wäre: Derjenige, der die Regeln kennt!"
Translation:
Driving instructor asks the student: "Who has the right of way here?"
Student answers: "The one with the bigger car and the louder horn?"
Instructor: "Almost. The correct answer is: The one who knows the rules!"
📜 Poem about the Intersection
An der Kreuzung, still und grau,
wer zuerst fahren darf, weiß genau,
die Regel gilt, ob Tag, ob Nacht,
hast du die Vorfahrt, gib gut Acht!
Der von rechts, der kommt geschwind,
pass auf, sonst weht ein rauer Wind.
Gewähre sie, wenn's sein muss, klar,
dann bleibt die Fahrt stets wunderbar.
Translation:
At the intersection, still and grey,
Who drives first knows the way,
The rule applies, by day or night,
If you have the right of way, watch out with might!
The one from the right, approaches fast,
Be careful, or a harsh wind will last.
Yield it, if you must, be clear,
Then the journey remains ever dear.
🤔 A Little Riddle
Ich bin ein Recht auf jeder Straß',
mal hab ich's, mal überlass'
ich es dem andern, mit Bedacht.
Wer mich missachtet, gibt nicht Acht.
Ich werde durch Schilder angezeigt,
oder wenn von rechts ein Auto zeigt
sich an der Kreuzung, ohne Licht.
Was bin ich nur? Errate es schlicht!
Translation:
I am a right on every street,
Sometimes I have it, sometimes I cede
it to the other, thoughtfully.
Who ignores me, drives carelessly.
I am indicated by signs so bright,
Or when a car from the right shows its light
At the junction, with no traffic sign in sight.
What am I? Guess me right!
Solution: Die Vorfahrt (The right of way)
🧩 Other Information
Word Composition:
The word "Vorfahrt" is composed of:
- Vor-: Prefix indicating priority or "before".
- Fahrt: Noun meaning "drive", "trip", or "journey".
Literally, it means the "drive that has priority" or the "drive before".
Trivia:
In Germany, the most recognizable right-of-way sign is the diamond-shaped yellow and white sign for the priority road (Vorfahrtsstraße - Zeichen 306). The "Yield" or "Give Way" sign (Vorfahrt gewähren - Zeichen 205) is an inverted triangle with a red border.
📝 Summary: is it der, die or das Vorfahrt?
The correct article for Vorfahrt is die. It is a feminine noun describing the right of way in traffic (e.g., die Vorfahrt haben - to have the right of way, die Vorfahrt gewähren - to yield the right of way).