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Pannenstreifen

hard shoulder, emergency lane

noun PAN-nen-shtrye-fen Rare
Travel & Places Directions

Usage Note

Pannenstreifen is the emergency stopping lane on a motorway where drivers pull over when their vehicle breaks down (Panne = breakdown). Stopping on the Pannenstreifen for any reason other than an emergency or breakdown is prohibited in Germany.

Examples

"Nach dem Reifenplatzer stellte er das Auto auf dem Pannenstreifen ab."

Natural Translation

After the tyre blowout he pulled the car onto the hard shoulder.

Literal Translation

After the tyre-burst he parked the car on the breakdown-strip.

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