Ampel-Aus
Wegen eines Stromausfalls gab es heute Morgen eine Ampel-Aus.
Due to a power outage, there was a traffic light outage this morning.
A situation where traffic lights are not functioning due to a power failure or technical issue.
Bei einer Ampel-Aus sollte man besonders vorsichtig fahren.
In case of a traffic light outage, you should drive especially carefully.
Commonly used in traffic and urban planning contexts. Refers to the literal failure of traffic signals, not a metaphorical or idiomatic expression.
Collocations
Synonyms
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Contextual Usage
Use 'Ampel-Aus' to describe a traffic light that is not working due to power failure or malfunction. It is not used metaphorically.
Gold Rule
Technical Precision
Ampel-Aus refers specifically to the failure of traffic lights, not other types of lights or signals.
Word Origin
Compound word formed from 'Ampel' (traffic light) and 'Aus' (out, off). 'Ampel' derives from the French 'lampe' (lamp), referring to the illuminated signal lights. 'Aus' is a German adverb meaning 'off' or 'out'.
Usage Notes
Used primarily in German-speaking countries. In English, the term is translated literally as it describes a technical failure. No equivalent idiom exists in English.