German word of the day: Blitzer

Why do I need to know Blitzer?

Germany is known across the world for it's speed-limit-free motorways, and it's true that on some sections of the Autobahn, you can drive as fast as you want. 

But that doesn't mean speed limits don't exist. Quite the opposite, in fact: speed limits are in place on the vast majority of roads across the country. That's why you need to be aware of the Blitzer. 

What does it mean?

Der Blitzer is the colloquial German term for a speed camera – a device used by police or local authorities to catch drivers who are speeding or running red lights.

The name comes from the verb blitzen, meaning "to flash," referring to the bright flash older cameras produced when taking a photo of a vehicle. Similarly, der Blitz means lightning in German.

Depending on the context, Blitzer can also more generally mean "something that flashes," but in everyday conversations, it almost always means a speed camera.

The official term for a speed or traffic enforcement camera is die Geschwindigkeitsmessanlage (or GAA for short) but you won't hear this very often. 

You will likely spot Blitzer in the German media, especially when an anti-speeding campaign is underway. 

For example, a "Blitzermarathon" is taking place this week to tackle speeding across Germany. It's part of a Europe-wide action to raise awareness of the risks of driving too fast. 

In Bavaria alone around 2,000 police officers and municipal traffic enforcement officers are conducting checks at more than 1,500 locations.

In general, Blitzer are widespread, with traffic offences taken seriously. The IETL Institute for European Traffic Law estimates Germany has around 6,200 cameras in cities.

If someone talks about being “geblitzt werden” (to get flashed), it means they got caught speeding and received a fine.

READ ALSO: Driving in Germany - What are the offences that can cost you points on your licence?

Use it like this: 

Vorsicht, da vorne ist ein Blitzer!

Watch out, there’s a speed camera up ahead!

Ich bin gestern auf der Autobahn geblitzt worden.

I got caught by a speed camera on the motorway yesterday.

Du fährst über dem Tempolimit. Fahr langsamer und achte auf Blitzer.

You're above the speed limit. Slow down and watch out for speed cameras.