German word

Auto

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈaʊ̯to/

Meaning

  • neuter nouncar

Example

Ich sehe das Auto.

I see the car.

Illustration for Auto (car)

More examples

Wir kaufen ein Auto.

We buy a car.

Core concept

A private motor vehicle carrying people through streets and between places under its own power.

Common phrases

  • ein Auto kaufen

    buy a car

  • Auto mieten

    rent a car

  • das Auto parken

    park the car

Similar words

Wagen: A general term for a vehicle used to carry people or goods.
PKW: A short form for a passenger car.

Definition in German

Ein motorisiertes Fahrzeug, das Personen auf Straßen befördert.

Word origin

German Auto comes from Automobil, a borrowing based on French automobile and formed from Greek autos and Latin mobilis.

Usage tips

  • The usual phrase for traveling by car is mit dem Auto, which takes the dative article dem.

Opposites

Related words

  • Autofahrermotoristnoun
  • Autovermietungcar rentalnoun
  • Autowerkstattcar repair shopnoun

Word lists with this word