German word

Automat

Pronunciation

IPA/aʊ̯toˈmaːt/

Meaning

  • masculine nounvending machine

Example

Der Automat ist kaputt.

The vending machine is broken.

Illustration for Automat (vending machine)

More examples

Am Bahnhof kaufe ich Fahrkarten am Automaten.

At the station, I buy tickets at the vending machine.

Core concept

A self-acting machine that performs a task or releases something without a person operating it directly.

Common phrases

  • am Automaten eine Fahrkarte kaufen

    buy a ticket at the vending machine

  • den Automaten benutzen

    use the vending machine

Similar words

Geldautomat: A machine for withdrawing cash from a bank account with a card and PIN.
Getränkeautomat: A machine that dispenses drinks after payment by coin or card.
Fahrkartenautomat: A machine for buying train or bus tickets with cash or a card.

Definition in German

Automat, ein Gerät, das ohne direkte Bedienung gegen Bezahlung Waren oder Fahrkarten ausgibt.

Word origin

German Automat is borrowed through French automate from Greek automatos, meaning self-moving or acting on its own.

Usage tips

  • The masculine noun has the plural Automaten, as in der Automat and mehrere Automaten.

Other meanings

  • automatonnoun

Opposites

  • Schalterverkaufcounter salenoun

Related words

  • Automatikautomatic mechanismnoun
  • automatischautomaticadjective

Word lists with this word