German word

Benzin

Pronunciation

IPA/bɛnˈtsiːn/

Meaning

  • neuter noungasoline

Example

Das Benzin ist heute teuer.

Gasoline is expensive today.

Illustration for Benzin (gasoline)

More examples

In der Garage roch es nach Benzin.

The garage smelled of gasoline.

Core concept

A volatile petroleum liquid that turns into engine power when ignited by a spark inside a car.

Common phrases

  • Benzin kaufen

    buy gasoline

  • Geruch nach Benzin

    smell of gasoline

Similar words

Diesel: Fuel designed for diesel engines, typically used in cars, trucks, and machinery.
Treibstoff: A general term for liquid or gaseous fuel that powers vehicles or machines.
Super: A higher-performance fuel grade shown on signs at filling stations.
Gas: A combustible fuel that is gaseous at room temperature.

Definition in German

Flüssiger Treibstoff aus Erdöl, der in Fahrzeugen mit Ottomotoren verbrannt wird.

Word origin

Benzin is a nineteenth-century borrowing from French benzine, whose chemical naming is connected with benzoin and related hydrocarbons.

Usage tips

  • At a German filling station, Super names a common grade of Benzin, whereas Diesel is a different fuel for compression-ignition engines.

Related words

  • Benzinergasoline-powered carnoun
  • Benzinmotorgasoline enginenoun
  • benzinbetriebengasoline-poweredadjective

Word lists with this word