German word

Kleinwagen

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈklaɪ̯nˌvaːgn̩/

Meaning

  • masculine nounsmall car

Example

Der neue Kleinwagen ist sehr sparsam.

The new small car is very fuel-efficient.

Illustration for Kleinwagen (small car)

More examples

Weil Parkplätze knapp sind, fahre ich lieber mit einem Kleinwagen.

Because parking spaces are scarce, I prefer to drive a small car.

Core concept

A compact passenger car that fits easily into tight city spaces but offers limited room inside.

Common phrases

  • ein sparsamer Kleinwagen

    a fuel-efficient small car

  • einen Kleinwagen kaufen

    buy a small car

  • mit dem Kleinwagen in die Stadt fahren

    go into town in a small car

Similar words

Kleinstwagen: An especially small passenger car made for short city journeys and narrow parking spots.
Kompaktklasse: A passenger car class combining useful everyday space with suitability for suburban driving.
Stadtwagen: A maneuverable small passenger car intended mainly for urban use.
Cityflitzer: A colloquial name for a nimble small car used for short trips around town.

Definition in German

Ein kleiner Personenkraftwagen, meist für den Stadtverkehr konzipiert und mit geringem Verbrauch sowie begrenztem Platzangebot.

Word origin

Kleinwagen is a compound of German klein, meaning 'small', and Wagen, meaning 'car' or 'vehicle', so its meaning follows directly from its parts.

Usage tips

  • Kleinwagen is masculine, with der Kleinwagen in the singular and die Kleinwagen in the plural; the plural form does not change.

Opposites

  • Mittelklassewagenmid-size carnoun
  • Oberklassewagenluxury carnoun

Related words

  • Kleinwagenklassesmall car classnoun
  • Kleinwagenmodellsmall car modelnoun

Word lists with this word