German word

Kraftfahrzeug

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈkʁaftfaːɐ̯ˌt͡sɔɪ̯k/

Meaning

  • neuter nounmotor vehicle

Example

Zwei Kraftfahrzeuge stehen vor dem Haus.

Two motor vehicles are parked in front of the house.

Illustration for Kraftfahrzeug (motor vehicle)

More examples

Das Kraftfahrzeug wurde gestern angemeldet.

The motor vehicle was registered yesterday.

Core concept

A car, van, or motorcycle moving under its own engine power on a public road.

Common phrases

  • ein Kraftfahrzeug anmelden

    register a motor vehicle

  • ein Kraftfahrzeug zulassen

    license a motor vehicle

  • ein Kraftfahrzeug parken

    park a motor vehicle

Similar words

Auto: The common everyday spoken term for a car.
Wagen: A general term for a vehicle used to carry people or goods.

Definition in German

Ein Fahrzeug, das mit einem Motor angetrieben wird und für den Straßenverkehr bestimmt ist.

Word origin

Kraftfahrzeug combines Kraft, meaning 'power' or 'force', with Fahrzeug, meaning 'vehicle', to form a compound for an engine-powered road vehicle.

Usage tips

  • Kraftfahrzeug is a formal or technical term, while everyday German more often uses Auto or Wagen.

Related words

  • Kraftfahrzeugversicherungmotor vehicle insurancenoun
  • Kraftfahrzeughaltermotor vehicle ownernoun
  • Kraftfahrzeugbriefmotor vehicle registration certificatenoun

Word lists with this word